Beginning, Middle, and Moving Forward: A Personal Journey

I was in the USAF and kept getting migraine headaches; my neck hurt every time I moved it. The military said, "You just don't want to work." I was made to feel like I was lazy. After I got out of the Air Force, six months later, every joint in my body hurt, and I could barely walk. I didn’t have any money, but I got a waitress job, and the insurance let me see a country doctor. He told me I had RA after some tests and sent me to a specialist who gave me free samples. Life was miserable. I could barely make it to work, but I had no choice; otherwise, I would be homeless.

A new chapter and challenges

I met a man whom I would marry and got pregnant with my son. My husband did not understand, and he didn’t pretend to. I worked full-time, did all the housework, cooked, and when my son was born, he did not help. I was depressed and exhausted, and I was facing more surgeries. I got divorced and raised my son on my own, but I never gave up. You find strength you never knew you had. The years went on, and my RA got worse and worse. I was taking every RA medication available. I never remarried; I figured I was better off on my own. I have had 13 surgeries, and after two more joints, I will be the bionic woman.

Gratitude and resilience

I thank God for giving me strength, and I’m grateful to my friends and doctors for being there for me. I am 63, but my brain tells me I am 29. Now I continue with methotrexate and prednisone, get plenty of sleep, and rest when needed. I still suffer, but life goes on.

I don't believe in giving up.