Home Community Member Stories Mary A.

Mary A's Story

Mary_Anderson@mail.und.nodak.edu

Hello! My name is Mary. My husband calls me Bunny (hence the nickname). My many nieces & nephews call me "Auntie Me-Me."

I am 41 yrs. old and was diagnosed with RA when I was 10. At first the doctors were convinced that I had Rheumatic Fever. They stuck me in a wheelchair for a year and told me not to walk or I would damage my heart and legs. I can remember my pregnant mother caring me to the bathroom! Well, it's been a long 31 years since then, and I am happy to say I'm still here and fighting "arthur"!!!

When I was about 13 yrs. old, our insurance company said they would not cover my out-patient care at the Medical Rehab Center, unless I became an in-patient. Which makes absolutely no sense! Therefore, I became a live-in resident of the Rehab Hospital. The reason I mention this is because the effect had it had on my out look on life. I was beginning my teenage years and suddenly I was living with people from all ages with crippled bodies, people who were paralyzed from accidents, people who had strokes and children born with deformed bodies. This made me realize how lucky I was, even though I had RA, that things could have been worse. I knew that if they could overcome their disabilities, so could I.

Many time RA is a head game. The pain is always there, even if you mask it with pain pills! I have found one of the best things to help me is laughter.

I am current on Meth., folic acid, Celebrex, aspirin, cortisone injections & Ultram. I did have "gold" shots for about 8 yrs. Thank God that torture is over! HA! I have had knee surgery, that has left me with what my doctor calls a "gait" when I walk. I also had 6 surgeries on my right wrist. A synthetic wrist joint was suppose to last me 10 yrs., only lasted one. It is now fused in a permanent position. (It would be perfect for bowling! HA!) Unfortunately, I was unable to have children and had a complete hysterectomy at age 35. However, I do have an 18 yr. old step-daughter that calls me "mom".

A support system is one of the best things a person can have when fighting something like RA. My husband is my love and best friend and does his best tounderstand my bad days. My parents have been there for me since day one! I am also the oldest of 6 children and have many nieces and nephews. They have also done their best to be understanding and helpful.

I am happy to have found this site. It is such a relief to talk to others who can understand the daily pain and exhaustion that comes from dealing with RA.
Keep smiling everyone! :0)