MommaSwain01

By MommaSwain01

1 min read

When I was 6, my dad and brother left my mom due to her RA.

So I was homeschooled so I could take care of her.

I did. I became a housekeeper, nurse, and cook.

RA diagnosis impacted education

I graduated at 16 and went to Harvard Med school for 4 years.

I had to quit because my dad had his 5th heart attack and quad bypass. Or I would have finished.

I was 33 when diagnosed.

Managing RA & comorbidities

I have Latent Tuberculosis and was treated for 2 years and still have it. In pain management to deal with it.

I also have Sjogren’s disease, lupus, and Sarcoidosis of the lungs. I’m very tired.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The RheumatoidArthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

elirose Member
MommaSwain, thinking of you and wishing good intentions could help you. Take care love,elirose
1. MommaSwain01 Member
 <inline-mention username="elirose" user-id="3162968"/> Thank you, I’m still walking and use a cane. But I try to get out and still do things. Thanks 🙏
Lori Foster Community Admin
That is so much to contend with <inline-mention username="MommaSwain01" user-id="6642322"/>. My heart aches for you - caring for your mom by yourself at such a young age, achieving so much despite it all, and then having to give it all up for your father's health only to later develop RA. You are truly as kind and selfless person. Autoimmune diseases can be so unfair. Have you talked with your doctor about your fatigue? Is it possible medications, depression or nutritional deficiencies (Vitamin D, B vitamins, Folic Acid) are making it worse? Do you have any support at home? Please know we are here for you whenever you need us. You have a huge community here of people who understand what you are going through, many of whom also have multiple autoimmune diseases. Reach out whenever you need some extra support or a place to vent. Thinking of you and sending loads of gentle hugs your way. - Lori (Team Member)
1. MommaSwain01 Member
 I have but the Latent TB is to stay. So no biologicals. I’m 20 years into it, but am holding my own. I’m in pain management that helps a great deal. I’m able to get out of bed within 35 40 minutes. And it takes care of the pain. I go out when weather permits and walk a mile. I worked in construction for 15 years. I was a Bituminous Field Technician and did a lot of hard work. My Rheumy says that is what’s saving me is because I’m very muscular from work, so I kept on lifting weights and walking to keep my muscles strong.
2. Lori Foster Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="MommaSwain01" user-id="6642322"/>. I hope you are able to keep your RA under control with your current routine for many years to come. Best of all wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
elirose Member
Hi MommaSwain, doe you usually use cane? My daughter with ms has fallen four times lately and should use her cane. My father was paralyzed from Iwo Jima, Said he would not walk. He did with braces. I loved his cane . Just was so part of him and loved him so. take care and proud of you. love,eli