I just recently started to feel like my new medication is working. It's kind of shocking. My pain level is so much more tolerable. I still have pain, but I can make it all day without taking extra meds. My swelling is also getting better. I still swell when I overdo it, but for the... Continue Reading →
Oh the places we will go…
I've not taken a proper vacation since my dog was diagnosed with diabetes. I refused to leave her for over two years until this past September, when I traveled to Washington DC for 2 nights for a patient advocacy trip. I admit that I was a wreck until I had her back in my arms.... Continue Reading →
A senseless goodbye…
I lost someone I love to drug addiction. It started with an addiction to prescription pain meds. He injured his ankle years ago and struggled with the pain. I figured out he was an addict after I had surgery to repair my broken ankle. He asked me what medication I was given and I told... Continue Reading →
I have what???
****I'm updating the story: I started with symptoms on a Tuesday. Wednesday spiked a fever. By Saturday, my fever was 102 and I broke down to see a doctor. I woke up early Sunday morning to take care of Georgia's insulin and meds. Ate some toast and went back to bed to rest. Woke up... Continue Reading →
Inflammation motivation…
I recently read an article called: "Chronic inflammation removes motivation by reducing dopamine in the brain." Reading the article was one of those "OMG this is me!!!" moments. For the past few years, I just could not figure out where my motivation went. Granted, I'm exhausted and in pain....but I have ZERO motivation for things... Continue Reading →
With a hope and a flare….
This past week, I've been dealing with one of the worst flare ups of my disease in years. I say the word "disease" because honestly, no one seems to know for sure what I have. Sometimes I'm told I have rheumatoid arthritis. Other times, I'm told I have psoriatic arthritis or spondyloarthopathy. All I know....is... Continue Reading →
Sorry for smiling….
Recently, social media has been buzzing with the warning that the government will soon be using social media tracking to crack down on disability fraud. I wouldn't say this is surprising. People have been spying on the disabled for years. Growing up, I always heard how people "faked disability" to milk the system. My family... Continue Reading →
Who knows best…
Insurance is a blessing and a curse in my life. I'm grateful to have coverage, but so frustrated a the antiquated system of step therapy that they industry still holds valid. I've written before about suffering for 7 years before finding a biologic drug that made me feel somewhat human again. Why? Because I had... Continue Reading →
A little bit more…
I may have become cocky and over confident in my ability to tolerate pain. On an average day, my fingers, elbows, shoulders, hips, lower back, knees, ankles and feet hurt. A lot. Each day starts out with almost all my joints revolting when I try to stand up in the morning. It eases up... Continue Reading →
My funny Valentine…
I am often asked about my #spooniedog, Georgia Grace. She is still my feisty, stubborn, and adorable sidekick. On days when I hurt, she has been very protective. This is a change since my cat Lola passed. Georgia was always the "world's worst nurse" but has slowly become my greatest comfort as I've been battling... Continue Reading →