Category Archives: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mar 21 2013
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Pamper/Beautify, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Day 178: If I were rich…

I would hire someone to wash and style my hair every day. This is something I proclaimed as youngin’ and, at 29 years of age, I have not changed my tune.

The only issue with this, aside from needing a huge disposable income, is that hair washing stations at salons are NOT comfortable. They have always hurt my neck. It is not totally affected by the arthritis but it is definitely sensitive when it comes to sleeping and lying positions. Sometimes I think if they would just install some kind of padding around the neck area of those hard sinks, it would be totally fine. However, I had a woman wash my hair today who was just so committed to making my head clean. She scrubbed, rinsed and massaged her way in to my heart making the slight pain and stiffness in my neck now totally worth it.

Mar 18 2013
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Fun for Couples, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Day 175: My Turn

When I first started writing this blog, I needed a lot of help just to complete every day tasks like getting in bed, dressing and generally getting around the city or even the condo. Now I am much better, but I still need help with things like opening jars or bottles, carrying grocery bags and taking Elphie out. The hubs does all this for me and more, so it’s a rare time when the hubs needs me to take care of him.

He cut his thumb this weekend and we had to go to urgent care. He is fine and did not need stitches but he did end up with steri-strips and in a splint. He was supposed to leave it alone until he could get in to see his doctor. But his bandage started getting uncomfortable and slipping.

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So I took care of him. And now it looks like this.

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I’m sad he cut himself (it was definitely scary when it happened) but it felt good to take care of him, especially since I know he is going to be just fine. It’s a small way to make up for all the times he has taken care of me.

Mar 17 2013
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Fitness, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Day 174: Water Workout

I promised I would try this last Sunday, but it didn’t work out. However I did go to class today and it was amazing. An hourlong class intimidated me, but I talked to the instructor beforehand and she reassured me that I could modify moves to a level of intensity that worked for me. I had an amazing time. I was able to do things in the pool that I cannot do otherwise–run, jump, lunges, etc. It was a kind of freedom I have not experienced in a long time and I will be back as much as possible.

Mar 14 2013
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Friends and Family, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Day 171: Sarah Day

At one point in college, there were six Sarahs in our theater department (Sarah Vi., Sarah Va., Sarah M., Sarah H., Sara H. and me, Sarah S.). While all of us identified with sharing our name, six seemed a little out-of-control. Today, I connected with two of the other five Sarahs (Sarah Va. who is now a Sarah H. and Sarah M.).

Sarah Va., now Sarah H., was my ceramic painting partner. She had the final product to give to me, so I picked her up from work and drove her to Union Station. We pulled over on Adams right by one of the entrances and chatted in the car for a bit, ignoring the honks from cabs driving around us.

Sarah M. and I talked on the phone. She lives in nyc and it has been literal years since we’ve seen each other or talked. Unfortunately (or fortunately), arthritis in its various forms, brought us back together. I’ve never had a friend my age with a similar health issue. Having someone to talk to who has actually experienced the same problems, challenges, and stresses feels really good. While I wish she did not have to go through it, I am glad we can talk about it and hope that she finds as much comfort in our shared experience as I do.

Thanks Sarahs!

 

Mar 13 2013
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Friends and Family, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Day 170: I’m in a good mood…

As I walked home from the bus stop, yes I took the bus today, I had this running monologue in my head. “I’m in a good mood because…” There’s a lot of good in my life right now, so I’ve got a list going:

I’m in a good mood because I slept in a little bit.

I’m in a good mood because I took the bus.

I’m in a good mood because I finally feel confident in my new job.

I’m in a good mood because it was still light out at 7pm.

I’m in a good mood because I met that baby.

I’m in a good mood because our trip is coming up so soon.

I’m in a good mood because the hubs had warm dinner waiting for me when I got home.

I’m in a good mood because summer is coming.

I’m in a good mood because I have great people in my life.

I’m in a good mood because I’m in a good mood!

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