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Indy Ron
Ron's Story
IndyRon@hotmail.com
When I started thinking about writing this presentation, I thought about the best way to go about
it. It would be very easy to just list the types of arthritis that affect me and talk about the
medicines that I have tried and failed. It would be easy to whine about how much pain I go
through. Then I thought about it...I would really be telling you nothing new. You all already know about the types of arthritis, the medicines and the pain. You also know about the lack of
understanding and cruelty that can come from those not afflicted with the disease. It is very
difficult for some people who do not live with the daily pain and suffering that many of us do to
understand.
Instead, I chose to talk about how this disease has really affected me. I am a relative newcomer
to the arthritis family. I have been diagnosed with RA for less than 3 years, with osteoarthritis
for about 5 years. The arthritis has attached itself to almost every joint in my body. This
includes both the lumbar and cervical spine, the shoulder and carpal tunnel in both wrists. But,
so far, I have been one of the lucky ones. The only symptoms I have had is the pain. I am
fortunate that I have not had the swelling and deformation than many of you have faced.
I have tried almost all of the medicines available, NSAIDS and DMARDS. To date none of
them have helped a lot. After three years I am still in pain. I have had 2 back surgeries related to
the arthritis in the lumbar area. The last one left me with a lot of numbness in my left leg and an
inability to make my left foot do what I want it too. I am working every day to strengthen this
and hopefully reduce this "limp." But again I am one of the lucky ones. I am still walking. I
grant that it is with a limp and most of the time with a cane, but I am able to get around.
With this background, lets talk about the positive aspects. First, I have discovered that there is
a group of people who do understand and who do care. They have been there for me time and
time again when I was ready to just give up. I have made friendships that will last the rest of my
life. The arthritis has made me realize that each day is precious. That each minute that I spend
playing with my kids or visiting with my friends is very special. I have found a very special
community here online that has helped me make it through some rough times. And we have
actually had a lot of fun doing it.
I have found that my best weapon against Arthritis in its many forms is to be educated about it.
On many occasions I have led the discussion with my Rheumatologist and made and had
accepted my suggestions. I have found that the more prepared I am and the more knowledge I
carry with me the more respect I get from the physicians. They seem to appreciate someone
who takes an interest in themselves.
While it is true, that I can no longer do some of the things that I used to really enjoy doing like
biking and hiking, I have found that there are many things out there to take their place. I have
found that my kids don't really care if I can throw the ball straight and hard, just as long as I toss
it with them when I can. They don't care that I cant walk for miles through the woods. They are
satisfied to slowly walk around the block with me, and if they see me tiring, hold my hand to
help me make it back. They don't care that I can't ride my bike for miles with them, as long as I
will spend time watching them and encouraging their efforts. They don't care that because of my
back I can't lift them, they only care that I will sit down and let them climb into my lap for a rock
or a hug. They finally are beginning to understand that this is the same dad that they have
always had but with some little inconveniences. They go out of their way to help, I get very
special handmade get well cards. On their lists to Santa, the top item was "help my daddy get
well." What more could you ask for.
I will grant that arthritis and its related inconveniences and pains are harsh, but with just a little
effort, and a little looking, you can find many bright sides too. Find friends or family that
understands. This may be in person or on line. There are many who have been through the
same things that you have or are going through. They will be there with an encouraging word or
maybe that "hug" you need to make it through.
Finally, I encourage you to educate yourself. The best medicines that you have in fighting
arthritis are education, laughter and friendships. Use them all.
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