tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48399280555927995092024-03-14T09:12:09.057-04:00The Girl With ArthritisLife with juvenile-onset psoriatic arthritisElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.comBlogger426125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-45775003963155105162022-10-12T15:07:00.010-04:002022-10-28T15:18:00.771-04:00Good Shoes for Arthritis Shouldn't Have to Break the Bank - Psoriatic-Arthritis.com<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNJ_sfTbqgcYx4eRgfhUxmR6RzDNrhVASx92rOUg9vErmvwYPIybV83ZUJsXXMlCZ78g3UJ8rB6HDWCduY2o-p1fZduvRXOiZmXh0sKcI404-_Fp7FZ0Da_92hAO-b8qdq3_pVbsje6ndUOyLUXYz8Ip7KwPiqbUkq5Ep9N5pZietT-nBHae2uD8aFAQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="2496" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNJ_sfTbqgcYx4eRgfhUxmR6RzDNrhVASx92rOUg9vErmvwYPIybV83ZUJsXXMlCZ78g3UJ8rB6HDWCduY2o-p1fZduvRXOiZmXh0sKcI404-_Fp7FZ0Da_92hAO-b8qdq3_pVbsje6ndUOyLUXYz8Ip7KwPiqbUkq5Ep9N5pZietT-nBHae2uD8aFAQ" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo credit: Psoriatic-arthritis.com</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a controversial opinion: good shoes for people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) do not always have to be expensive. There, I said it. There's a lot to unpack in that statement.<p></p><p>I am not implying that any old shoe from the clearance rack will work for you. Nor am I saying that you shouldn't consider investing in well-made orthopedic shoes; footwear is an excellent investment, and some brands are known lifesavers.</p><p><i><a href="https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/shoes-cost"> Read the full post at psoriatic-arthritis.com</a></i></p></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-80320281260620981072022-07-08T15:13:00.003-04:002022-10-28T15:17:20.994-04:00What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Methotrexate - Psoriatic Arthritis.com<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVymj1P9MiGe1wg0wpCMbeBIpG2i9mkWc8PhlVCzh04P9NyQj3RPdg81AdhmhD_I6sNm3ga7OQXfPlDYwXnyJYdGUfg7_iR0enxkfcGxWPFhlbgrQoryMS0AAP2SofElciG2qoeIwhT3wwjh6UQIASzFyOwnZQFnh5Crz6f_6CZZwCa-HSXvP6ZI5_KQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="941" data-original-width="2466" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVymj1P9MiGe1wg0wpCMbeBIpG2i9mkWc8PhlVCzh04P9NyQj3RPdg81AdhmhD_I6sNm3ga7OQXfPlDYwXnyJYdGUfg7_iR0enxkfcGxWPFhlbgrQoryMS0AAP2SofElciG2qoeIwhT3wwjh6UQIASzFyOwnZQFnh5Crz6f_6CZZwCa-HSXvP6ZI5_KQ=w320-h122" title="Photo credit: Psoriatic-Arthritis.com" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo credit: Psoriatic-Arthritis.com</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">If I could use one word to describe my time taking methotrexate (MTX), it would be: sluggish. Frankly, I felt like a zombie sometimes. I had no energy and was very tired all the time. And I had lots of other not-so-fun side effects, like nausea, cankers, and hair loss.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/before-methotrexate" target="_blank"><i>Read the rest of the post at Psoriatic-Arthritis.com</i></a></div><p></p>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-785774534149296092022-07-05T15:09:00.006-04:002022-07-05T15:41:42.473-04:00Balancing Friendships and Psoriatic Arthritis<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK6wFjtAlTeHtqVGvWmTd0aGzcD64mdU7mwp_Bm738dH6yVNXQ55QPuAUT62YY5mSoP0icoVED0q52sRxkZoE7TP94J-azjkkMrAwPmYO39tZs42Zz12JDAtWYcHffslB-dYvPTz5XsGoInWgPINaz0tHbRZ4tHw2SvxiZbn3znHLXvrsfwxGgOdycA/s3324/Elizabeth%20Medeiros_Article4_photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3324" data-original-width="3022" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK6wFjtAlTeHtqVGvWmTd0aGzcD64mdU7mwp_Bm738dH6yVNXQ55QPuAUT62YY5mSoP0icoVED0q52sRxkZoE7TP94J-azjkkMrAwPmYO39tZs42Zz12JDAtWYcHffslB-dYvPTz5XsGoInWgPINaz0tHbRZ4tHw2SvxiZbn3znHLXvrsfwxGgOdycA/s320/Elizabeth%20Medeiros_Article4_photo.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) affects every part of your life, even in subtle ways – including your friendships.</p><p>After living with PsA since childhood, I assumed I knew everything there was to know about navigating friendships with arthritis. But after graduating from college and entering “the real world,” I was in for a huge shock. As it turns out, maintaining adult friendships is much more work than I anticipated.</p><p><i>View the full article at </i><a href="https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/psoriatic-arthritis/balancing-friendships-and-psoriatic-arthritis?tpc=treating-psoriatic-arthritis">HealthGrades.com</a>.</p>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-51302427669955181552022-06-16T15:19:00.002-04:002022-10-28T15:22:13.878-04:003 Reasons Why My Arthritis Flares in the Summer - Psoriatic-Arthritis.com<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyA_JOCBr8zSJFZpanog3OUuE9pJg3SCJhc2R0CvqxL3dg05baiaYs2tQrBrZDRj6oPaXbgBFEEvK2_x_KMFtNVc08LPXhgd-LASpeq7yZO61CFMGLiiL_n_gE9llNeJp4LUPfSllM-DJmVkUVIqnWCwzk-2fVRQ_abzxl3N-OKyxKycJDMpDfWev4Pw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="1069" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyA_JOCBr8zSJFZpanog3OUuE9pJg3SCJhc2R0CvqxL3dg05baiaYs2tQrBrZDRj6oPaXbgBFEEvK2_x_KMFtNVc08LPXhgd-LASpeq7yZO61CFMGLiiL_n_gE9llNeJp4LUPfSllM-DJmVkUVIqnWCwzk-2fVRQ_abzxl3N-OKyxKycJDMpDfWev4Pw" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Psoriatic-arthritis.com</i></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>I much prefer the summer to the winter. New England winters are bitter, to put it lightly, and rough for anyone dealing with arthritis. Being cold makes me hold myself stiffly which means I'm less likely to stretch. This makes my joints lock up and it's very painful.</div><div><br /></div><div>The barometric changes due to snowstorms and freezing rain can also significantly impact my pain. But even though summer has fewer triggers, I still have a few surprising ones...</div><p><i><a href="https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/summer-flare" target="_blank"> Read the full post at psoriatic-arthritis.com</a></i></p></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-65831538989543063182022-06-08T18:05:00.004-04:002022-07-05T15:41:22.410-04:005 Tips for Managing Psoriatic Arthritis at Work<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXua898mbqgkDGTTYJbL7aThTEab2EWtYS4wKfr7iLyPlu7h7jOEmHiYDUocAr4ZV2wHFcEMQg_WCHnva7EUblh0m0DXzQI7_5aw9N0B8xDDPVNhyh4xySj3nPt32Ckrem1R8xJi1AJ0pnVBqjOCS7KwCOceAlZHqY8H9-ZQhfG9l_kIb_Hc58OeMXLw/s2048/Elizabeth%20Medeiros_article3_photo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXua898mbqgkDGTTYJbL7aThTEab2EWtYS4wKfr7iLyPlu7h7jOEmHiYDUocAr4ZV2wHFcEMQg_WCHnva7EUblh0m0DXzQI7_5aw9N0B8xDDPVNhyh4xySj3nPt32Ckrem1R8xJi1AJ0pnVBqjOCS7KwCOceAlZHqY8H9-ZQhfG9l_kIb_Hc58OeMXLw/w240-h308/Elizabeth%20Medeiros_article3_photo.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div> <p></p><p>When I started my first full-time job after graduating college, I was surprised at the toll my 9-to-5 took on my body. I thought I would choose a desk job and that would be it. I was wrong! The long hours, repetitive movements, and even the commute ran me ragged. In my first few months of working, life was an endless cycle of work, sleep, repeat. Fatigue and burning pain from PsA made it impossible to do much else.</p><p>Over the years, I had to learn ways to make my office job easier on my body. It took a lot of trial and error, but eventually, I figured out what worked.</p><p><i>View the full article at</i> <a href="https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/psoriatic-arthritis/5-tips-for-managing-psoriatic-arthritis-at-work?tpc=treating-psoriatic-arthritis ">HealthGrades.com</a>.</p>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-57030700241104400002022-05-16T13:02:00.002-04:002022-05-16T13:02:12.143-04:00How to Plan and Enjoy Outings with Psoriatic Arthritis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6i9NRJRL3eoaImzo6eOHuD0BjlAPKwgvntdFubyv0Qj2BA07RQ2lBz9yvzRp5QXhSQkZ7ppeJt_jD9RSm9lYd7Pm8Or4FaUk86QhkmgzXVSjBn0hYzf76-QLaZ4DNLWXyf698oE97upXDLkTnvfpIrxFEgeFCVDAFE3exsDN4_nI14B9a9zC2GF2InQ/s2048/280403250_1061771258020768_2025880058301191895_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1144" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6i9NRJRL3eoaImzo6eOHuD0BjlAPKwgvntdFubyv0Qj2BA07RQ2lBz9yvzRp5QXhSQkZ7ppeJt_jD9RSm9lYd7Pm8Or4FaUk86QhkmgzXVSjBn0hYzf76-QLaZ4DNLWXyf698oE97upXDLkTnvfpIrxFEgeFCVDAFE3exsDN4_nI14B9a9zC2GF2InQ/s320/280403250_1061771258020768_2025880058301191895_n.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>People with arthritis often talk about how they 'pay' for being too active one day with a lot of pain the next day. I can completely relate: there have been plenty of times when I accidentally overdid it while having a fun day out and about. The overexertion aggravates my psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and this pattern makes it hard to balance my need for social interaction with my need to take care of my body. </p><p><i>View the full article at</i> <a href="https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/psoriatic-arthritis/how-to-plan-and-enjoy-outings-with-psoriatic-arthritis?tpc=treating-psoriatic-arthritis ">HealthGrades.com.