Home Community Member Stories Janette

Janette's Story

Eastepfam@aol.com

My name is Janette AKA mamabear--Rheumatoid Arthritis is still a mystery to me.

I was diagnosed in February 1999 after having surgery...thinking I was going to recover and be the "working mom" of four children...Brandon, Terron, Korrie, and Caleb.I had a big shock. Just when I thought I was going back to work, and being a MOM and a wife...my body quit working..

I had cancer eight years before and had come out shining--thought maybe--but no--all the tests that I had been taking all these years had said I was okay---My gosh--I help people with cancer!! It couldn't be happening again.

Here I was, 33 years old, and my body quits? I did this for a month...thinking I could get thru it--when my husband had to literally help carry me to the bathroom---I went to my first doctor who said--Everything tells me that you have Rheumatoid Arthritis.

He referred me, and wouldn't you know--I have it.

I will be honest, every day is a new stretch for me--I've always had in my mind I could beat anything---with my faith, my mind set , and friends and family----this time I am LIVING( not fighting it)the disease...whole new different world.

I have gone thru all emotions--one of which helped me find this site--and in the last 2 years felt the misunderstandings of others, and myself, and of family.

I now acknowledge my disease--and I do live with it. Yes I have bad times--and good ones too-I treasure them all--I hate the pain--I hate the tiredness--and the many things I have to go thru---but I AM HERE! And to me---I guess it's worth it!

(Everytime I look into my babies eyes---I remember that) So hence the name.

I do believe in one thing though--maybe right, maybe wrong, I don't remember anything that says I can't complain----as long as I'm walking through it--I will hold my head up high--(((SMILE))).

Good life & love