Rockin The RA!
My name is Angela and I am 43 years old. In 2012 my life changed forever. I had always had aches and pains but this one particular in the morning I'd wake up and could barely move. The pain was so intense I had to go to the doctor and here is where this roller coaster of a ride began.
My diagnosis was Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. I will never forget that month. You see my grand-baby was born the same month of my diagnosis. I was so distraught at the fact that I could not hold my grand-baby without assistance. I remember being in a very dark place for a very long time. I was a very active person and loved going, camping, fishing, music festivals and most of all I love hoop dancing. So needless to say I felt like "my" world had ended.
So after months of taking steroids and being an emotional wreck, I decided it was time to be proactive and regain my life back. I started doing research on foods that were good for inflammation and I started juicing them everyday. Eventually I was able to get off the steroids and began regaining my life back. I have learned that I don't have to give up all of the things I loved to do. I just had to learn to make modifications and to listen to my body. I have learned that sometimes you have to just get up and "rock" it. I have had to "rock" a knee brace, wrist brace, and a boot. When you take pride in your self it helps you to feel better at least for me anyway.
So fast forward to now. I work full time in the mental health field working with children. I have also started a blog that is dedicated to bringing awareness and support to those who are suffering from chronic illness. I remember how alone I felt and how no one could understand the pain I was in because my disease was "invisible" and I don't want others to go through what I went through.
Having a chronic illness has taught me some positive things. I have learned to not be judgmental of others, to be an advocate for others in need, and that it's OK to put myself first.
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