Tomorrow is the 2 year anniversary of my RA diagnosis. It was roughly 2 years ago that I was presenting at a session in Florida of college educators of the deaf about my research review of children with cochlear implants diagnosed with disabilities. I didnt know I had RA until after the conference. I presented using crutches and used a wheelchair for travel for the first time. The future was to include completing my PhD and working as a professor at a university. I completed two years of the program and had to withdraw. It is remarkable how much life can change. Contracting a progressive, chronic illness with no certain cure is quite the teacher. Im always VERY grateful for that time in my life and for working as a research assistant for my advisor and mentor. Part of our research was investigating what makes children resilient who face significant obstacles. Ive been able to apply a lot of this information to stay mentally and emotionally healthy as my physical body changes. There have been changes in almost every area of my life. I have to say that RA is one of the most misunderstood diseases of our time. In the more severe form- it is similar to muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis as it is a systemic disease. The autoimmune system malfunctions creating symptoms throughout the body – the disease is not isolated to joints. The treatments are types of chemotherapy that have a very low rate of effectiveness if they can be tolerated (you dont see this in the TV ads). RA is still disabling for a large percentage of those who contract it. Mortality is usually due to cardiovascular disease from chronic inflammation, infections, or side effects of medications leading to fun things like lymphoma. Heres the most reader friendly, comprehensive website Ive found: rheumatoidarthritis.net/symptoms/ Some people think that those who contract diseases and are upfront about sharing are doing so for attention or sympathy. This claim isn’t anymore valid than saying someone who posts about their latest joys or sorrows is doing so for attention or sympathy. Living with a chronic illness is one aspect of life – no more no less. I think there is value in sharing and caring for one another with whatever details are present.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 02:35:05 +0000
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