What did RA take from you? Take a Read, Comment on the Blog to show your Support and Share if you can Relate.
Blessings all, my name is Cassia. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis two months after giving birth to my beautiful son. I felt great and was filled with a ton of joy, life couldn’t get any better. Until one night I felt an unbearable pain shoot through my hands. It was extremely challenging to move my wrist and fingers, therefore making it difficult for me to lift my son.
It’s the most confusing and conflicting feeling to explain. I look well on the outside, besides a noticeable limp, so everyone assumes that I am fine. I am physically in excruciating pain everyday, all day. It feels as if I am rusting from the inside out. Having RA not only affects my joints/muscles, along with many other organ complications, it also brings on a ton of guilt, uncertainty, sadness and a sense of loneliness. My husband gets the brunt of it all, he sees what I have to endure on an everyday basis, and how rough it can be when I am having a flare up while handling a very energetic infant who likes to kick my bad joints during changing time. He is extremely supportive, caring and nurturing to my needs. The creator looked out for me when he blessed me with him.
Having RA, I’ve acquired a ton of insecurities I would not have normally had. For example, I don’t like to stray too far from my home with the little guy without having someone with me. I told myself when my son is old enough to participate in activities outside, I will bear and grin through the pain, and enjoy those moments, create memories. I struggle to lift, walk, and stand if I had been sitting for a while.
People think I’m kidding because I’m 28 years old, with a baby face, but Rheumatoid has no age preference, it can strike at anytime.
My son and husband, along with family and friends keep my spirits lifted. Every day I find ways to make me happy through these trying times, I often find myself crying in the shower. I tell myself I’m going to be ok, and that I am too blessed to be stressed. I’m hoping my new medication and healthy lifestyle help to achieve my goals. Until then, I’ll count my blessings, and keep smiling.
