Having a cold and what it means for me...

Living with chronic pain from RA, you learn to deal with things literally one step at a time. Last week I had issues with high liver panels, then swelling, and even a head cold. I had to eventually go to the doctor when breathing became labored. Sitting in an urgent care facility, I risk even more infection due to the medications that I am on which lower my immune system.
After 3 hours in urgent care and possibilities of everything from congestive heart failure, pneumonia and upper respiratory infection, I was relieved to hear it was an upper respiratory infection.
The doctor prescribed an antibiotic. Good right? Well... No... that means no shot this week. And... due to the liver panels coming back high, I cannot even take a tylenol. Seems easy right? No, that means nothing for pain for 7 days. And... the possibility of a "flare." A "flare" is when my immune system goes crazy and even my eyebrows hurt. Sadly to say, things are already happening. It means more rest and less stress!
No matter what... I have my resources that are cute and lovable and that is my motivation!

When is it okay?

to sit on the floor and say enough?
I made it through another Tuesday.
I was able to get all the linens washed because we love clean sheet day here in Goosie and Boomer land ;). The kids love seeing which sheets they will be getting each week... they're funny like that!
The Mr. was off today so we picked up Goosie early from school and headed to the theater to see "Oceans." The movie was spectacular! Then, we headed to Red Lobster for dinner... where else would you eat after seeing all that ocean food??????
I could only order an appetizer and it was hard to choke down half of that wood fired shrimp bruschetta... still feeling sick and having gotten sick several times that morning.
Goosie did her homework while she waited for her dinner so we just had a bit to finish at home... heading home, I felt like my stomach was swirling and whirling.
Sure enough... we were in the door five minutes and I was sick, again.
This time it felt like a semi hit me sideways and a human torture device grabbed my back and gripped me into a painful twist.
Into bed I went, with my head on the nice cold pillow.
Then, the phone rings... it was my Mom. I had not heard from her and just had a gut feeling something was going on "back East" all day.
Sure enough............ (this one called for an extra long ellipses)
My Grandfather was taken to the hospital.
I am trying not to stress... looks like he is going to be there for a few days. Oh, the power of prayer needs to be in overdrive because my parents have been going through some VERY tough times lately.
I'm blowing you kisses, Granddad... I love you so much!

Hair today... gone tomorrow?

I did not cut my hair the entire time the Mr. was in Iraq.
Methotrexate has now taken two handfuls of hair.

I'm trying to decide if I should cut it into a sassy shape or continue to let it grow... decisions, decisions. I'm really glad our President isn't plagued with such quandries ;)

My Journey down this RA road... so far

I have to say that I would have weeks of not feeling well but they never really had a clear name or meaning. Now, they are called "flares" and last night was truly a time where I felt on fire. I am on "fire" because my hands and feet are swollen and truly red and pained. I am on "fire" because I get angry at the RA. I get angry at myself for saying that I need a break.
I am heading into my third week of the methotrexate and this week was actually worse with the side effects than the first week. I can tell you that I will not be eating bananas for a while... ugh. I seem to survive my mornings with crackers and ginger ale. I am not a soda drinker by any means but this is getting me through the horrible bouts of stomach cramps and vomitting.
I am still grateful for having the "answer". It's more like a name and attack plan.
I have an amazing husband, family and friends.
Sometimes all you need to hear is... Gee... that REALLY sucks!

My new Mondays...

As of a week ago Friday, I have been diagnosed with RA. It was a huge shock to us... I had seen a rheumatologist before vacation and he ordered 22 blood tests and 32 xrays. We can say that he was very thorough. I figured he would come back with the diagnosis of psoriatic or osteo arthritis. I had already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis years ago. Not the case. It is RA.

I have RA.

My Mondays now consists of 7 pills. One in particular... I take 3 pills of the same medicine and it isn't a nice one. I have to say that after one week, though... I am climbing stairs with a quickness. So, my new Mondays consist of spacing out the pills and my new Tuesdays consist of vomitting... well... the last one did. Let's home tomorrow is not the case! Because I'm ready to have a GREAT week!