Putting Life into Perspective
There are times that I get wrapped up in my own health issues and life stresses; this past week was a perfect example. I have been in tremendous pain due to my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). One thing about pain, is it wears a person out, not only physically but also mentally. I was at my wit's end and exhausted. Wednesday, was my monthly Remicade treatment and I planned on asking my doctor for stronger pain medication; which I haven't done in the seven years that I've had RA. My doctor wasn't in; he'd just left for two weeks and another doctor was filling in for the exam portion of the treatment. I explained to her what was going on then asked for the stronger pain meds. I do not want to get addicted so I am careful about taking them - even the darvocet (which compared to some pain medications is like Tylenol). She wouldn't give me any; not even a two day supply of percocet (I didn't want anything stronger) until the Remicade kicked in and I got some relief. She said I needed to be evaluated by a physical therapist. OK, fine. When I saw what was written on her orders, then looked it up on the internet, I wondered what on earth this woman was thinking. She wanted an eval for a muscular problem that athletes get. Hmmm, yes, this sounds like me! So, I humored her. I found a therapist close to home and made an appt for 7:30 this morning, however, I decided I would do what I needed to to get out of pain; if the PT could do anything.
I'm getting ahead of myself though; I didn't intend this post to be a whine-fest. Wednesday afternoon when I was feeling rotten, tears kept filling my eyes, I got a phone call from my dear friend, Vickie. I was so relieved to hear her voice; she always calls me when I'm having a pity party. I filled her in a little about me but I knew something was wrong but I hadn't read her blog yet. Her sweet mother-in-law was hospitalized for the second time in May and immediately put in ICU. She was supposed to have surgery yesterday but the doctors cancelled it at the last minute. My heart sank; as I listened to all her MIL was going through - as well as what Vickie was dealing with, I wondered why on earth I was whining about my pain when there are so many others fighting for their lives. I needed the wake-up call.
I apologized to Vickie for going on about my problems but she wouldn't hear of it. What she did say was, "Let's have our pity parties together; they're more fun that way." Although we were both exhausted and heart broken, we managed to have some laughs about life.
I realize that what we go through as individuals shouldn't be minimized as not important but should be put in perspective. I see my dad fight every day to get back some normalcy and to do some of what he used to do but will most likely never be able to do again. He makes jokes about taking off for a joy ride in the car since he can't drive any more.
There are so many amazing people who deal with cancer that don't know how much longer they will have on earth and they battle the side effects of the medications. Monica's ex-MIL is in stage 4 of cancer now and there are several friends in the blogging community that fight with all they have. I admire them for their strength and incredible attitude.
Consider me put back in my place. I do have a lot to deal with, however, I know how blessed I am to do as well as I am doing. Please keep these fine people in your thoughts and/or prayers. They need all the good energy and comfort they can get.
Back to this morning, the PT appt went well; I liked the therapist, C, right away. She was thorough in her examination and explanations. She actually listened, actually better than the doctor who referred me. I don't have the sports injury... but are you ready for this? I have RA! I giggled when C told me... "Imagine that!" Another part of the diagnosis is that my hip muscle is retracting/shrinking. I've been in so much pain, I haven't been able to do my stretching exercises. She gave me some heat therapy along with ultrasonic pulses and some ultrasound therapy. I asked if I could have the machines in a portable form. I definitely felt a difference. She also showed me some better stretching exercises to do that I managed to do OK. I will need to go a couple of times a week for a while. I get to have aquatic therapy and some other things she wants to try.
I almost found myself thinking, how on earth am I going to fit two more things in a week with my schedule? Then I remembered, at least I have hope of easing some of my pain while others do not. Two hours a week - I'm worth it.
On a side note, my lovely three week break from school is over already; classes start again on Monday and this weekend my textbook reading will start. OK, I just had another thought... quit whining - at least you are able to go to school. It appears I have my very own mother installed in my head ;-)
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Karen
in Family, Quizes, Support Request, Friends, Health
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20 Comments
Reader Comments (20)
Ouch! Glad to see a somewhat happy ending to that sotry in as much as you got some relief. Some nice messages in that post, Karen. Thoughts for those struggling through momentous battles, to be aware of and thankful for every blessing, and also the fact pain hurts regardless of whether someone else is in greater pain in other words sometimes I think we can focus a little too much on the ways in which we are fortunate, where we should allow ourselves the luxury when that's what we need of letting self-pity reign for a spell. Not that you did that, at all. Your post was positive and inspiring.