</a></p><p><br /></p>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-22075991829069688262022-04-20T12:23:00.000-04:002022-04-20T12:23:02.336-04:00Coping with Psoriatic Arthritis Fatigue: 4 Tips from Someone Who Is Living It<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFK9jm9tzTj18f-nAEGGLaWKXlyKmXeXcVTFhZbrAboOpXyoWD25oosUPYi-t3hCOC_HqoZOghKdYt3gWw72-JsZCuHb4JuLZKWZNC2kv1SpL-0XT7DJFkYYV3z2nH3L3YYqnd7fSH5nBFn_0b-QLhBqsGhsVOwiXlgS3LIqH63cPWPJSgdGkP9sOU_Q/s915/Elizabeth%20Medeiros_article1_photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="686" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFK9jm9tzTj18f-nAEGGLaWKXlyKmXeXcVTFhZbrAboOpXyoWD25oosUPYi-t3hCOC_HqoZOghKdYt3gWw72-JsZCuHb4JuLZKWZNC2kv1SpL-0XT7DJFkYYV3z2nH3L3YYqnd7fSH5nBFn_0b-QLhBqsGhsVOwiXlgS3LIqH63cPWPJSgdGkP9sOU_Q/s320/Elizabeth%20Medeiros_article1_photo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: MarkOT, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">My unique talent is that I can sleep for 12 hours and wake up feeling like I didn't sleep at all.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: MarkOT, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 20px 0px;">After living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) for more than 10 years, I've experienced various symptoms, such as joint pain and stiffness. But people always seem surprised to hear that I deal with chronic fatigue, too. In reality, it's extremely common for people with PsA to experience fatigue, especially if their arthritis is more aggressive. And it’s so much more than just being tired: it’s a dragging, weighed-down feeling, as if each limb weighs a ton and you’ve never gotten a chance to rest.</p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: MarkOT, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 20px 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: MarkOT, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 20px 0px;"><i>View the full article at <a href="https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/psoriatic-arthritis/coping-with-psoriatic-arthritis-fatigue-4-tips-from-someone-who-is-living-it?tpc=treating-psoriatic-arthritis">HealthGrades.com</a>.</i></p>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-27288015187566594542021-04-28T13:40:00.002-04:002021-04-28T13:40:36.817-04:003 Reasons to Try the PsA Healthline App<h3 style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBNbgGdoYgVFXDYGgqJZJldzPvdQ-bUqNeoFhJCb_JPD8D19rjw-ANe5OiDnwF9q7lfya0T60fxOIkmL5JoHGBI1BLSxZwcMnfSUjeCyTEBn7rwHLw2ep5ic_FHxQvZdp9N0kj1QC9T1u/s2048/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-920382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBNbgGdoYgVFXDYGgqJZJldzPvdQ-bUqNeoFhJCb_JPD8D19rjw-ANe5OiDnwF9q7lfya0T60fxOIkmL5JoHGBI1BLSxZwcMnfSUjeCyTEBn7rwHLw2ep5ic_FHxQvZdp9N0kj1QC9T1u/s320/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-920382.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></h3><p style="text-align: left;">The internet has changed the lives of millions with chronic pain and hidden disabilities: it helped others feel less isolated. Starting this blog when I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis changed my life for the better.</p><p style="text-align: left;">But Healthline has made it even easier for those with psoriatic arthritis to be connected with their new <a href="https://psa.onelink.me/Banf/e862346d">PsA Healthline app</a>. I was so happy when they asked me to partner with them for the app's launch, and now I'm excited to share with you why I think this app is a game-changer for anyone with PsA.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Groups- made just for you</h3><p>My absolute favorite part of this app is the organized groups where you can post in! </p><p>I have two reasons why I love this so much: the first is that when I am asking a question or starting a discussion on a certain topic, I know my post is in the right place. It doesn't get lost the way it does on Facebook groups- it's going to reach others who are looking for posts about that specific topic.</p><p>My second reason is that the groups are extremely well thought out there's a group to cover almost everything! I especially love the Mental and Emotional Health group- it's somewhere just to talk about the effects this disease has on our hearts, not necessarily to talk about our physical symptoms.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdYb_xCj1-lOaasCtkJ6MiI77z-pciRD6DQYmRW4oD0SbfDNbQhKodjz44cRHM8I-1TPZeC5KJkkOkcaP03nHrtpblipDHkdhI4kT-WP11LPp-oCgxYvshZorVn63HxhNBtzPC3GoYcYA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdYb_xCj1-lOaasCtkJ6MiI77z-pciRD6DQYmRW4oD0SbfDNbQhKodjz44cRHM8I-1TPZeC5KJkkOkcaP03nHrtpblipDHkdhI4kT-WP11LPp-oCgxYvshZorVn63HxhNBtzPC3GoYcYA/" width="135" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Live Discussions almost every night</h3><p>Live discussions are hosted Sunday through Thursday at 5:30 PST, and they are a blast! Live discussions are casual text group discussions around a specific topic. Just a few of the awesome topics so far have been alternative therapies, food to fight arthritis, products for easy living, and fatigue.</p><p>I love seeing what everyone has to say about these topics, and I've found myself taking notes of new ways to cope with PsA. Plus, the guide Jenny is awesome!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Meet others!</h3><div>One of the last things I want to mention is that this app offers one-to-one matching. Based on the information you filled out when you registered, you'll be matched with others who you can message. This feature can be switched on and off, so you can turn it off if you aren't interested or if the timing isn't great (life gets busy!).</div><div><br /></div><div>It's so easy to feel isolated with this condition, so the one-to-one matching is such a differentiator from other groups. On social media, you may feel like one in the crowd (which is sometimes comforting), but here you have the opportunity to get to know someone and become friends. I've made some very close friends online and am so thankful others will have the opportunity to as well.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What's not to love?</h3><div>There are way more reasons to love this app than I listed, from getting reliable health information to being supported by an online community. I highly recommend you check it out! </div><div><br /></div><div>You can download the free app here: <a href="https://psa.onelink.me/Banf/e862346d">https://psa.onelink.me/Banf/e862346d</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope to see you there! You can find me @GirlwithArthritis</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JxMGnqbNAMDuLdgflfkdNz_BhAhJyIMGLz6xyd3y2sRkzTtRtJlmDeQTsxMVagzh17djjvsIOzwhlY1SEyfAzJrP4WmMXPNeygfGZhRwCr4CfiSm7uQ4fjVo072nX66j1_xHnPD64nPj/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JxMGnqbNAMDuLdgflfkdNz_BhAhJyIMGLz6xyd3y2sRkzTtRtJlmDeQTsxMVagzh17djjvsIOzwhlY1SEyfAzJrP4WmMXPNeygfGZhRwCr4CfiSm7uQ4fjVo072nX66j1_xHnPD64nPj/" width="135" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-5212742111904171422021-04-16T15:56:00.013-04:002021-04-16T16:04:29.669-04:00Looking for a Supportive Community? Check Out Healthline's Psoriatic Arthritis App <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgal-kf8hyphenhyphend264QJ2_AL3GGHt2_7D4haWBvm3PTCwxdxdTqo3ldh6x7FFZQux0ly_TC2YSNkBE20wgIq9emlI6Esv8297_1Cn9LL9ugEi6o2JF2QfxE34me13cdtmLYGzRVeB9RwzvTs2Kn/s2048/pexels-pixabay-45842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgal-kf8hyphenhyphend264QJ2_AL3GGHt2_7D4haWBvm3PTCwxdxdTqo3ldh6x7FFZQux0ly_TC2YSNkBE20wgIq9emlI6Esv8297_1Cn9LL9ugEi6o2JF2QfxE34me13cdtmLYGzRVeB9RwzvTs2Kn/w320-h251/pexels-pixabay-45842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>While I've always loved to write, the true reason I created The Girl with Arthritis was to meet others with arthritis, especially those dealing with psoriatic arthritis. Being diagnosed with PsA was such an isolating time, and I desperately wanted to reach out to others going through the same thing as me.<div><br /></div><div>So when Healthline reached out and asked if I would help them launch their new app devoted to those with psoriatic arthritis, I was so excited! </div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://psa.onelink.me/Banf/e862346d">PsA Healthline app</a> is truly so much more than just an app- it's a supportive, diverse, and engaging community. I've already met so many wonderful people on this app, and I've only been using the app for two weeks. It's so much more than a support group.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_p-V-WZAHv4D99wyq3VsJ9xmKTU34SdjWD4nz5nKa2J1_KvjiMjImx55vS5NdIewi7EQgKrvQCa0TVuQV1LLmtXOzQ3nndxpMKkq2ius_z7MvioW4Gyil7A5lufdJmtsv-4tBX7q4udJ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1544" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_p-V-WZAHv4D99wyq3VsJ9xmKTU34SdjWD4nz5nKa2J1_KvjiMjImx55vS5NdIewi7EQgKrvQCa0TVuQV1LLmtXOzQ3nndxpMKkq2ius_z7MvioW4Gyil7A5lufdJmtsv-4tBX7q4udJ/w400-h201/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The PsA Healthline app offers:</h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Multiple groups where you can post your personal updates, questions, advice, or whatever you like. Sometimes, my questions feel like they're lost in a sea of posts on my other support groups through social media. But here, I know that my posts are going to the right place. I can also read others' experiences with the same subjects, from mental health to symptoms to alternative treatments.