I'm Not A Doctor, I Just Play One While On WEBMD.

Working in healthcare, I always tell my patients to stay away from the internet. Diagnosing oneself can lead to much anxiety.

I have followed a RA blogger for quite some time. Arthritis Ashley is well known in the RA and online world for her positive notes and resourceful links about health. She has recently written a new book, a memoir. Currently, I am more than half way done with it. It's a easy read, but with my fatigue it is taking longer than normal to finish a book. She shares about her diagnosis, symptoms, and getting through life with a autoimmune disease. While reading it today, I had a AH-HA moment. She was talking about her diagnosis of Chiari. I've heard her speak of this before online, but have never really known what it was. So, doing the patient thing, I googled it. The next thing I know, I'm emailing my doc asking for a MRI. My neurologist has never evaluated me for this and I have had many of the symptoms for years. Just last week, I was at a PT appointment and they asked me to stand on my tip toes. I nearly fell over. I have zero balance. My headaches are almost a daily occurrence, and the neck pain at the back of my head feels like I can't move my head left to right. And, lets not talk about the fatigue. I fall asleep driving home at 4 in the afternoon. What the heck?! Although, we never want a serious diagnosis, we always strive for answers. Something that makes sense. If I have this disease, then the symptoms would feel like they fit.

Pain Ranting

These headaches lately are so draining. Everytime I get a migraine, it takes at least 2-3 days for it to slowly go away.

On top of my nearly constant headaches, it rained this week and we had some temperature changes. That makes me achy. My entire body is achy. You would think I would be a pro at this RA thing. I've had RA nearly my entire life, yet I never know what to do. I stopped contacting my rheumy when I'm in pain. I don't want to keep adding more pills.

It's just frustrating. Everyone wants to be their best, to feel well. I really want to start a pilates class. How do I do that when I'm falling asleep driving home from work. And, my hands hurt so bad to hold the steering wheel.

I wish there was a local support group for people with RA. The online groups are starting to get really depressing.

Fun Has It's Price

Last weekend I went to a "Heart and Stroke ball" put on by the American Heart Association. I was invited because I work in heart transplant. It's amazing to hear peoples stories and how far they have come because of research. Technology has changed so much over the years. It was amazing to hear how much money they raised, it  truly is a great cause.

 I was excited to have been invited because of my field of work, but also because it was a "ball" and I got to dress up. The couple weeks leading up to it was difficult, finding the extra energy to shop for a ball gown and shoes. Getting nails done, hair done. Yes, it was all for a fun night, but it later took its toll on me. The night itself was good, I felt well. Having not worn heels in so long because of my RA, I didn't think about how much this would hurt my feet. There was a lot of standing. Luckily, I was smart enough to valet my car at the event and not park in the parking garage a few blocks away. Sometimes, the extra price is totally worth it.

I rested the next day, but ended up getting a migraine that lasted for 4 days. I had to call in sick to work on Monday because I was so nauseous. People don't realize how much a migraine takes out of you. It knocks my body down. I can't focus, I can't eat, it is completely debilitating. I really think it's because I was pushing my body so much to get so many things done just for one night of fun. One night of "normalcy".

RA Drains Me

I was waiting until this morning to decide if I would stay home from work or not. My body decided for me. I have zero energy, my head is killing me and I just feel achy all over. I've slept all day, yet I still can't get out of bed. I did manage to get up to brush my teeth and get some caffeine.

It's funny, we have a little chihuahua. She's a quiet little dog, but I feel like she always senses when I don't feel good because she'll come and lay with me. I guess animals are just smart.

Tomorrow is my busy day at work. Every Wednesday, we see patients all day long. I'm on my feet all day. I look forward to it because I love my patients. Right now, I have no idea how that's going to happen. I don't even have the energy to drive to work.

RA update

It was absolutely amazing to take time off work. I went with the family to Hawaii. I'm in love with their weather AND beach! It was so nice to take time off work and just relax. Even though I was able to relax mentally, I wasn't physically...but that's ok! We walked a lot and saw a lot. I loved being somewhere that had stable temperatures. Their high and low only vary by around 10 degrees!



I realized something while I was on vacation. NO headaches. It has to be caused from stressed. I was completely relaxed AND even slept in. I suppose this is good news, but I'm still going to keep my neuro appointment.



Last week I started physical therapy for my knees. I do NOT want knee replacements in my 30's if I can help it. It turns out, my hips are really weak. I could kick myself for pushing for physical therapy after my hip surgery. The doctor didn't recommend it, so I didn't push for it. They are recommending to completely stay away from the treadmill and running/jogging all together. It gets me so discouraged. I was just starting to get the energy for jogging and started working on my endurance. I drop weight so fast when I run. I know its for the best, my knees kill me after the treadmill. Maybe the bike and I will learn how to be friends.


I think I'm pretty good at controlling my pain. I get "achy", but rarely is it unbareable. I get a massage every week to 2 weeks. I try to get to acupuncture at least once every few weeks. I'm thinking about throwing chiropratic care in there. Not sure if I'll get anything out of it, but I suppose it's worth a try.