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in Lifestyle· Rheumatoid Arthritis

My Rheumatoid Arthritis Story: Nine-Years Later

Since I often share recommendations and tutorials, naturally my posts may contain affiliate links to the products I use and love. If you take action (make a purchase, for example) after clicking one of these links, I will earn a little coffee money, which I promise to drink while creating more helpful content for you.

Early Symptoms

My rheumatoid arthritis story started In January 2012. I woke up one morning, stepped out of bed, and could not put weight on my foot; it felt broken. I took some time wiggling it and flexing until I could walk but I was in serious pain. When it went away the next day, I shrugged it off as a shoe issue. 

photo by imani-bahati

I used to love cute heels and didn’t mind sacrificing function for fashion. But when I started running a fever with no cause and the pain kept moving through my body, alternating sides and locations, I knew it wasn’t my shoes. I set up an appointment with my prime care physician not knowing my world was about to change.

The Diagnosis

After discussing my symptoms and a thorough examination, my doctor said, “This could be as simple as a vitamin B12 deficiency, or as complicated as rheumatoid arthritis. But whatever it is, we are going to figure it out as soon as possible.”

After many vials of blood, which revealed a very high positive RH factor and off the chart anti-CCP levels, and a series of X-rays that revealed the joint damage had already begun, I received a life-changing diagnosis: rheumatoid arthritis. I was 40 years old and my daughter, an only child, was only four.

2012

My RA is considered severe and aggressive so thankfully, my doctor took an aggressive approach as well. I was put on biologics immediately and started feeling better relatively quickly but I wanted to do as much as possible to stay well and active.

Managing my Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity

I did my research and realized I could help make living well with this disease possible by making several lifestyle changes: adapting a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet, limiting my exposure to environmental toxins, trying to sleep more, and do my best to minimize stress as much as possible. Stress is my biggest flare-inducer.

See also  Insomnia: 5 Natural Ways to Fall Asleep Tonight

My Mindset Change

While I was very angry and bitter when first diagnosed, I am now grateful for the healthy changes it prompted in our lives. We are all benefiting, and I feel a little more in control of what can be such an unpredictable disease. It is pretty well-managed most of the time.

Nine years later. . .

my rheumatoid arthritis story- woman stretching

I did leave my full-time teaching job this year because the stress was provoking too many flares and my quality of life was suffering: I was so tired and sick all the time that it seemed every part of my life was focused on just surviving my job. Nothing was left for my family at the end of the day. Thankfully, I do have another income stream and am able to work my business from home, so I am very grateful I started it two years ago. It is allowing me to thrive again. 

My daughter is my “why” for everything and the reason I want to stay healthy and thrive. She says I am her hero. I know she looks to me as a model for how to navigate life- challenges and all, so I take care of myself, set boundaries, and stay as positive as possible, but I do not hide my disease. 

My Advice to Fellow Rheumatoid Arthritis Warriors

Help people understand rather than hide your pain. Advocate for yourself and do not feel guilty when you need to take time for yourself or need help. Take care of yourself by eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and moving as much as you are able. If you do, it is possible to only survive, but thrive. 

See also  My Autoimmune Diet: How I Manage My RA Symptoms with Food

Cheers!

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Rheumatoid Arthritis

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I believe one should never underestimate the power of a good cup of coffee or the perfect glass of wine and that non-toxic living is the key to aging healthfully and beautifully. Read More…

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😱Every time I post this before photo people can 😱Every time I post this before photo people can’t believe it’s me- and I get it. 😂

🏥I had just been diagnosed with RA  and was making huge changes to my lifestyle as part of my treatment plan, which included ditching the dye in an effort to clean up my routine to limit toxin exposure. 🫧🌱

✂️I decided cutting it off would be a good way to start the process. I sure wish Instagram had been around back then. I definitely would have done a few things differently, but I have zero regrets. 

🌪️For anyone looking to embrace your gray/ grey (both are correct, by the way)- go for it. 💪🏻

I am here for you every step of the way.

