Life with RA
Monday, January 30, 2017 at 05:06PM 
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.
Reader Comments (132)
I pray you get some relief and feel better.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Take Care. xoxoxo
Laura
Please consider researching and trialing a Quell device when you look for other forms of treatment! It's a newer type of wearable technology, and is registered as a class 2 pain management device, invented and sold in the US (I'm in Canada and have no affiliation with the company whatsoever). It's only been on the market only for about 1.5 years, and is approved for those suffering with all forms of arthritis, back pain, neuropathic pain, etc. It's similar to a T.E.N.S. device, but provides up to 5 times more pain relief than T.E.N.S.. It's wireless, unlike a T.E.N.S., and is only worn on the upper calf, but it manages to calm the body's pain response centre from there, regardless of where in the body the pain is coming from. I mention it only because it's made a very noticeable difference in my pain level, mood, and ability to (finally!) get some restorative sleep, so I'm happy to pass on the name to any others who may benefit from it too. I still have fairly severe pain, but it's allowed me to become somewhat more functional, and definitely more comfortable. I ordered mine from the Quell website because they had a 60 day money back guarantee, and if it didn't help I could just send it back. I've had mine since early November, and now wear it almost 24 hours a day because it makes that much of a difference for me. Some pain management specialists and family doctors are now starting to prescribe it for their chronic pain patients as they become aware of it, so it might be something worth talking to your doctor about. Good luck and I pray that you're feeling better soon!
Sending warm healing thoughts for your health and wellbeing.
Everyone has an opinion, and I am no exception. (Old lady with several chronic conditions - that makes me an expert, doncha know :)
Although my tendency (like yours) is to "carry on" and not complain, If the pain gets a head start, it's been my experience that it takes more meds to ease it than if I had just treated it early and gotten ahead of it.
In my view, there is nothing character building nor theraputic about living with pain. Please don't let a "wait and see" attitude get in the way of seeking treatment and relief.
May this time pass quickly so you can get back to living the life you love - and so we can once again be blessed by your presence. Gentle hugs.
I know I can do as much or as little as I want or can, and your blog has motivated me to continue to do what I love with passion! I suppose God only gives our diseases to people who can handle it and spares the others who can't, or at least that is how I look at it. Perhaps when you created Stampin' Up!, you were creating it for people with limitations before you even realized it. I thank you for bringing joy into my life!
Saddened to hear that pain is creeping in and keeping you from doing all you want. Have you ever tried MELT? It has recently been offered at my gym, it's a self care technique that is supposed to offer joint and muscle pain relief. Comes from CA, a woman named Sue Hitzmann. I don't have arthritis yet, but it has helped with my back and leg pain. My instructor has spoke of MELT helping some of her arthritis sufferers (not sure if the same kind you have.) I would recommend to add to your (or everyone's really!) wellness routine. Know that there are people all over the world praying for your well being. We are here for you!
God Bless you and keep the faith.
I literally feel your pain as I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago. I hope that your pain gets better! i elected to go on the medications my Rheumatologist recommended and it has helped, although i know it can flare up again. Praying that you will feel better soon!
I am very sorry to hear you are sufforing a bad flare of RA.
I am still working as a Physical Therapist (besides my Hobbyjob as a demonstrator) and my story in Austria started 21 years ago in the Gasteiner Heilstollen, I worked there for almost 4 years with interferences (I will add the link to their site).
I have seen miracles happen there to people with all sorts of rheumatical diseases, even Neurological problems...
There is a natural Level of Radon and a very warm climate in the tunnel, you get in there with a small train and stay there for 1 hour, you do it 10-12 times in 3-4 weeks. It sounds akward, but it is phenomenal!
During my working time there, i used to travel in there 10 times every year and had such a sthrengtened immune system afterwords!
My mom has healed her carpal tunnel syndrome there with 2 weeks of cure!
I would really really recommend you to try and do a cure of 3-4 weeks there, it is incredible how it changes peoples lives!
Most of the patients that I have met there, and i have followed up some over 4 years of working at the place, could get rid of their medications!
One of them became a good friend, he had suffered RA since he was a child, he visits the Stollen yearly now, he has been doing it for over 20 years, he started doing some workout to build better muscles and was able to move out from his parents house at the age of 30 (he would not have had the strength to do it before, he needed support constantly).
I know it is far away from your home, but Austria is very beautiful, you could enjoy nature there and get your body fit again...
Have a look at their site, if you want more information, feel free to contact me!
I am not sponsered in any ways, I stopped working there in the year 2000, but I have seen wonderful things happen there and that is why I would really advice you to do it!
http://www.gasteiner-heilstollen.com/en/heilstollen-therapy/
I carfully hug you from Austria, Fanny