<br /><br /></li><li>Live discussions are held every Sunday through Thursday at 5:30 PST. Each night has a different subject, and everyone is encouraged to participate! The discussions are very casual, and you can participate as little or as much as you want. You can also leave comments after the conversation has ended! There's so much to learn! <br /><br />On a side note, I'll be a guest host at a live discussion on April 20!<br /><br /></li><li>1 to 1 matching with others allows you to meet others with PsA. While matching is optional, it's an awesome way to meet others and connect in a more personal way. It's so fun to meet others from all over the world who are going through the same thing as you!<br /><br /></li><li>And last but not least, it's a great way to find more information about PsA. You'll find many articles that touch on every part of your life with arthritis, from exercise and diet to medication.</li></ul><div>You can download the free app here: <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpsa.onelink.me%2FBanf%2Fe862346d&data=04%7C01%7Cnnajd%40healthline.com%7C159e521667754f9fb5e908d8fee73159%7C4289d6102cfd46218c9644a1518ddb0a%7C0%7C0%7C637539616229703256%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=Gki0BFdqjjItsM%2FIzagY4QMKo%2Fatl9SiHaULdSnLQmE%3D&reserved=0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank">https://psa.onelink.me/Banf/e862346d</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope to see you there- you can find me @GirlwithArthritis</div><div><br /></div></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0Boston, MA, USA42.3600825 -71.058880114.049848663821152 -106.2151301 70.670316336178843 -35.902630099999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-26054945474180917532021-01-28T20:48:00.004-05:002021-02-03T20:52:13.605-05:00How to Deal With Pain Caused by Physical Therapy<p> After slowly rolling out of bed, I hobble to the bathroom. I don’t want to move a muscle — they’re all aching and don’t want to cooperate. Sitting on the toilet is a joke, and so is trying to get back up.</p><p>No, I’m not in the midst of a juvenile arthritis flare. Nor am I recovering from an injury or fall. Nope. I’m recovering from a new regimen of exercises I started to strengthen my hips. And I am feeling it.</p><p><a href="https://juvenilearthritisnews.com/2021/01/28/how-deal-pain-caused-physical-therapy/" target="_blank">Read more about dealing with pain from physical therapy...</a></p>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-25560216525238231802018-07-19T13:55:00.000-04:002018-07-20T08:41:00.111-04:00Learning to Live<div style="text-align: center;">
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Being diagnosed with a chronic illness is so life-changing. For some, things change rapidly. Some of us suffer for years, feeling the change slowly but surely. But regardless of how it comes, we all mourn. We all deal with change and long for the life we had before.<br />
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Sometimes, I think that reality is easier to deal with than the "what if's." While I completely accept the condition of my body and what might happen later, it's painful to think of what might've been if I never developed psoriatic arthritis as a child. If I had never developed an autoimmune disease, my bones would still be strong. I would never have to take medications with overpowering side effects. And my parents would never have gone through the heartbreak of having a child suffering in pain.<br />
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My passion</h3>
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But of all the "what if's," there is one that haunts me daily; what if arthritis prevents me from meeting my full potential as an artist? All the other questions seem meaningless compared to this question.<br />
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I've always loved to draw and craft. Since I was very small, my parents were awed by my talent. Art was the one thing that comforted me through my diagnosis, all the treatments, and even during relapses. It's what I choose to pursue in high school and college; it's my livelihood. But arthritis is a cruel disease, and it affects everything. Especially the things you love.<br />
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Held back</h3>
My condition frustrates me daily. I'm far more clumsy than I should be due to stiff, painful joints. And nothing frustrates me more than seeing my clumsiness reflected in my artwork. I dreamt of being a photo-realistic artist, and though my work is delightful, all the smudges and crooked lines means it will never be as realistic as I'd like.<br />
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There are days I look at all my past work, and while I appreciate it, I wonder if it could've been better. Scratch that- I know it could have been better if arthritis never stuck. . If my hands were stronger, my lines would be tighter and proud. If my shoulders didn't scream in pain, I would have fewer unfinished sketches. If I was stronger, I would've been able to pursue my new found love of sculpture. But pain and weakness forced me to put down my pencils and rest. And I wonder how much better my work would've been if I were healthy.<br />
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Finding the light</h3>
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It's so easy to feel down when you imagine the life you could've had if chronic illness didn't strike. But here's the thing- there are no guarantees in life. You never know for certain what might've been. All we know for certain is what happened, and how we want to move on from there.<br />
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Happiness can be hard to find in dark times, but it's so important to hold onto the positives. Dwelling on the negatives won't take away the pain, and I dare say it'll make it worse. In the words of John Lennon, life is what happens while we're busy making other plans.<br />
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<br />Our unique style</h3>
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Few worldly things truly make us happy. At the end of the day, it's love and enlightenment that fulfill us. We cannot have a happy life if we're always pining for something that never happened. Instead, we need to embrace our abilities!<br />
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Even though I've been very insecure of the mistakes, shaky lines, and other flaws in my art work, many people in my life love them. My art is so uniquely me, and has my own style. I didn't enjoy art as much when I focused on the mistakes. I only felt confident when I choose to embrace it as my own unique style.<br />
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We can grow</h3>
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While I do still mourn my "healthy life," there are times I'm thankful for the experiences I've had. Being chronically ill has given me so many unique experiences and opportunities to grow from. There's no doubt that it's made me a more empathetic person. It's made me learn that a good friend is more precious than any jewel. And I doubt I would've found my love of writing if it wasn't for starting this arthritis blog so many years ago. It might not be much, but those are the things I hold onto on days the pain is unbearable.<br />
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So maybe the chronic pain will prevent me from reaching my full potential as an artist. But that knowledge will never stop me from drawing. If I quit something everytime my arthritis got in the way, I wouldn't have accomplished anything. Life is meant to be enjoyed one day at a time, and embraced as our own unique story.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-82899845544246910642017-04-30T14:54:00.002-04:002017-05-10T21:42:53.477-04:00From the Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think this past academic year has been the oddest of all. By no means was it a bad year. But it certainly was taxing, and I did more growing up than anticipated.<br />
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My mum had a heart attack in the beginning of October. We didn't see it coming, and it came in the typical fashion with women- quietly, and appearing to be a case of the flu. Even though it happened at noon, nobody called me until 7 pm, the time I finished class that day. My mum was very clear that I was not to be told until after class, and even as I talked to my dad on the phone that night, I could hear my mum saying "she's supposed to be hanging out with her friends tomorrow, tell her to go hang out with her friends." Rest assured, I did not go hang out with my friends the next day.</div>
