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!