I work with developementally disabled adults and manage many programs.
I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis when I was 26 yrs. old. My fingers are deformed looking, my feet were so bad a few years ago, that I had surgery to remove ALL of the joints in my feet and fuse all of my toes. My big toes have metal plates with 7 screws holding them to the bones.
I work hard every day, take care of my house, kids and every thing else that comes my way. I am constantly tired and sore and always in pain of some sort.
I have many friends. I am true to my friends and clients, but, if anyone steps in the way of either, I am more than willing to be your enemy to stand up for others rights.
I made a list a few years ago of things I wanted to do before I get too old or unable to do them.
Check out my "to do list" to see some of the cool things I have done in the last few years and the things I have yet to do in the coming years.
Rheumatoid constantly eats at the joints in your body and must be controlled with meds. I had taken methotrexate for many years and suddenly developed an allergy to it and had to switch to Embryl, which cost $1200.00 per month. Thank god for good health insurance.
Rheumatoid arthritis (rue-ma-TOYD arth-write-tis) is a chronic disease, mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. It can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progresses in three stages. The first stage is the swelling of the synovial lining, causing pain, warmth, stiffness, redness and swelling around the joint. Second is the rapid division and growth of cells, or pannus, which causes the synovium to thicken. In the third stage, the inflamed cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage, often causing the involved joint to lose its shape and alignment, more pain, and loss of movement. Because it is a chronic disease, RA continues indefinitely and may not go away. Frequent flares in disease activity can occur. RA is a systemic disease, which means it can affect other organs in the body. Early diagnosis and treatment of RA is critical if you want to continue living a productive lifestyle. Studies have shown that early aggressive treatment of RA can limit joint damage, which in turn limits loss of movement, decreased ability to work, higher medical costs and potential surgery. RA affects 1 percent of the U.S. population or 2.1 million Americans. Currently, the cause of RA is unknown, although there are several theories. And while there is no cure, it is easier than ever to control RA through the use of new drugs, exercise, joint protection techniques and self-management techniques. While there is no good time to have rheumatoid arthritis, advancements in research and drug development mean that more people with RA are living happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.