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Thankfully, my mum is recovering; it takes at least a year to recover from a heart attack. As soon as she could, she sent me from her hospital room back to college. My mum is so adamant that I never stop my life for her. But it's really hard to try to concentrate on homework when all you want is to be at home. And it wasn't even just that I wanted to be at home, it was that I was <i>afraid </i>to be away from home. I didn't want her to be alone again. I wanted to be at home taking care of my mum, helping to find recipes for her new diet and going on short walks. </div>
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People with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, like my mother, are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks, and my family is not an exception. It's a rarely discussed fact of psoriatic disease, but one that is prevalent and needs to be focused on. Chronic inflammation is not good for anyone's body, and we need to be more in tune to what it can mean for our health. That's why it's so important to keep psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis under control. Unfortunately, most dermatologists and rheumatologists don't screen their patients for metabolic issues such as high blood pressure, even though cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.<br />
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I've always believed in the power of patient advocacy and education, however I believe in it now more than ever. Looking back, there was some indication that this was coming. As a patient, you have a right to know what's going on with your health- even if it's just a quick note of slightly elevated blood pressure on your chart or your blood work beginning to show signs of insulin resistance. You also have the right to ask for additional testing for metabolic diseases, even if you don't show signs yet. These things often creep up over time, and can get out of hand very quickly.<br />
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Life has changed so much since October. I've learned a lot about life too, and I think my outlook on most things have changed. For so long, I was so wrapped up in obedience, fear, and toeing the line that I forgot to breathe, take life for what it is, and to open doors rather than close them. You have to love like there's no tomorrow. I find life to be a bit quieter lately, but because I've decided to take paths less traveled. But not only that, it's time to respect the santicity of life- and for my mum and I, that means taking time to care for the heart.<br />
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-5534096473419195612017-01-28T13:04:00.000-05:002017-02-28T18:25:05.296-05:00Love's StingThe older I get, the more my feelings on dealing with a chronic illness change. When I was a young teenager trying to cope with my new diagnosis and the severe impact of treatments on my life, I dealt with hopelessness and despair on nearly a daily basis. As I got older I realized I needed to change my attitude about it because I knew it was something I was going to have to deal with for a very long time, if not forever. Though I naturally do still have moments of hopelessness, generally I try to stay positive about my situation. If anything, having arthritis is quite a joke between my friends and I. But ultimately, I'm honest about it with most people.<br />
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At least, that's what I thought until recently. Though I think I'm very open and honest about living with a chronic condition, I realized there is a certain population I hide it from. And it's certainly the population I should not hide those things from. That group would be the people I've dated.</div>
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I think the temptation to come off as perfect and having no issues is so strong when you're beginning to date someone. The thought of telling them you have a life long illness can be very off putting. Personally, I do mention I have arthritis, but often don't go terribly into detail. I'm afraid of scaring the poor guy off, because it seems the general opinion is that most people want to be with a partner who is healthy. I can't speak for everyone, but sometimes I feel embarrassed or not good enough- who would want to be with a woman who is in constant pain, has issues with her hips, and takes medications that are outrageously expensive? Will he run off, thinking he'll become my caregiver? Will he automatically write me off because I'm not in perfect health? Is he going to assume that one day (in a <i>very</i>, <i>very </i>long time) the medication or deterioration to my hips will mean we could never have a child (truth: most women with arthritis can successfully have children)?</div>
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But those are my thoughts- not his. You can't tell what the other person is thinking, and it's never usually as harsh as you think it will be. If the person truly loves you, they will understand. It doesn't mean it won't be hard on them and they won't struggle, but they'll try. It doesn't mean everything is going to be perfect, but it means true love deserves a fighting chance.<br />
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I'm quite fortunate that my boyfriend is so supportive. I wish everyone felt so supported and accepted by their partner.</div>
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I do highly recommend that when you start dating someone new, you ease into telling them about it. It can be hard to receive it all in one sitting. Maybe not the first date, unless it comes up, but soon after. It's a really good way of seeing someone's true colors early in a relationship, but I also think it's something they should know. I would want to know if the person I was dating was dealing with a chronic illness, I'd hope they would feel safe to confide in me and not hide such a part of their life.<br />
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Dating is a tricky thing. Dating with a chronic illness is even trickier. But it's possible, and there's no reason why you should ever feel discouraged. There are times it will be hard, but what relationship is perfect? You don't love someone because they're perfect, you love them knowing that they are not.<br />
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-22545984115134544452016-08-23T23:58:00.001-04:002016-08-24T18:56:07.549-04:00Be Not AfraidThis summer was a time for my body to recover. After having had a very difficult past few years with various arthritis treatments, I decided to detox (with permission from my doctor) and try to treat it through diet and strength training. But, while I was doing that, something else was brewing. Over the summer I developed a lot of abdominal pain and pressure that came with eating, and I've quickly become underweight. We don't quite know what is going on but thankfully I have the support of so many loved ones and a wonderful team of doctors. Recently after all my blood work was found to be clean, I found out I need to have an upper endoscopy (when the esophagus and stomach are examined with a scope).<br />
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Regardless of that, I truly feel my body healing. Having cut out certain inflammatory foods, especially coffee and excessive white sugar, I feel such a drastic change. My tendons are no longer tender and the extra fluid on my joints have vanished. For the first time in a very long time none of my joints are swollen! With minimal strength exercise (I'm trying not to burn the calories I'm barely consuming at the moment), my range of motion has greatly increased. I'm not as stiff as I once was, and feel myself moving so much freer and quicker. I feel free.</div>
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So much attention is being focused on the negative part of my health right now, and rightly so, but I can't help but rejoice in my healing joints. And I'm so excited to continue forward and experiment further with my own diet, adding and subtracting to see what works. I cannot wait to begin to walk and swim more once I can begin consuming more calories. I've even decided to put my cane into retirement. God willing, permanently.</div>
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But overall, I'm feeling good. Maybe not physically well all the time, but mentally I feel very positive. I'm taking care of myself, and seeking help when I cannot do it alone. And it feels amazing to do that. I did feel very discouraged for a while dealing with my new symptoms, but I realize that there is no reason to. I'm just trying to move forward- I've been through worse before, and I can get through this too (with lots of self care, of course). Maybe I feel more empowered realizing I have so much more control in my health than I initially thought, or perhaps it's having such wonderful support. Either way, I truly believe everything will be okay again soon.</div>
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Sending lots of gentle hugs and all my newly acquired extra spoons to my spoonies today. </div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-18588164984192832472016-07-10T14:36:00.001-04:002016-07-12T16:56:24.831-04:00A Goodbye to Coffee<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When
