LEOPARD SLIPPERS
One of our members invites you to walk a mile in her shoes:
Q: Current Age?
A: Forever 30. Legally 33.
Q: Age of Onset or start of symptoms?
A: 22/23, although looking back I remember having pains/issues when I was a young teen, mainly with my knees. In which we believe was the beginning of my journey.
Q: Age of Diagnosis?
A: Doc finally concluded a year ago that the arthritis I had was RA. Fibromyalgia/CFS was 22/23.
Q: Where are you located?
A: oHIo
Q: What is your profession?
A: I am now disabled. But, I graduated high school with a license in Cosmetology and generally I cashiered throughout the years to help my husband make ends meet.
Q: What are your Medical Conditions or diagnoses?
A: RA, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Bi Polar, PTSD, Borderline Personality, OCD & OCPD.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Sewing & crafting!! I enjoy making items from raw materials and turning it into an actual product. I make items for family, friends & my home and I also sell my products online. I try to work with a wide range of items so that I do not get bored, plus it makes for nice variety in my shoppe. I enjoy sewing & crafting because it provides me with a sense of calm that I find myself striving for while I am on this wild ride called life! If only my hands would keep up!
Q: What is one thing your doctor didn’t tell you about your Autoimmune Arthritis that you wish they had?
A: Honestly, I don’t know. I just wished someone would have told me how you lose people along the way that you cared for, all because they simply do not understand. Even though you try to explain the wide range of emotions you go through on a daily basis. This saddens me, but I have gotten to a place in my life now that I simply just cannot try anymore, I am just too tired.
Q: If you could tell your past self something before diagnosis, what would it be?
A: I would tell me, to get off your butt and exercise!! Go out and play with the kids more, roll around in the dirt more (I LOVED doing this with my children, I think I miss this the most), take longer walks, take care of yourself better & maybe love a little bit harder. Because one day soon, it is all going to be taken away from you forever and there will be nothing you can do.
My advice to those who are not sick, I beg them to take advantage of the gifts that they have because one day they may lose the ability to utilize, even if they are just simple tasks.
Q: What would you like to tell others newly diagnosed with Autoimmune Arthritis?
A: Take it one second, one minute, one hour and one day at a time. Try not to get so frustrated with the things that you cannot do anymore, give into your foolish pride and ask for help whenever possible and to educate yourself with as much information that you possibly can. And every now & again, it is OK to cry. Those tears will help you walk through your day. Read the “Spoon Theory”. Keep a journal.
Q: How would you describe your personal style?
A: Oy! I am a “travel to the beat of my own drum” type of gal! I definitely have my own eclectic way of thinking, speaking & doing! I tend to like a lot of grim things. Black roses for example; my favorite, vampires, dark poems/ stories and horror movies! In turn, I am very old fashioned with some things & I love the romanticism of life. Being caged to just one “idea” in the way of life really freaks me out. I enjoy a little bit of this & a little bit of that! I get my inspirations from everything I come across, especially nature. I LOVE mother earth! Maybe it is that gypsy blood that I have rushing through my veins? J
Q: What part of dealing with your Autoimmune Arthritis has made the biggest impact on you?
A: This is very simple for me; I get so sad & angered knowing things/abilities have been taken away from me. I can’t just wake up one sunny day and jump out of bed and go for a walk. I would give anything to be able to go to the park (heck, even the living room floor) and get on the ground with my children & husband and just play wrestle. Jump around & run with them. I miss being the “fun mom” & wife, ready for adventure. Now I am just tired, moody, miserable, sad & dependent mom/wife. My independence was very important to me.
Q: Favorite quote?
A: There’s oh so many to choose from!
· “I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.”
? Marilyn Monroe
· “If you’re going to be a bear, be a grizzly.” -Unknown
· “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss
· “You grow up the day you have your first real laugh — at yourself.” – Ethel Barrymore
· “It ain’t possible to live unless you’re crossing someone’s line.” –Line from True Blood
· “There’s a fine line between genius and insanity…I’ve erased this line” -Unknown
· “The butterfly is here, then gone, its beauty quickly past; so keep each fleeting moment close and make each memory last.” -Unknown
Q: What are three random things about yourself that others may not know?
A: I have a severe fear of dolls & clowns
· Clutter makes me feel like my whole life is out of control
· I can crack my ears like one can crack their knuckles
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.
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