The Girl With Arthritis

When I first began treatment for juvenile arthritis, I was put on a roller coaster: Mentally, emotionally and physically. I would say the first two years were the most wild, but there have been plenty of loops, hills and spirals along the way. Chronic illnesses tend to put people on roller coaster journeys. Nothing is set in stone, which means whilst things could go wrong, things could also go well. We're all at different parts of the ride, of which is completely different for everyone. But I think there are about four types of coasters we've all been on at some time. The Wooden Coaster: The wooden coaster is generally predictably since you can see the front of the track. The thing about it is that it's not a smooth ride: Wooden tracks are rickety and although you know where you're going, it can feel like it can change at any moment. This track can instantly turn into one of the following. The Steel Coaster: Typically very fast and unpredictable. Sure, you're ...

Everyday, people everywhere make a difference in the lives of people with chronic illnesses. Even people you only encounter once for a short time can make a huge difference. What's wonderful is when people who don't have to care, do care. Today,  I'd like to call them out and thank them. Dear Mrs. W, Thank you for really taking everything I was going through into consideration when you assigned class seats. I really appreciated sitting next to the heater, in the back where no one would bother me and where I could stretch out. Dear R, Even though we're just school friends, thanks for really caring when you found out I'm chronically ill.  I was so touched at how concerned you got the first time, and all the times you become concerned now. Dear Rollercoaster Attendant, Thanks for releasing the restraint for me when I couldn't do it like everyone else. I know it's a tedious job, so thanks for not appearing annoyed at all. And a huge thanks for when y...

I love amusement parks. I enjoy the sights, sounds, food and generally speaking the environment. I also love rides. Whilst many rides will ask that people with back problems refrain from riding, I tend to ignore that. I really enjoy rides that spin or go down steep hills and all that sort of thing. But, of course, I do take certain precautions. I call them Rollercoaster Rules. 1. Before I go to an amusement park, I tend to read up on it. There are rides I simply won't do simply for healthy reasons and I like to know before so there are no surprises or disappointments. 2. My general rule is if it goes upside down, it's a no-no. This is because I understand the type and amount of force on your body, and I believe it would probably cause a painful spine. No fun in that. 3. Spinning rides are usually okay. Even the ones that stick you against the wall are fine because they keep your back aligned. Though there are exceptions. 4. Jerky rides are most likely not a good idea. T...

My apologizes for not posting in a while: I haven't truely found the time to. But I'm here now and isn't that what really counts? Earlier in the week I actually fell and landed on my back. A few days after my fall, I went to an amusement park, and yes I went on rollercoasters. I probably shouldn't have, but I'm not very sore and I take it as a good sign. The only thing was I was unable to push my harness over my head because of the strain and pain and I needed a friend to help me. But all in all it wasn't a very painful day. My friends and I took it very slowly with a lot of down time. I did most rides, except upside down rollercoaster: I've never been on one before and I don't like the idea of going upside down. I feel like they'd hurt my back and shoulders a lot. Speaking of pain, Dr. Marc put me on a new medicine called Leflunomide. He said it's the same as methotrexate but less severe and I take it once I day. Two weeks later, so far so good...