I was thirteen years old, my mum and I had a very steady weekend routine. Right
after school on Friday, we would go to my doctor’s office where a nurse would
give me an injection of methotrexate. It wasn’t a huge deal, but I began to
dread Fridays because of the medicine’s side effects. A lot of people with
autoimmune arthritis do very well on methotrexate and go into remission. But I
didn’t. I remember the doctor often telling me that the medicine “had better
start working soon, because [I] won’t like the next level.” It was horrifying
to hear this as a kid. I knew it wasn’t my fault, yet I blamed myself. It felt hopeless;
if the medicine that worked for everyone else failed me, what would that mean
for me later on? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But
years later, I realized there was no reason to feel hopeless.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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seen many different doctors since, and I’ve found that there’s no one way to
treat chronic pain. But the most successful approach I’ve found is to treat the
person, not the disease. The outcome is always better when the goal is to care
for the person overall. You can certainly put your hand over the wound to stop
the bleeding, but you need to uncover it and let it bleed a little as you
stitch it up so it heals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
had always been very skeptical of natural or alternative approaches to treating chronic pain.
Maybe it’s because those ideas were never brought up with the doctors. But I
really was holding onto the hope that there was a medicine out there that would
bring me to remission- that all the pain of trial and error with medications
would be worth it one day when I found ‘the one.’ And to try a different
approach would make it all for naught.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It
was extremely inspiring to read and follow Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy as he
changed his life by deciding to keep on walking and eat cleanly, especially
after his intense battle for medical care. And I began to wonder if that was
something I could do too. It made sense to me that healing the body would stop
the pain. But it wasn’t until this year I began to feel called to try it, after
having too many issues with exposure to infection that I went without Enbrel
for a few months. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For
the past few weeks, I’ve been adding in recommended strength training and
limiting ‘inflammatory foods,’ just to see what happens, and it seemed to help a
little. But it was when I completely stopped drinking coffee that I found a lot
of relief from pain and stiffness. By no means is it a cure, but it makes me
hopeful that I can take my health into my own hands.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So
while I’m not advocating for people to stop all medication and drop their
rheumatologists (that can be very dangerous), I am advocating for people with
chronic pain to hold onto hope and never give up. What I want is for everyone
to know there’s always another option, even if it doesn’t seem clear at first.
Don’t be afraid to try something new. And never, ever put yourself down because
a treatment doesn’t work for you. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super inspirational sunset</td></tr>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-89820354288379325562016-06-15T13:51:00.001-04:002016-06-15T17:38:01.762-04:00Grant This Weary Heart Rest<div class="MsoNormal">
A month ago, I remember putting my hand over my heart; I
could feel it racing, pounding, and skipping beats. It was worn and tired, and
so was I. The weeks leading up to that moment were brutal. For six weeks, I was
lucky to get four hours of sleep most nights, and all my waking hours were spent
stressed and working intensely for finals. Most days, I didn’t really talk to
anyone and I skipped meals to accommodate more working hours. Ultimately, I was
running myself into the ground. And I didn’t care.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then came that moment, when I realized my heart was
struggling from the stress. A long night in the emergency room made me stop
working for the first time since March, and forced me to be still and reflect
on my actions. I stared at the monitor that showed a heart that was trying so
hard to slow down, and I thought about how cruel I’ve been to it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been an extremely hard year. I would love to sugar coat
that statement, but I owe it to my aching heart to be truthful. Since June of
last year, I’ve encountered so many challenges that truly took their toll on me
physically, mentally and emotionally. I’m very tempted to say it was the worst
year of my life. And instead of dealing with it, I pushed myself to work to the
brink of exhaustion; overachieving at school was the only outlet this restless
soul had.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the year, I frequently whispered a desperate prayer: <i>“Lord,
grant this weary heart rest.”</i> Yet, I refused rest when it came my way. Because
I knew that to rest meant to heal, and I didn’t feel ready yet. It was so much
easier to ignore dealing with the scars that made my heart ache and race with
fright. But I realized there was no escape when my heart quite literally told
me how tired and weary I was, and that it was time to have rest. It was time to
start feeling better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, I put my hand over my heart; what I felt was a gentle
and steady rhythm. Four weeks is a very long time ago: Since then, I’ve been at
home and been so lovingly cared for by my parents. For the first time in
months, I can rest privately, and I’ve benefited from the restorative powers of
sleep. I’ve gotten to enjoy the warm weather and let the sun kiss my face. Every
so often, my best friend comes and takes me out to my favorite places. I don’t
venture out too often at the moment though, because I’ve found such comfort in
the refuge of the peaceful quiet of my home. Just last night, I picked up some
colored pencils to draw for fun for the first time in a year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m happy. And for the first time in a while, I feel
hopeful. There’s so much I’m looking forward to this summer. I’m glad that I’ve
finally gotten time to recover, and fill up my cup again. I want to start
writing and drawing again soon, because I’ve missed those things so much. And I’ve
found myself moving away from the things that once hurt me, and becoming closer
to the ones who helped me through it. My heart still sometimes beats quickly,
but it does so with the strength training I’ve taken up so I can feel stronger
than everything that’s happened.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I’m healing. I’m happy. And I am hopeful.</div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-27826099111409172242016-03-11T13:27:00.000-05:002016-03-11T21:44:54.298-05:00What Really Grinds my GearsYou know what bothers me? Like, <i>really </i>grinds my gears? When I'm walking in a huge crowd of friends and <b>nobody </b>thinks to slow down to my speed. Do they really think I'm being anti-social and just want to watch everyone in front of me enjoying themselves? HECK NO! I want to be the leader of the pack, enjoying myself with the rest of those beautiful people who are not cherishing their youth nearly as much as they should be. But no- I'm walking in the back, all by myself watching. And I'm usually a good distance behind where you probably don't know I'm with those rowdy hooligans- when in reality, I'm one of them!<br />
<br />
Even when I've got my dumb cane with me, I usually get left behind in the back. I mean, it's bad enough to leave the girl who <i>walks </i>like grandma trailing a couple yards away but it looks really bad when grandma's got a cane, too. Not to mention a little dangerous, don't purse snatchers prefer hobbling grandmas to groups of university students?<br />
<br />
Getting left in the back hurts so much because not only do I have to watch my friends having fun without me, but the only things I'm thinking about are how I would love to collapse right where I am and how nobody would notice if I did. I'm not going to lie: being 19 and having chronic pain makes me feel like a freak and unlovable. And being kept at arms distance away reaffirms this feeling.<br />
<br />
