Me against me!

By april143

1 min read

I was diagnosed in 2016 with this horrible disease. In the beginning I had no clue what I was in for, and to be honest I was that person who thought it was “just arthritis." After extensive research I learned what kinda “beast” I was facing.

I changed my lifestyle for this disease

I changed my diet - I changed my entire lifestyle - and I had this thing in remission for an entire year. My Vectra score was the lowest my doctor has ever seen, and I was, and still am on a mild form of treatment for RA. I’m taking Plaquenil.

The beast has returned after remission

Well, fast forward to now, the beast has reared its ugly head again. I am still taking Plaquenil. I tried Methotrexate took that for 5 months, and in 5 months it destroyed my body. Obviously I won’t take that again. I’m not interested in trying any other medications because they terrify me.

Remaining grateful despite RA's challenges

What I do know is what you focus on you become. I have made it my priority to stay positive even on the days I can barely move. I make it my priority to wake up grateful, and live with purpose every single day. Sure I have a pity party for myself some days, and I am pissed that I have RA, BUT I don’t stay in the mindset long.

Although we have this unfortunate disease that seems to just hit us out of no where it does not define us! We can be successful, we can be positive, and we can be happy! To my fellow warriors keep going! Don’t ever give up, or give in! 💜💜

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Daniel Malito Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3122440" username="april143"/> April it sounds like you have found a sort of balance with RA and your life and I know firsthand how difficult that can be. You're right that we can be successful, positive, and happy, it just takes some figuring out. Happy to see you have found your way. Thanks for sharing a positive message. Keep on keepin' on, DPM
Franki King Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention user-id="3122440" username="april143"/> , Thank you for sharing your story! I love your attitude! I think at the end of the day, that's what's most important. I'm sorry your medication stopped working for you and I feel you about being scared of the meds. In my perfect world, I can live a lifestyle that allows me to flourish without the drugs but I don't know what that lifestyle is. I'm curious what kind of lifestyle changes you made during remission? And in what ways do you feel the methotrexate destroyed your body? Wishing you the best, Franki
1. april143 Member
 I went on a strict anti inflammatory diet.Worked out daily. It was in remission from 2017-2018 then my daughter was deployed to Iraq,and I’m pretty sure that’s what set it off again constant worrying about her,and being stressed out. The methotrexate depleted me I am severely anemic STILL,and I’m clinically malnourished because of the methotrexate per my doctor.and I haven’t taken it since 2018. It did a lot of damage.I had an iron infusion that almost killed me i went into anaphylaxis shock. It’s been a rough road,and now the thought of trying other medications just scare me.
tahirah-chichester Community Admin
<inline-mention user-id="3122440" username="april143"/> , it's so powerful to read about your positive outlook despite the challenges of RA. I hope in reading your story, members of the community can find the strength and courage to keep going during the toughest moments, especially when it feels like RA is at its worst. Thank you so much for sharing your positivity with us here at rheumatoidarthritis.net! All the best, Tahirah
Cynthia Ventura Moderator
Thank you <inline-mention user-id="3122440" username="april143"/> for your inspiring story. Everything you shared is 100% true. It is so important to keep a positive attitude despite our circumstances. It is not always easy, in fact some days it is near impossible but I believe that if you can sustain an attitude of acceptance and positivity the boost to your mental health will aid your physical health. I wish you all the best as you deal with this new insidious flare and with your acceptance of RA and all its challenges, Gentle hugs. CynthiaV
susieo Member
20 years here. After the most severe and swift progression my Rheumi has ever seen (she was in practice for 20 years before me) I was dealing with constant joint issues. Then surgeries & knee replacement, many, many broken bones including two breaks in my spine & pelvic ring brings me to about 7 years ago when the biologics were almost killing me (literally) I vowed to not ever have them again if possible. I never say never any more - bit me too many times. I, too, changed diet & entire lifestyle and also have the lowest sed rate she had ever seen. She said I was a miracle. All I did was eat as whole as possible. If not fresh, I buy only organic & gluten free. Both refined sugar & gluten are my big triggers. I do take Arabia & Methotrexate (no bad side effects with either) And, yes, what a shocker to find out that this is not what we thought!!! Second nastiest thing I’ve ever dealt with. Hardest thing happened to me for many years as a child/young girl - after that I say “Bring it on”! Gods got my back because I put him first. Grateful