RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?!?! Q&A

WHAT IS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?

Rheumatoid Arthritis- An inflammatory disease cause by an auto-immune response ( your immune system trying to fight off infection, but attacking your body instead) , effecting first the lining of the joints as well as other parts of your body such as your eyes and internal organs. Eventually, RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) if not treated or if treatments do not work, will cause permanent damage to the joints and internal organs.

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HOW WAS I DIAGNOSED?

Many people have asked me how I was diagnosed, and the story is a little complicated. While serving a full time LDS mission in Spokane Washington, I had Chronic Tonsillitis, and reoccurring Strep throat. The mission nurse thought I was faking my illness until I couldn't breathe or talk because of the swelling of my tonsils. I had surgery out in the mission field, and started feeling the Symptoms of RA immediately after. RA has been linked to both Strep Throat and a traumatic health experience such as Surgery or Child birth.

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"YOU DON'T LOOK SICK! YOU LOOK GREAT! ARE YOU SURE YOUR SICK?"

Im often asked how RA effects the daily aspects of my life. RA comes and goes like waves, always there but increasing and decreasing in intensity. I'll be fine-ish one day, and then the next it will take me 3-4 hours to get out of bed and get ready for the day. Simple things like getting into the car, putting an elastic in your hair, opening doors, standing or sitting become incredibly difficult.

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HOW IS IT TREATED?

Depending on the severity, different treatments and medications are used to stop the progression of the disease. For someone like me with Moderate to severe RA, a shot or infusion of a biologic ( a medication that alters the bio-chemistry of your body) is used along with physical therapies and at home care. Types of biologic drugs include vaccines, blood, blood components, cells, allergens, genes, tissues, and recombinant proteins. The process to get on a biologic takes months to even years to begin. Most insurance companies make you try different medications such as low dose Chemotherapy and steroids before starting a biologic medication. Heres a video of my sweet husband giving me my shot!

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HOW CAN I HELP?

• Your love and support means so much! If I cancel plans with you because I'm sick, don't be offended I really am sick.

• WASH YOUR HANDS, COVER YOUR MOUTH, AND STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK. Because of the medications and treatments we receive, if you are sick and come near us or cough on your hands and then touch a door knob..... WE WILL 99% of the time catch it. The difference for you and me is... Ill be sick for weeks or months while having more intense RA symptoms and you'll be fine by the end of the week.

• Volunteer to open the peanut butter jar.

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IM HERE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS; ACHY BREAKY BONES AND ALL.