Life with RA

From the time Sterling and I returned home from our mission, our plan was to attend at least one event in all the markets and then maybe go on another mission or attend OnStage Local events—just be flexible. As we all know, plans don’t always go our way!

I mentioned in a recent post that my RA (rheumatoid arthritis) has been acting up lately. Well, to be completely honest, my flare started in September and has progressively gotten worse. To keep things short and simple, I’ll just say that I’ve felt worse than I’ve ever felt, and the discomfort (recently turned pain) has almost made me want to go on the prescribed RA drugs; but because it doesn’t feel right to me (and maybe because I’m a little stubborn!), I’ve made it my almost-full-time job to research everything possible and work with anyone who may be able to help me return to full health.

Because of that, Sterling and I decided that instead of planning and preparing for OnStage Live and not feeling well enough at the last minute, it would be best to plan on not traveling extensively for the next few months. Obviously, if things turn around, we’ll get on a plane and go to an OnStage event somewhere in the world. But either way, you’re in good hands!

I want you to know I’m feeling encouraged and hopeful and am trying to patiently trust in God’s timing. I haven’t said much because I don’t like to complain, and this is probably more information than you wanted to know, but I’ve always been pretty open about personal things.  And even though I have felt certain my health would improve any day, this is my current reality.

In the meantime, I’ve been told I’m an eternal optimist, so I’m going to continue to expect improved health every single day! As always, thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Comments

[Karen]

Best wishes to you for control over such a debilitating condition...God bless and keep you...

[Karen Tenney]

Although we know (& love) your beautiful smile on the outside, we also know you aren't always smiling on the inside. We all send our love and prayers to you for better health!

[Kathy Maurer]

Please do give yourself time! We all know how much you have given. Health is a precious gift. Take care! Btw, Sara is quite capable to run Stampin' Up! Don't worry, be good to yourself!

[Kylie Bertucci]

I love how open you are. It's a beautiful quality as I'm sure there are many you are encouraging including me. It helps me to be modest, that it's ok if I can't do it all and to work out our priorities. Health is so important! Thank you for your post, thinking of you!!

[Julie Davison]

Praying for strength to overcome the pain and endure this challenge set before you. ((hugs)) from Illinois

[Karen Tucker]

I have had RA for years and am on a lot of medications. One thing to think about is that the sooner you begin treating this disease, the better. Medications can delay symptoms. Please don't wait until it is too late .May God bless you.

[Judi Carpenter]

You'll be in my prayers, Shelli, that you find the right solution for your situation. And that you find it soon, so you can be comfortable again. Bless you.

[Linda Burns]

Wishing you comfort from the pain and a quick return to full health.

[Carmen]

So sorry to hear this Shelly! Sending strength and love❤

[AndreaNZ]

Take care Shelli ... positive blessings your way

[Queen Pip Todman]

Oh Shelli I hope you find something that works for you. It's such a painful disease when it's up. You concentrate on that and getting it back down under control. Sara will look after us and we'll look after her too! Sending healing hugs and prayers. Hope to see you both again soon xx

[Jenny McCormac UK]

Hi Shelli, gutted that you are unable to join an Onstage event, but fully understand your reasons, your health comes first. Wishing you some relief from your symptons and some relaxing days ahead. Jenny x

[Waltraud]

Beste Wünsche auf baldige Genesung und Gottes Segen wünscht
Waltraud

Best wishes for early recovery and blessings
Waltraud

[Alison Plummer]

Sorry to hear that you have RA. My mum has been a sufferer for many years now and I agree with Karen, you should get on medications sooner rather than later. It will delay deformation of your hands. Also keep a food diary, bell peppers can trigger more pain for my mum. My mum has been card making for a couple of years now and it keeps her hands in use and she loves it and SU products. Take care. A xx

[Martina]

Oh, Shelli! I can understand you so, so well!!!!
I have been living with the diagnosis rheumatoid arthritis for 2 1/2 years now and most of the time I can act "normally". But on some days I can hardly move my fingers and so I can imagine how painful it is!
But as rheumatism at all is an autoimmune disease, in most cases it can be improved by listening to one´s own body (to what one´s body is missing). Therefore I have startet to be looked at by a "Physioenergetikerin" (sorry, I don´t know how the english word is). She tests how the energy of my body would change, if different vitamins, minerals and other things that the body normally produces itself, but are diminished, would be increased. Maybe that would help you too!
I really hope, that you will feel healthier soon!
And I hope, that my English is good enough, so that you understand what I want to say ;-).
Big hugs from Austria, Europe!
Martina

[Betty]

Je connais bien cette maladie dans ma famille, les douleurs articulaires commencent assez jeune chez les femmes. Pour mon cas les huiles essentielles me font le plus grand bien, une piste naturel. Courage, surtout quand on est manuel.

[Rosalie]

Dear Shelli, so sorry to hear that your RA is giving you so much trouble. It is indeed a painful medical problem.
Do take extra care as we love you and send hugs and prayers to you all for a quick improvement.

[Jenni]

Dear Shelli, all our best wishes. As i know the pain my husband is going through i can nearly understand your pain. And your thoughts about the medicine the doctor's recommend. My husband is not taking his medicine. And sometimes, when the pain is so hard, he says...I'm going to take the medicine in a few weeks. Haha... you both are too cute! waiting and waiting for the better days.
But i understand. And with a lot of love(there is a lot of love in your family) you will go through this and enjoy better times!
Big hug from Germany, Jenni Pauli

[Moira McIlroy]

My Mum has had this disease for 35years and is now in a wheelchair, it's very sad to see her suffering and not able to do things. I hope you feel better soon and I'm sure your positivity and optimism is a great help.

[JanB]

Dear Shelli. I'm so, so sorry that you are suffering with RA. I fully understand you searching alternative therapies and I pray God will present you with one, sooner rather than later. Please concentrate your energy on yourself and let Sara take care of us! She's her mother's daughter and does an excellent job; and she's extremely popular with everyone. I will keep you in my prayers and look forward to seeing you again one day in the not too distant future at OnStage! May God bless you and your family. JanB. xx

[Katie Jones (UK)]

So sorry to hear that you are suffering, Shelli. You will obviously be greatly missed in Amsterdam but it is far better to rest up and protect yourself. We will try to make enough noise so you can hear us from home!! Maybe we'll be lucky enough to have a video link up with you instead.

I hope that you are able to find relief in ways that suit you, and that all the love and good wishes from all around the world boost and strengthen you.

Much love and gentle hugs,
Katie xxxxx

[Linda Smolinski]

I hear you as I'm coping with the same. FINALLY, after 5 1/2 years I was diagnosed with OA, RA, And add to that....Sjogrens! Some days are better than others so on my better days I do what I can and pay for it later. I AM on the medication but wonder why because sometimes it does absolutely no good. Hang in there and best of luck to you. :)

[Sandy]

Prayers for you, beautiful lady!

[Kay Capps]

I am so sorry you are in pain. I hope you can find something to help! I will be sending thoughts and prayers your way! Please take care of yourself Shelli!! We all adore you and wish you well! Hugs!

[Kimberly Jones]

Shelli, you have been admired from afar for quite some time. What an incredible example you have been to your daughters, particularly Sara. No one knows how you feel, but certainly understand. Have been diagnosed with autoimmune disease for about 7 years now. Educating yourself on the possibilities for treatment is so smart. I did the same. Please take care of you and your health is so so important. Thoughts and prayers!