I know it's not purposefully done. To be honest, I bet they never really thought about it before or noticed. Or maybe they noticed, and just didn't think it bothered me because it's 'my normal.' And I know that I probably don't appear to be in a good mood when I begin to trail off, so if one does notice, they probably think I just need to be alone. I really don't expect my friends to understand, and I don't want them to be able to understand either. I just wish I didn't have to be alone.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCadgj9BV9aqMgqwS2s-LasI82Gyo8Is8JU0OQWKV9ubaNZG7lsQYGOI8D5wmsL61RentajgviFBS1FviRzC74wo_-8T5ukE9W16Q8XKd45xi5M8boj1bhBnEYhmYe8_o7otou7vWljss/s1600/7e2e4a0cece8b3261eba07dd3d3e9be96dc06f5c6c296e7ea53ff8916c1ad0b6_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCadgj9BV9aqMgqwS2s-LasI82Gyo8Is8JU0OQWKV9ubaNZG7lsQYGOI8D5wmsL61RentajgviFBS1FviRzC74wo_-8T5ukE9W16Q8XKd45xi5M8boj1bhBnEYhmYe8_o7otou7vWljss/s320/7e2e4a0cece8b3261eba07dd3d3e9be96dc06f5c6c296e7ea53ff8916c1ad0b6_1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Sometimes I wish someone would slow down. That's all I want. Even when I don't feel good, I just want to be included. I already feel really isolated in lots of small, stupid, and seemingly insignificant ways, but being left alone on walks home is the one that bothers me the most. I don't know. It sounds kind of dumb when I write it, but I know I can't possibly be the only person in the world that wishes their friends would take a slower pace so no one would ever have to walk alone in life.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-11200179064313418352016-01-18T11:38:00.000-05:002016-01-18T11:52:18.657-05:00I'm Nothing but His Toy<i>I've been doing a lot of writing on this blog about why the past few months were so difficult for me. But this is, by far, the most significant thing that happened to me. While I'd like to say this is something that is 'over and done with,', I can't: This is <b>still </b>something I'm dealing with. I'm actually nervous to share this post so publicly because I'm scared of the responses I'll receive. Please try to understand.</i><br />
<br />
<div>
Fall semester was supposed to be amazing. I was going to hang out in all my favorite places with all my favorite people. But instead, it ended with me afraid to leave my room and almost completely isolated. My perfect semester was interrupted by <b>him</b>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't know if he likes me or is obsessed with me, but regardless, I find he likes to be in my company. Often, without my knowledge. He's walked behind me and followed me home. Sometimes, he sees me approaching my apartment building, sprints to the entrance and waits for me to enter. Once, from the window of my apartment, I saw him waiting outside the building, waiting for me at 8 pm: the time I usually came home that day. Thank God I was already safely inside. He learns my habits very quickly, and suddenly appears in places I never use to see him, watching me like a hawk. He stares at me, keeping an eye on me even in crowded situations. He copies my movements. He hangs around my friends so instead of being with them, I sit alone. He embarrasses me in front of friends, suggesting that I'm in love with him and should go on a date him. One time, he mentioned the color hair clip I wore each day of the week, despite the fact I only saw him twice during that week. He walks around the halls of my university. He has successfully isolated me from many people I once hung out with.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
On one of the last days of the semester, I broke down while studying at the library. I found an empty women's bathroom on a deserted floor and locked myself in, sobbing in fear that any minute he would come and find me in the library. I had left my apartment early that morning, praying he wouldn't be up yet. I didn't even eat at all because I was afraid to go to the school cafeteria, where he had watched me eat breakfast just days earlier. This man drove me to be hysterically crying in a public bathroom. </div>
<div>
<br />
I've asked for help from people I thought I could count on. I didn't ask for miracles, but just to watch out for me, but got mixed responses. Mostly 'Elizabeth, you're over reacting.' Sometimes, people even laughed and said it was cute that 'he has a crush on [me].' Some people told me to stop coming around all together, because he can't bother me if I stay home. I got a lot of suggestions that it is my fault- despite the fact I've never been friendly to this man, let alone seduce him. The only solution I saw last year was to isolate myself, and even that stopped working when he began to hang out around my school more often. Even the police, who were called by my mother that day I broke, told me there's not much help they can give because he hasn't threatened me.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I <b>don't </b>want him to get in trouble. I just want him to stop.</i></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm anxious. I'm scared. I'm embarrassed. I feel totally abandoned. I'm ashamed. I feel guilty, like it's my fault. I cannot visit my old favorite places without feeling sad and alone; I'm lost. I've lost hope. My confidence is completely shattered.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm <i>nothing</i>. </div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm nothing but a toy for some man to play with. People I thought I could trust told me this. And I have no right to be upset by this, because obviously, it is my fault. It's always my fault.</div>
<div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-78153818766799528342016-01-13T17:17:00.003-05:002016-01-13T17:17:56.529-05:00When Classes BeginI haven't really known what to post about. Life is a little dull at the moment. I've been home from school for a few weeks, and go back next week when classes begin. I've done very little over the break besides rest, and even then I just don't feel rested. Somehow, everything recently is an effort.<br />
I don't feel particularly bad, yet I don't feel good either. I'd be quite satisfied to have another week to lie around and do nothing, but I realize I'm truly pushing my limits on 'rest.'<br />
<br />
In October I developed a nasty cough that would last well into November. The end of November and most of December was very stressful, and I had a significant increase in pain and fatigue. No doubt, my body is begging for a rest. Yet, I don't seem to be giving it the rest it craves. Recently, I've experienced a lot of vertigo, headaches and other odd symptoms that make it clear that I am not 100% yet. The doctor explained those symptoms are from inner ear inflammation, probably from a viral illness. Though I don't recall having a recent onset of a viral illness, I'm willing to bet whatever caused my cough lingered for a long time.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I just wish I had energy. I feel sick and tired, but at this point I've felt sick and tired for so long it seems normal and I just have to push on feeling this way. I'm even beginning to nap during the day- something I've never done unless I was very ill. I use to love long walks and trips to the store with my mum, but now I just want to sit in the car and wait for mum to do the shopping. Sometimes I envy babies who enjoy shopping trips from their strollers- I want to enjoy the change of scenery from the comfort of my seat.<br />
<br />
Last semester, I isolated myself when walking became increasingly exhausting and painful. And I have my fears about going back to classes. This semester, most of my fears stem from not having the energy to get my work done. I also fear that the vertigo will not go away by the time I need it to- my major requires me to build product prototypes, and I'm afraid I will experience sudden vertigo while using construction tools such as a band saw. I nearly fell over last night brushing my teeth, and I'm picturing the same scenario but with a drill in my hand. But also, I fear feeling isolated again.<br />
<br />
Classes are supposed to be a joy- it's there that I learn what I love and get to be with my friends. But lately, I just wonder how exhausted I will be at the end of it. Especially considering I'm still exhausted from last semester.<br />
<br />
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-17861486948219854982015-12-21T20:38:00.004-05:002015-12-21T20:58:38.707-05:00I'm Sorry; I'm Sick.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've last updated. I don't want to sugar coat it; the past few months were extremely difficult. Though I'm hesitant to say it was the worst period of my life, it was definitely the most exhausting in all respects- physically, mentally, and emotionally. While there were many things going on that were extremely demanding, I wasn't exhausted solely due to those stresses. Rather, it was because I was very ill. And I owe it to many people -the people in my life and to my readers- to explain why I was absent and very much not myself for a few months.<br />
<br />
In July, the medication (Sulfasalazine) I had began in May was causing harmful side effects, so I began taking Plaquenil. I was very hopeful that this would be the treatment that would bring me to remission in a year or two. It seemed to be successful for many of my friends, so why not me? Plaquenil takes a very long time to work, so I wasn't surprised I hadn't felt any benefits by August. What I didn't expect was that I'd feel so sick.<br />
<br />
Per usual, I had the 'normal' side effects: I wasn't really eating all that much, I was tired all the time, and my skin became very dry. But I didn't expect to experience severe depression and anxiety. I was constantly panicking over small things, and whenever something didn't end up exactly as it should've, I was reduced to tears. Sometimes I'd act out on it by snapping at people, especially the people I love the most. And when I wasn't worrying, angry, crying and feeling my heart racing, I was so empty. The depression is harder to explain. Somehow, it just made everything slow, tiring and worthless. Life didn't have a purpose other than being a cruel torture, anymore.<br />
