ONE COMFY SLIPPER
One of our members invites you to walk a mile in her shoes:
Q: Current age
A: 46
Q: Age of onset
A: 44 (although I wonder now if I had symptoms earlier and just ignored them)
Q: Age at time of diagnosis
A: 44
Q: Located
A: Cincinnati, OH suburb
Q: Profession
A: Program Director at health insurance company
Q: Current conditions/medical diagnosis
A: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Q: Hobbies
A: I have two young boys whom I adore. Their hobbies have become my hobbies now. I do love reading magazines – all types. I also like some of the reality televisions show. Perhaps a RA Chicks reality show one day?
Q: What is one thing your doctor didn’t tell you about your Autoimmune Arthritis that you wish they had?
A: How difficult it would be for me to get friends and family to understand the disease.
Q: If you could tell your past self something before diagnosis, what would it be?
A: Don’t put anything off until tomorrow. Live your dreams NOW!
Q: What would you like to tell others newly diagnosed with Autoimmune Arthritis?
A: 1) Get educated. Do your own research from creditable sites. 2) Design your support system. Surround yourself with loved ones who are supportive and caring. Join a support group as these are the folks who will get you through the tough stuff as they have walked the walk.
Q: How would you describe your personal style?
A: As you can see by the picture, I don’t have time for personal style these days. I was not able to sort through my closet to find my other comfy slipper because my hands hurt tonight. So my style is whatever I can grab!
Q: What part of dealing with your Autoimmune Arthritis has made the biggest impact on you?
A: Accepting that my life will never be the same. I will never return to my old normal. However, I am working hard at making my new normal better than the old, despite the challenges.
Q: Favorite quote?
A: Life is like an ice-cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time.
Charles M. Schulz
Q: What are three random things about yourself that others may not know?
A: I am scared.
I don’t tell the truth about my challenges (I hold back).
I worry how my nasty disease has/will impact the lives of my two boys.
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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