Check my bio link @gray.is.gorgeous for hair help (and more). 

#rheumatoidarthritis #rheumatoidarthritiswarrior #grayisgorgeous #goinggrayonpurpose #ditchthedye #nontoxicliving #antiinflammatorylifestyle #silversisters #grayhairtransition #beforeandafterhair #grayhairdontcare #grayhairbeforeandafter #ditchthetoxins #nontoxicbeauty
❓I know there are many questions and misconcepti ❓I know there are many questions and misconceptions surrounding Biosimilar medications, so I am very grateful to @mediqcme for the opportunity to learn and share about this important topic as a patient advocate for rheumatoid arthritis. I will share more in my stories tomorrow and Friday. 

➡️Please see my stories today for a link to a quick survey over biosimilar medications. You could win a $100 gift card! 

Thanks @mediqcme 
Supported  by Pfizer Inc. 

#mediqcme #biosimilar #autoimmunity 
#rheumatoidarthritis #biosimilars
🎉Aging is a privilege and definitely worth cele 🎉Aging is a privilege and definitely worth celebrating. 

❓Where are my 1940’s, 50s, 60s, and 70s sisters? 

➡️Comment your birth year below and let’s celebrate aging (like fine wine). 🍷❤️

🌪️🌪️Sister sisters: Recreate this reel or post a pic with your date. Use the hashtag #silversistersborninthe40s50s60s70s (thank you @michelles_stellar_stories for the suggestion. 

🏷️Be sure to tag me and I’ll share it! 

#Proage #1972 #celebrateaging #embraceyourage #agingisliving #agingisaprivilege #silversisters #embracethegrey #grayhairmovement #grayhairdontcare #over50andfabulous
⬆️It’s all about the lift! ⭐️Placing c ⬆️It’s all about the lift! 

⭐️Placing color higher on the cheekbones creates visual lift for your lovely face. 

🥰Cream blushes are my go-to choice because they are easy to apply, easy to correct if I apply too much, can double as lid and lip color, last longer than powder, and are hydrating (won’t dry me out or settle into fine lines. 

➡️You can find it by clicking the clean beauty link in my bio @gray.is.gorgeous, in my highlights, or I am happy to send a direct link via DM anytime. 

#creamblush #nontoxicbeauty #over40beauty #makeupreel #makeuptipsandtricks #creamblush #over50beauty #easymakeuptutorial #makeupfacelift
Thanks for the question, @samoyed_1 🥰 I am oft Thanks for the question, @samoyed_1 🥰

I am often asked about my hair, so I put together a list of products I use (it is separated by curls versus gray). 

➡️I will link to it in my stories today, add it to my hair highlights, and I am always happy to DM links as well.

Enjoy! And reach out anytime with questions! 

#nontoxichairproducts #curlcurl #curlygirls #curlygreyhair #curlybob #curlyhairproducts
💄I haven’t shared a makeup reel in a while (t 💄I haven’t shared a makeup reel in a while (this is a repost with new audio because the audio was removed from the original) but I’m still using the the same clean products and five minute routine. 

➡️Check my stories and clean beauty link in my bio @gray.is.gorgeous and clean makeup highlights for more info and exciting deals happening now. 

#over50makeup #quickmakeup #cleanbeautyproducts #beautyshouldbegoodforyou #lowtoxlifestyle #nontoxicmakeup #sustainablebeauty #crueltyfreebeautyproducts #over40beauty #autoimmunebeauty
📞30 minutes this time. This is especially bad b 📞30 minutes this time. This is especially bad because I hate talking on the phone and the added time increases the anxiety.🤣

😭I am still without meds though (my doctor called them in on Feb 13th), so I have no choice. This is what happens every time our insurance changes. 
😡If I haven’t mentioned this lately- #rasucks 

#rheumatoidarthritis #rheumatoidarthritiswarrior #spoonielife #onhold #introvertproblems #waitingwaitingwaiting #chronicillnesshumor
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