Hope you have a great weekend. :-)
You are so right, sometimes you feel you are the only one on the earth that is having a problem. But when you look around so many others are experiencing other problems. This was very inspiring. I am glad that PT helped and that you are going to take two hours for YOU. My prayers to you, Vickie and Monica.
Have a great weekend.
*HUUUUUGS*
I have always said it takes a friend to be a friend---that is all I ever do with and for you---it has never failed---and you have never let me down---
Take care and hope you have a great weekend---
Sorry to hear about your problems; I know people with RA, and I have a bit of understanding of what you are going through. Hope the doctors can get it together and help you with it. Good luck with the coming semester.
RA is no fun to live with, I have it in my ankles, my hands and my knees. I am not at the point where you are, so I just plod along and try my best to ignore it. LOL, not so easy sometimes.
I hope the pain eases up for you soon.
*HUGS*
Have a great weekend and I hope the therepy works well.
I'm so sorry you've been feeling so bad. Hopefully things will get better soon. *HUGS* Thinking of you!
It sure sounds like you've learned to focus on those things which nourish your spirit! Hooking-up with a good physical therapist was a real plus, too. Have a good weekend.
I'm sorry to hear you've been going through such a bad time, Karen. I hope the new exercises help get you back on the right track.
Hi Karen, problems shared are often problems halved ya know, hope that works for you.
Hi Dear Karen ~~ Sorry you have had so much pain with th RA
Nice of the Therapist to inform you of that, but if she can help we will forgive her. It is so nice of you to think of others, when you are feeling down yourself. You are a very
special lady Karen. Take care, Love, Merle.
The pain of RA can be so debilitating and I'm glad the therapist was able to give you some relief. Make sure you follow through with the two hours a week.
Take care and enjoy your weekend.
I can totally relate to this, I have Crohn's, spondylo arthritis, peripheral arthris, RA and a few other things. All because of the Crohn's and there are days where I just curl up in misery. But, you are right, keeping it in perspective is a good thing, But, do remember, never, ever, ignore your symptoms because you are afraid you might be perceived as whiny. Always take care of yourself first, because if you don't, you won't be able to take care of any body else. And....I'm off my soapbox now, sorry, do that from time to time. I think it's the lack of fiber in my diet.
I can so relate to being in pain every day. You're so right in that pain really drains you. I hope the exercises help you. Feel better soon! Hugs!
It is most certainly our right to whine, especially if we are in pain or frustrated. It is a great release mechanism. I'm delighted that the therapy helped--now you need the meds for your RA!
Pain is NO fun..We are paying these people to take care of
at least that part of it if nothing else..Even if they are
not able to cure things at least manage the dern pain. See
my Friday post..Huge hugssssssss I hope you get whatever medication you need to carry you through because when you need relief you need it..sorry I am just really mad about that...because it is the one thing they CAN do something about and should...
I am going to be away again. Even when I am gone you are never far away in my thoughts. I miss you.
I hope to be back soon. Thank you for your support I can’t express how much it has meant to me.
Huggles and Love
Raggedy
It's good to moan at times, especially when you've got somebody to moan with! By telling your pains to Vickie you probably helped her take her mind off things for a moment. I'm glad you've got some help with your pain at the moment though. *Fingers crossed it does the job*. Take care and I hope you're having a good weekend!
I did not realize how much pain you are in. I am sorry. I am glad that you did find someone to listen. The sad thing about medicine is hearing and listening to the patient. I hope that I still have that power and ability to do after my graduation.
Good luck with school and take care of you. You ARE worth it.
Hi.
I'm sorry to hear you've been in such pain. I will pray that the PT works and helps! Take care.
Love,
Tina
I don't know the pain of rheumatoid arthritis (sp? on either) but I do know chronic pain. Good and bad days go widdit. But life throws worse curves. You put things in a good perspective.