To kick off the new feature blog “Walk A Mile In Our Shoes” here at rachicks.com, I’m starting with my own personal story. This is a project that I have highly been anticipating on making live here at RA Chicks. In the vein of judging a book by it’s cover, in this case our footwear, it is to shed light on how Autoimmune Arthritis can affect anyone of any walk of life, age, religion, location, profession or lifestyle. Autoimmune Arthritis does not discriminate on who it attacks. We are each individuals that are completely unique but share a common bond in dealing with Autoimmune Arthritis, like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS), Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE), Still’s Disease, Juvenile Arthritis (JA), Mixed and Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Diseases (MCTD/UCTD).

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

So with that said, I welcome you to walk a mile in my shoes….

Q: Current Age?

A: 32

Q: Age of Onset or start of symptoms?

A: I was three when I started complaining of joint pain.

Q: Age of Diagnosis?

A: 29

Q: Where are you located?

A: Clearwater, Florida

Q: What is your profession?

A: Disabled Health Advocate and Blogger

Q: What are your Medical Conditions or diagnoses?
A:  Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Osteomalacia, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Hypothyroidism, Insulin Resistant Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Asthma, Eczema, Depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I also have had my entire colon, gallbladder and appendix removed. The colon was due to a rare condition called Prolapsing Toxic Megacolon when I was 20.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Reading, writing, playing video games, crocheting, jewelry making, and Drawing. Basically anything artistic that I can still do. Oh and Facebook, that’s my big time killer.

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

A: I wish they had told me how my life would change. I don’t think I was prepared for all the emotional aspects that go along with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Q: If you could tell your past self something before diagnosis, what would it be?

A: You will survive this. At times things are hard but you are stronger than you think. Take one day at a time and don’t give up.

Q: What would you like to tell others newly diagnosed with Autoimmune Arthritis?

A: That you aren’t alone. One of the hardest things it feeling alone after your diagnosis. Don’t do it alone. Reach out to loved ones and if they can’t help you, reach out online.

Q: How would you describe your personal style?

A: I’m a tshirt gal myself. I’m more like the goth / punk tomboy meets RA comfort in yoga pants.

Q: What part of dealing with your Autoimmune Arthritis has made the biggest impact on you?

A: Probably learning my limitations and dealing with new limitations as they come along. It’s hard admitting to yourself that you can’t do something you love anymore.

Q: Favorite quote?

A: I’m a big Eleanor Roosevelt fan. I have this quote stitched on a pillow in my home “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.

Q: What are three random things about yourself that others may not know?

A: I hate bright colors, like yellow, orange or bright green. Have since I was a child.
I love math. I mean really love doing math or logic puzzles.
I’m obsessed with monkeys.

I would like to thank you for walking a mile in my shoes by reading this and look forward to walking a mile in your shoes as well! Please submit your story, answers and picture to RA Chicks to make this blog series a success. Thank you!

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.