The RA rollercoaster

I can't help but wonder what the next day is going to be like when I go to bed at night. Am I going to be able to get out of bed? Am I going to feel great? Will I need to have someone help me do my hair?  I never know how I'm going to feel or what is going to set off a flare. It's like riding a rollercoaster.

There for awhile I felt good, the pain was still there's but it was pretty tolerable. I thought the needs were doing a good job. Then bam! It reared its ugly head again. I woke up this last Sunday running a fever and feeling yuck! I couldn't raise my arms above my head cause my shoulders felt like they were being pulled from their sockets. Fingers red and swollen. Wrists stiff and not wanting to move. Excruciating pain in my feet, knees and spine. I found myself so exhausted from doing nothing that I had trouble staying awake. Then at night I hurt so bad that if spend most of the night up tossing and turning trying not to wake anyone up with my crying. 

I liked to be surprised but I really wished that I could get a warning that a flare was coming so that I could be prepared. Though I don't think there's anything that could prepare anyone for this. 

not going to slow me down

I've probably mentioned this before but here it goes again. Before I got sick I worked out 6 days a week I had worked hard to lose 50lbs. I felt great and had so much energy. Then I was hit by this sickness that left me hurting and drained of all energy. It frustrated me because I was no longer able to do things that were once easy for me let alone work out.

Then came my diagnosis and the first thing I was put on was prednisone, which those of you that are on it know it's an awful medication but at the same time it's a life saver. And is very helpful in reducing inflammation that is way more dangerous. For those that haven't taken steroids these are a few of their side effects: mood swings, hot flashes, sweating, acne, gives you a major appetite, moon face and weight gain. Now there's more but you get the point that it's not fun. Prednisone wasn't the only steroid I was on my rheumy also had me on kenalog injections.

Though they helped me a lot they unfortunately put weight back on me the last few months, which I won't lie really upset me. But a good friend helped me realize that it wasn't my fault and that my health and getting to feel better was the most important thing. Well I am no longer on steroids and its time for the pudge that they left behind to leave. Now don't get me wrong it's had nothing to do about my looks it's about my health and how I feel. I've been researching which exercises are best for those with RA. I have found that bicycling doesn't hurt my knees or feet so I've added that to my walking routine. Soon I plan on adding strength training to my routine, but that will revolve around which areas are giving me problems that day. Plus physical activity though it's hard for those with RA it's very beneficial. It can help reduce pain and stiffness, help give you more energy and help you sleep better. Wish me luck as I start my journey on getting active again.