<br />
I knew I was a killjoy at the time, so I stopped talking with my friends and I rarely left the house. When I did leave the house, it was to go to my part time job. Though I kept myself composed there, I would come home and break down crying from the treatment I received from my supervisor. I began to get so anxious about my classes, I fantasized about dropping out and working online and from home so I wouldn't have to see anyone other than my parents.<br />
<br />
Two or three weeks before I was due to go back to my classes, I consulted my rheumatologist. She opted to put me on a lower dose of Plaquenil. It seemed to work, and I began to calm down. Life wasn't <i>as </i>miserable as it was on the full dose, and I began to let the smaller things slide. But things were not perfect. It took me a long time to realize that lowering the dose would not take away the side effects; it would just reduce them.<br />
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When the dose was lowered and classes were in session, I hoped I would be able to handle myself- not let myself be a killjoy or appear neurotic in any way. It worked for the first few weeks, before one particular situation pushed me over the edge. After confiding with a few friends about how this situation made me feel, and receiving feedback from <i>some </i>that I was wrong to feel the way I felt, I began to close myself off from <i>everyone </i>again.<br />
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By late October, my rheumatologist decided enough was enough and she discontinued Plaquenil. Thankfully, she prescribed Enbrel- a medicineI did well on in the past. But just discontinuing the medicine didn't make the side effects go away over night. I dealt with them for a couple more weeks anyway. My mental health is only recently where it was originally- needing occasional reassurance everything will be okay, but still able to look at the bright side of life, knowing and feeling how loved I truly am.<br />
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During my struggle, I occasionally confided in very close friends about what I was facing. However, it was hard for me to admit something was terribly wrong. I was so afraid of being a burden, asking for extra support, patience and prayers. I wanted to pretend I was stronger than these side effects and emotions. And I am- I got through it, didn't I? But I needed help and wasn't letting myself receive it because I wasn't being honest and I felt guilty. I regret now not reaching out.<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-26956127115323255892015-11-03T09:28:00.001-05:002015-11-03T09:28:18.451-05:00I've been terrible at updating lately. It's not even that I have nothing to say, because that is certainly not the case at all. I have lots of stuff I've been writing that I cannot wait to share. However, the past two months have been extremely intense unfortunately. September and October put me under extreme academic pressure (there came a point I started skipping meals to do homework), and in addition to dealing with arthritis, medicine side effects, and just attempting to have a social life, the blog suffered. I suffered too.<br />
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I'm very burnt out at the moment. Though I still truly do love my major and the work I am doing, I am at the point where it's pulling teeth to get it done. So forgive me for a while whilst I get back on track. I promise I will let you know how I am doing when I can, but for now I need to focus on me.<br />
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And if you want to know how Arthur is treating me, I'll give you a hint: he's kicking my butt.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-31506628522732558822015-07-26T18:25:00.001-04:002015-07-26T18:26:27.065-04:00Second GuessSince last updating, I've been taken off of sulfasalazine as it caused too many side effects to justify continuation. I experienced extreme fatigue, and as a result was sleeping almost twelve hours a day with no relief of exhaustion. In addition, I lost my appetite and barely ate at all.<br />
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I've been off of that for a few weeks now, and I'm feeling much better. My appetite still isn't what it was, but it should start coming back soon. So now I'm on Plaquenil, which is one my last options before considering biologics again. Despite my great reaction to biologics in the past, my rheumatologist insists that we try other treatments first. This is somewhat due to how powerful they are, but also to whether they are a good option for me at this point.</div>
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My rheumatologist, who I've been seeing since April, has taken note of the very active arthritis in my joints. However, what is confusing her is that for the most part, my joints are not eroded. If I was only recently experiencing joint pain, this wouldn't be surprising. However, with my long history of joint issues, damage should be obvious. There are also a few health issues I have that she is concerned about, which past doctors dismissed. </div>
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At this point, she is doubting my diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.</div>
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Ultimately, I'm going through the diagnosis process again.</div>
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This process isn't a pleasant one, but it is necessary. I had fought so hard to get my original diagnosis, and now it's being taken away from me. That's hard to wrap your head around. I've become so used to my diagnosis, and I've come to the point of acceptance. But now what? Will it be easier to come to terms with, since I've already done it once? Or will I even get a name out of it? But then again, what if it actually is correct?</div>
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Having the evidence of active arthritis is my only comfort right now. Before, every doctor said I looked fine. But now there is concrete evidence that I am not crazy and that is something no one can take away from me. I don't know what's going to come in the next few months, but I hope whatever comes is correct this time.</div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-51041452689629329792015-06-08T16:43:00.002-04:002015-06-08T17:13:40.964-04:00Young and MightyWhen I was little, I liked to pretend I was a superhero. Even now, I haven't quite given up that game. Granted, I don't tie a sheet around my neck and jump on my bed as often as I once did. Now, I pretend that I have superhuman strength. I love to zoom here and there, do a hundred things at once, and never need to stop, just like a superhero. But I've noticed that it's not just superheros who can do all that: It's young people too.<br />
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In an attempt to keep up with my peers, I pretend I'm extremely strong and can fly. They have boundless energy and are constantly in motion. And why wouldn't they? They're in their prime. And supposedly, I am as well. And in order to act it, I pretend I am that strong. And I do well until my friends go home- after that, I make a crash landing. But at least I crash in glory.<br />
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This past semester, I really pushed it. The mornings started early in lectures or the library, the afternoons involved at least a half hour walk and assignments, and evenings were spent on adventures with friends, sometimes until very late at night. My friends didn't seem to be bothered at all by their hectic routines (if you can even call it a routine), but I was wrecked. The day my exams were done and I went home, I had a twelve hour sleep and my first week home was pretty painful. But my body cried for help long before I went home.<br />
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In April, I began using a cane on particularly rough days. Sometimes it wasn't because of the pain, but because I was so tired that I needed something to lean on. I remember some days my foot cracked and popped every time I took a step. But I kept pushing and making everything seem okay. My friends did become concerned at the point I started using the cane. But I laughed it off, just saying my foot was a bit sore. Any time they tried to give me help, I fought it tooth and nail.<br />
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People don't take care of superheros; superheros take care of people. Young people aren't supposed to be taking care of other young people; they're supposed to be taking care of themselves. It's not receiving help that bothers me, rather it's needing the help that bothers me. Somehow I can talk about being sick to my friends- that I'm hurting and scared- but I cannot accept the help they want to give me. Accepting the seat on the bus makes me feel like I am giving up. Having plans changed to allow less walking makes me feel like a bother and like I ruin everything. Even though I feel so blessed and appreciate that I have caring friends, I can't help but to try to reject the help they offer. I'm supposed to be strong, so I should push past the hurt and put on a brave face.<br />
