Thursday, April 22, 2010

Whoa

I just realized that I have had RA for about 9 1/2 years.  That's almost a third of my life.  I know there are folks that have had it for much, much longer.  But, cripes, that's a long time to be in pain.  It's long enough for me to not remember very well how it feels to have a body that isn't RA-ridden.  I'm not feeling down in the dumps about it, or anything.  It was just a shock to realize just how much of my life I've had it.  Maybe that's a good thing?  The not remembering?  I mean, this is really and truly my life now.  I can't imagine waking up without some form of pain, or things being easy.  Even if they were to find a cure tomorrow, I would still have lasting pain and struggles because I have too much damage in too many joints (and too many future surgeries to even think about).  I guess it makes me feel kind of positive to recognize the RA, know that it will sometimes kick my butt, but to also know that I can deal with it.  Whatever it brings.

5 comments:

  1. Whoa Pony Girl!! 9 1/2 years is a long time, especially when you are only 31! I want to share a quote with you that my hubby posted on Facebook today:

    “Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” ~ Lance Armstrong

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  2. That is a long time, Pony...I can't quite comprehend it and what you've gone through. Kudos to you for holding your head up and finding humour and beauty in life. I admire you for that!

    :) L

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  3. Wowzie! That is a long time. It seems like I keep going in circles thinking I am handling it and then thinking maybe I am not. But, overall,lots of good things have come from my RA so I am appreciative of that.

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  4. I remember when you had trouble getting out of bed because your mattress was on the floor. I love knowing that this isn't a problem for you anymore!!

    Love you!

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  5. Thanks women! It's interesting (and a little empowering) to think back from where I had come at the tender age of 21. I know that I'm stronger for it. Wonderful quote, Jenn!

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