Home Community Member Stories Amanda

Amanda's Story

wwch@bigpond.com

G'day my name is Amanda Mason, most of you all know me and my story, but
with the discussions I thought I would perg myself once again.

I'm 30 years old and have had seropositive RA for 25 years, but I have only
been on meds for 10 years as the doctors decided that most of it was in my
head and treatment wasn't required. We had alot tell my parents that it was
growing pains or maybe I should see a shrink. By the time the treatment did
start it was to late to do much in regressing the disease and the only
option was to try and minimize the amount of joint and bone damage before
it got to severe, unfortunately that didn't happen.

I have had numerous body organs affected including the oh so wonderful
pericarditis, what a treat that has been, and left side kidney failure, but
both are doing quite well now. Bone density has dropped fairly low and I
have started to dislocate joints more and more often.

To make life a bit more of a challenge I have seropositive SLE which I have
had from birth so what ever the RA doesn't get the Lupus does....never
ending cycle !

But aside from the days of depression, aggravation, crying lags,
helplessness, and annoying constant never ending pain ( usually all on the
same day) I still hope and believe that I have a positive outlook on life
and always love a good giggle, when I'm really down and out, I come join my
mates get it out of the system, ask for advice, maybe give a bit, and leave
the room with best wishes, support and above all love, so this is to you
all, my many friends, confidants, and huggers the worlds biggest HUG I
thank you all

Luv Amanda