MY MARY JANES

One of our members invites you to walk a mile in her shoes:

Q: Current Age:
A: 38

Q: Age of Onset or Start of Symptoms:
A: After diagnoses I found out that I have had symptoms since High School.

Q: Age of Diagnoses:
A: 34

Q: Where are you located?

A: Kansas

Q: What is your profession?
A: Full time Mom, Wife and Administrative Assistant at a local hospital.

Q: What are your Medical Conditions or Diagnoses?
A: Where do I start…LOL I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis which affects pretty much every joint in my body, especially my limbs. I also have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and Severe Endometriosis.

Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Cooking… I love to cook! My daughter and I recently discovered Geocaching which fits in greatly with our love of hiking and the outdoors. I also like reading and taking rides with my husband on “his” Harley (when the body will allow).

Q: What is the one thing your doctor didn’t tell you about Autoimmune Arthritis that you wish they had?

A: Hold on, its going to be a roller coaster ride. I thought getting diagnosed was hard enough, but I am learning that living with it is even harder. The emotional aspects of this disease are never addressed in the physicians office. In fact, every visit you are asked to fill out the “how are you doing survey”, how come there is nothing about our emotional state?

Q: If you could tell your past self something before diagnoses, what would it be?
A: It’s not all in your head! Cry when you need to cry, ask for help when you need the help but most of all laugh at all times. You will have those moments when you don’t understand why your hands wanted to quit holding that jar of pickles at the check out lane, as it shatters on the floor, don’t be embarrassed, laugh like you have never laughed before.

Q: What would you tell others recently diagnosed with Autoimmune Arthritis?
A: Educate yourself. The more you know what is going on with your body, the more you will be able to help your family and doctor understand. A lot of changes are headed to your world, find you a good support system either family or a good friend. Sadly, there will be people in your life who cannot handle the burden of what you are facing and that is okay, because there will always be someone there to take there place. There is a a lot of great support communities on-line, find one because only those with AA will understand when you need to cry, vent or just spread some news.

Q: How would you describe your personal style?
A: Casual, comfortable with a little bit of bohemian chic thrown in!

Q: What part of dealing with Autoimmune Arthritis has made the biggest impact on you?
A: Not being able to just jump up off the sofa and go. I miss being impulsive. As a mother I don’t like to tell my daughter, not today, I don’t feel good.

Q: Favorite Quote:
A: “You will never know everything about anything, especially something you love.” Julia Child

Q: What are three random things about yourself that others may not know?
A: 1. I am not a neat freak!
2. I have two pairs of shoes (gasp, I know) I hate shoe shopping!
3. My 11 year old daughter is my biggest cheerleader in our battle with Autoimmune Arthritis.

Thank you for taking a walk in my shoes!

Check here to see all the blogs in this series.

If you would like to be a featured blog entry for Walk A Mile In Our Shoes, please fill out the submission form below.  I will need a picture attachment of the footwear you are wearing and your answers to the items listed above in story. They will be anonymous, no names given, just your information and responses.