I was so excited about transferring back to my hometown in 2002. My husband and I settled into our church home. I was working out and feeling on top of the world. Then it started. The pain, fatigue, and stiffness was too intense to be from my workout or every day task. But I had nothing else to blame it on so I went about my days coping the best I could.
When time came for me to visit my Doctor for routine blood work I really hadn't planned on mentioning the problems because I thought I knew the answer but when she asked me if my back was hurting, I told her I was hurting all over. When I said that she said "Have you ever been tested for Rheumatoid Arthritis?" I said "Not that I know of." So she ordered the test and I waited for her to call.
I expected her to call and say all is clear and I just wanted to make sure you didn't have RA. That's not what happened. When she called she told me she was sending me to a Rheumatologist and that I wouldn't be waiting but would be seeing them ASAP. So after a first and second opinion confirming that I was ill, I began the fight to live as normal a life as possible.
I researched this disease through every resource possible. I fought tooth and nail trying not to take the frightening drugs that they told me I needed to slow the progression of damage to my joints and organs. Yes, organs. You see what most people don't realize is that Rheumatoid Arthritis is not a form of Arthritis. It's an autoimmune disease that causes your own immune system to attack your own body. Arthritis is only a symptom of RA. I finally did submit to my Doctor's request to start treatment. I now receive infusions every 6 weeks. I take a drug every day specifically for RA and many others because of secondary conditions.
I had to quit my career as a Licensed Optician. I've been disabled for three years now. At first I was devastated and I greived for the old me. I wasn't ready to stay home. But God had another plan. And since God knows best I knew He was going to open another door as soon as he closed the other one. He did. I hadn't been off work for a month before He started giving me new songs. I hadn't written anything substantial in years and now songs were coming one right after another.
It wasn't long before Publishers started calling, Artist starting calling and singing my songs. And I had recorded my first solo project. And I know the best is yet to come. Now I am enjoying my second career and I don't even have to leave my home. I even have my own website from which I am writing this blog. Tell me God doesn't have good things instore for those who love him. He's my strong and mighty tower.
Is there life after RA or any debilitating disease? There certainly is! Life more abundant than your heart could ever imagine!
When time came for me to visit my Doctor for routine blood work I really hadn't planned on mentioning the problems because I thought I knew the answer but when she asked me if my back was hurting, I told her I was hurting all over. When I said that she said "Have you ever been tested for Rheumatoid Arthritis?" I said "Not that I know of." So she ordered the test and I waited for her to call.
I expected her to call and say all is clear and I just wanted to make sure you didn't have RA. That's not what happened. When she called she told me she was sending me to a Rheumatologist and that I wouldn't be waiting but would be seeing them ASAP. So after a first and second opinion confirming that I was ill, I began the fight to live as normal a life as possible.
I researched this disease through every resource possible. I fought tooth and nail trying not to take the frightening drugs that they told me I needed to slow the progression of damage to my joints and organs. Yes, organs. You see what most people don't realize is that Rheumatoid Arthritis is not a form of Arthritis. It's an autoimmune disease that causes your own immune system to attack your own body. Arthritis is only a symptom of RA. I finally did submit to my Doctor's request to start treatment. I now receive infusions every 6 weeks. I take a drug every day specifically for RA and many others because of secondary conditions.
I had to quit my career as a Licensed Optician. I've been disabled for three years now. At first I was devastated and I greived for the old me. I wasn't ready to stay home. But God had another plan. And since God knows best I knew He was going to open another door as soon as he closed the other one. He did. I hadn't been off work for a month before He started giving me new songs. I hadn't written anything substantial in years and now songs were coming one right after another.
It wasn't long before Publishers started calling, Artist starting calling and singing my songs. And I had recorded my first solo project. And I know the best is yet to come. Now I am enjoying my second career and I don't even have to leave my home. I even have my own website from which I am writing this blog. Tell me God doesn't have good things instore for those who love him. He's my strong and mighty tower.
Is there life after RA or any debilitating disease? There certainly is! Life more abundant than your heart could ever imagine!
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