Arthritis Insight-Member Stories-Yolanda

Yolanda's Story

fmeyers@mail.sirinet.net

Hi, my name is Yolanda am 41 and I' ve had RA for a little over 15 years. I have been working since I was 17 and currently work for the state of Ok for 12 years.I have had 5 reconstructive surgeries in my left hand ,bones replacement in my right feet and 2 month ago anterior back fusion, all these in the last 3 years.I may be having surgery for my right hand later this year also.How do I keep going ?my doctor asked me.Well, I tend to think about all those other people that are worst off then me,like terminal cancer patients whom they may never have a tomorrow unlike me.I garden,I love cooking, camping, reading helping poor patients get free medicine through the pharmaceutical cos..I love my family,my pets,I watch over my 86 year old neighbor , I love visiting developmentally disabled adults that are mentally retarded, I pray, I smile even when I hurt (by the way I take 2 darvocet, sometimes 2 lortab while I am at work,do weight lifting and I watch what I eat so I do not get overweight since I will feel more pain if I gain just 5 pds. IM 5'1(well couple of centimeters higher since they had to place my bak cages one higher then another do to my prior 2 back surgeries) .I

do not call myself disabled but I did had to admit to myself that this time I must slow down.We are selling our big house,but I will still garden in a smaller apt. I may have to quit my job, but I would still volunteer to help those worth off than me.I will make some changes but I will not let RA STOP my live

because I control my life, not this disease and I will keep on thanking God for giving me one more day in this world to enjoy my family and to do everything I love to do.My advise to my companions afflicted w/RA :DO NOT GIVE UP!!!!!