Better Times
In August my husband and I drove 6 hours to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. My rheumatologist, a man I have come to trust and rely on, recommended a consult for a meningioma near my optic nerve. It's possible that either chronic inflammation or immune suppressing drugs allowed this to form.
Mayo Clinic appointment changed RA perspective
We got in late so decided to have supper at our hotel. An elderly but elegant woman was seated alone next to our table. She asked if we might want to share her order of onion rings...well, yes and thank you...and we began to converse.
She had spent most of her life living in the upper west side of Manhattan but was now living in Florida. She visited Mayo once a year because doctors there had saved her life.
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View all responsesAt some point in our conversation, I mentioned that I have RA. She was quiet for a moment and said, "My mother had RA. It destroyed her." I said, "I am sorry for that." So sorry.
Back then steroids and aspirin were the only treatments available. My great grandmother had an autoimmune arthritis. My aunt thinks it was RA. Stories told by family are that she was completely crippled up. My mom, as a young girl, would brush her hair, button her clothes, and clean her house. My great grandma occasionally cried out with pain.
RA treatment options are better today
I am so grateful to live in better times. We have treatment options. Surgical options. Places like this for support. I take a moment every now and then to reflect on those who went before us when their choices were few and pain was surely constant. I can learn from their them and remember to be grateful.
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