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Some may compare a brave face to a superhero's mask because it hides the battles one fights. The mask doesn't make the hero. Rather, the mask is a mark of humility. They don't want to receive praise and adoration for their great deeds, but they want to go back to an ordinary life where all is good. Though a brave face doesn't hide one's identity, it does a great job at hiding the pain you're battling. The brave face makes it look like that battle is nothing, so life doesn't have to change. And though trying to hide one's pain from others may seem humble, it is not. A brave face isn't humble; it's made out of pride.<br />
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A healthy person once wrote that when you go to the hospital, you put your pride in a little bag and leave it at the door. When you're leaving, they hand you the little bag back. When you're chronically ill, you have to leave that little bag at the door too. But not always at the hospital; sometimes it's left at home before you leave on bad days, or even at your bed stand. There are going to be days where you need help, and pride doesn't like that.<br />
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Humility is an admirable trait- it's what gives anonymous acts of kindness. Humility also admits when they are wrong and apologizes. But it is also knowing when to ask for help and when to accept it. And oddly enough, it can help you keep your pride. No one is invincible and everyone needs help, even superheros. Where would Batman be without Robin? Could the Fantastic Four be as effective if they didn't work together? There's no one who can do it all. Mighty people accept help when they need it, but it doesn't diminish the things they can do alone. Just because the Incredibles needed to help one another to save the day, doesn't mean their abilities aren't impressive on their own.<br />
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It's hard to accept the things you can't change. It's hard to accept that I'm a seemingly healthy young person who needs the last seat on the bus and help opening her drink. But if I didn't sit on the bus, I might not have the energy to do something I enjoy later. Needing help doesn't take away that I can do lots more by myself. And needing help doesn't mean I can't give help to others. As much as I'm afraid of depending on my friends, I realize that there are things they depend on me for too.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-63453283065971114992015-05-18T18:20:00.004-04:002015-05-18T18:20:39.677-04:00The Ride for LymeI don't normally promote much on this blog, but this is too great not to share. If you've been on my Facebook page, you've seen me share about the Ride for Lyme. But I really want you to know what it's all about, mostly because both Lyme and the Ride for Lyme have been part of my life.<br />
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Lyme disease is a devastating disease to have. Even in countries with the greatest of medical care, it can often go undetected and/or under treated. I know many people who are battling Lyme, and it's extremely difficult to treat. A lot of people struggle to be diagnosed in a timely manner, and when they are treated they aren't treated appropriately. It's absolutely life changing in the worst possible way.<br />
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The Canadian Health Department doesn't recognize Lyme, nor will they treat it. In 2011, Adeline Nohara was diagnosed with Lyme by an American doctor after 18 months of suffering. Today, she is still suffering because of Lyme. In a response to their friend's suffering, two men decided to spread Lyme awareness and inspire change. They created the Ride for Lyme, where the two are currently riding their bikes across Canada. They have been stopping in different cities, educating leaders and spreading awareness as much as possible.<br />
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The two guys doing the ride are Daniel Corso and Tanner Cookson. I think they're doing an awesome thing! Especially because I can barely ride my bike for fifteen minutes without stopping for a break! Though I do not know Tanner, I met Daniel this past year at our university's Catholic center. I can reassure you he's an awesome guy with a heart of gold, and he has a lot of support from people at school and beyond.<br />
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When I learned of what Dan was up to with the Ride, I knew instantly that it was something I would be sharing on Arthritis Girl. As a person with a chronic disease that is often unrecognized, misdiagnosed and is not treated correctly (or at all), I understand the struggle that those with Lyme go through to just feel their symptoms are even valid (forget getting a diagnosis and treatment). Those with Chronic Illnesses and their communities need to stick together and help one another, which is why I so appreciate and admire Dan and Tanner's mission. And why I decided I should share a bit about them and do my part to help.<br />
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I didn't write too much about their mission on this blog, but I'm including the link to their website on the bottom of this post. From there, you can find their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts and so on. On my Facebook page, you'll also be able to find links to their page. So, please just take the time to read and donate if you are able to.<br />
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<a href="http://www.rideforlyme.ca/" target="_blank">Ride for Lyme</a><br />
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http://www.rideforlyme.ca/<br />
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Thanks Dan and Tanner!<br />
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-Elizabeth<br />
The Girl With ArthritisElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4839928055592799509.post-84412326329386760572015-05-16T19:36:00.000-04:002015-05-18T18:49:37.237-04:00DesperationAlright. So, I know one of my past posts made it very clear that I was not going to see another rheumatologist anytime soon. I made it clear that it was not worth it at all to me, and I would not be seeing a new one until I was completely desperate. <br />
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I saw a new rheumatologist a few weeks ago.<br />
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As my academic semester winded down, my body began to flare. My feet are giving me the most trouble, and wearing shoes has become a new form of torture. But all my joints are beginning to ache a lot and swell. I've found myself stuck in a few locations because I was too tired and sore to move. Additionally, I had to leave class twice as well, once just to ice my foot (I've rarely resorted to ice). <br />
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So, I made an appointment with a rheumatologist: an adult rheumatologist, who works at the same hospital (just not in the pediatric wing). She received wonderful reviews online, so I thought I would take the plunge as I became desperate. Her reviews did not deceive either; she was very nice and listened to me. She was extremely concerned that not only did I get dismissed by the last rheumatologist, but that I had problems that were completely ignored previously. My new rheumatologist reassured me that I do have disease activity- which speaks a lot since it was a very good day; even on horrible days, past doctors have said I show no disease activity at all. She sent me for a blood test that required 1/4 of my blood (at least), and enough x-rays to guarantee I will glow in the dark one day. She also put all my patient information on my online patient portal, and all my test results were posted as they came in.<br />
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It turns out that I'm worse off than the doctors ever realized. The rheumatologist called a little less than a week after my appointment. My bones have developed osteopenia (they are not as dense as they should be). My feet are a bit damaged. I've also been borderline positive for lupus for a year and a half, and was never told. It was probably thought to be drug induced lupus caused by the Enbrel, however my ANA rose six months after stopping Enbrel. But as my new rheumatologist put it, "You haven't developed lupus yet."<br />
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She gave me options. She told me I could certainly go on Enbrel again, but she would prefer that I try something else first. So, I'm going to start sulfasalazine very soon. I see her again in two months to see if sulfasalazine worked. If it doesn't, I'll probably go back onto Enbrel. I'm glad she gave me options and made it clear that it was up to me what I want to do with my body. <br />
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I think it's the start of a wonderful physician-patient relationship.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00032787341840928747noreply@blogger.com4