I Am Not A Post

I am not a post standing alone in a pasture.  I may move slowly, but that is the best I can do.  RA has slowed my movements and crippled my joints.  Still, I am not a post.  I am a person with a past and a future and a now.  I live in the now, because none of us know what tomorrow may bring.  Those of us who live with RA have a special appreciation for living in the moment.  We are people just like the rest of you.  We have feelings.  We have friends and family.  Don't look away the next time you see us.  Treat us as you do everyone else.  No special favors, but no dismissive attitude, either.  We have interesting stories to tell.  We have strong hearts.  We are warriors.  We love and laugh and forgive often. We are not posts standing alone in a pasture.

Happy 4th Of July!

It has been a beautiful day in central Missouri.  The sun was bright, the temperature was in the 80's, and the air was dry.  Not too many days like this in July in Missouri.

Our family cooked out, ate corn on the cob, and ice cream.  It was a good day.

I did have one minor glitch.  I sort of fell off a a lawn tractor.  I was trying to help my husband get the tractor "unstuck".  I fell, not so gracefully, I might add.  Thank goodness the ground was only a couple of feet down.  Landed on my shoulder, so extra meds it is.

Be careful out there.  The RA Troll is always looking for ways to make our lives as complicated as possible. He doesn't need any help from us.

Hope you all had a blessed holiday!

The Gifts RA Has Given Me

I know that it sounds odd to talk about a chronic, painful disease giving gifts.  The truth is, that RA has brought a few blessings along w/the endless doctors appointments and medications.

Let's face it.  RA slows us down.......a lot!  In my pre-RA life, I was always rushing here and there.  My mind was full of what I had yet to do.  I wasn't even thinking about what I was currently doing.

RA has changed that.  I can't move quickly anymore, and therein lies the blessing.  I notice people and I notice and appreciate nature a lot more now.

When I go to the store, I take the time to talk to people, or offer a smile.  It is my small way of trying to make the world a better place one person at a time.

I had coffee on the porch this morning.  It is a beautiful morning.  The grass is wet with dew.  The sunshine on the blades of grass makes the lawn appear almost magical.

My bunny friend, Heather was there again this morning.  She was having her breakfast of broad leaf grennery and waiting for her dessert.  As I threw out her pieces of carrots, I had to smile to myself.  Thank you, RA, for this gift. 

Don't Be Afraid To Try Another Biologic

It has been a years since my last post.  During that time, I have switched from Humira to Orenica with wonderful results.

Humira stopped working for me after four months.  Humira is an anti-TNF, and there are many biologics in that class of drugs.

My RD decided to move me up to Orencia, a different type of biologic that targets your body's T cells.  I was lucky.  I had positive results within a month. 

While the co-pays for biologics can be daunting, there are co-pay programs available from the manufacturers of this class of drugs.  Many people can qualify for co-pay assistance.

My co-pay for Orencia is $5.00 a month.  I am sharing this information with you so that you know how many options are available to those of us who need a biologic to control our RA.

If you are currently on a biologic medicine that is not helping you, please talk to your rheumatologist about your medication options.  Biologics do generally take up to three months to show much improvement.  I was one of the lucky ones who reacted positively to Orencia almost immediately.  The important thing to remember is that there are many options available to RA patients now.  Don't be afraid to look for the one that will work well for you.  It may just give you your life back!

Beautiful day today.  Came home from church and was thanking God for my medication.  I remember what my life was like before Humira and MTX.  It wasn't much of a life.  I was suffering and in misery. So thankful for finally finding a good RD, and for the biologics. I know they are not right for everyone, but for some of us, they are our lifeline.

Taking Meds Can Be A Pain.......Literally                I used to struggle taking my meds.  Let's face it,  looking at a hand full of pills every morning isn't too appetizing.  In addition to that, meds can be hard on our stomachs.  I have found two things that help me in this department.  First of all, I take Zantac every day. I had acid reflux before I was diagnosed with RA.  Taking all these medications hasn't helped that issue any. I also take my meds in the morning with yogurt. Then I drink a glass of water. Yogurt coats the capsules and other meds and the yogurt seems to protect my stomach.  I am not a doctor, or a health care professional of any kind.  I am just sharing my personal experience. On the days I take Methotrexate, I take it after a full meal, and usually in the evening.  This seems to minimize any gastrointestional upset for me.

I call my "space' RA Dancer because that is how I view my life with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  We dance.  Sometimes I lead, sometimes RA leads.  In the end, it is a balance I seek. Living with RA can be challenging.  Actually, living is a contract sport and when one has RA, the contact can be dangerous. I see so many people struggling to balance their lives.  Some are overwhelmed by the diagnosis of RA and struggle to move forward, even a little.  Some try to ignore their symptoms and deny the existence of the RA dancer.  He doesn't go away though.  He is here for good.  I am interested in hearing how you dance with RA.  How do you balance work and family life?  What techniques do you use to conserve your energy and enjoy the good moments, and make memories. I will be sharing my daily triumphs, struggles and adventures, as I dance with my RA.