The Timeline

I look back now and wish it was just a few short months ago when there was hardly a sign of my Rheumatoid Arthritis. Life was manageable just a couple of months ago, and now it's overwhelming.

I had my daughter, Haley, Sept. 2007. I didn't work out during the pregnancy because I felt like crap all the time, through the whole thing. It was the first time in my life where I neglected a lot of my healthy lifestyle. I want to mention this because I gave this as an excuse for the changes that were brewing in my body.

Feb. 2008: Went to see Doctor because my wrists and shoulder joints hurt after I did certain exercises at the gym. Dr reccommended me to specialist for possible overuse, frozen shoulder syndrome, etc. My insurance didn't cover that so I ignored the problem and compensated in the gym and everyday activities by not using those areas as much. I also convinced myself that these aches were because I had been out of the gym for so long- easy excuse. This went on for a while- I ignored how weak and sometimes painful my wrists and knees were when I played with Haley on the ground. Again, I blamed it on being overweight and underexercised from the pregnancy.

July 2009: One or two of my fingers seemed to swell up on and off. My feet sometimes are swollen and hurt too, but not more than a couple times a week. I make the excuse that it's lifting Haley more and she is getting heavier. Not sleeping well either, but for no reason, not because of pain.

August 2009: I had a massage and the therapist said I had swelling in all my fingers and toes, and one knee. She said to get it checked out. I still made excuses.

September 2009: The swelling and pain in a couple of areas doesn't go away anymore so I see my Dr. She does bloodwork and it comes back positive for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. I'm scared but she explains there are more tests. More tests are done and come back as high positive for RA. Lots of Advil until I see a Rheumatologist, which took a month!!!

Mid-September 2009: The pain and swelling went from bothersome to life changing, especially at night. When at rest, joints freeze up, swell up, and get painful when you try to move at all. Almost impossible to explain the night pain. I would cry trying with all my might to turn over in bed or just lift my head. It felt like being trapped in a coffin of pain- I didn't want to move. My Dr. gave me Vicodin to sleep- it works decently- I sleep so I can't complain. I saw a Naturopathic Dr and follow all guidelines suggested, but it's been 3 weeks and nothing!!!

October 2009: I finally see a Rheumatoligist and more tests confirmed I definitely have RA. It was a long appointment; x-rays, bloodwork, and vaccinations that mostly elderly and kids get because my immune system will be depressed from the meds I am starting.