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

[Cindy Wagner]

Hi Shelli, So sorry to hear your pain, Ishare your pain too, as I also have RA, mine has gone into my right foot. It has dislocated my second toe and deforming my toes, causing me to lose my balance because my whole foot doesn't touch the ground, it also lashed effecting my gait and has already deteriorated the cushion at L5 (Lumbar) and is extremely painful. I am now at the point is that the only fix is to have surgery on both my foot and lumbar vertebrae at 5.
My foot is coming soon so I'll be laid up for 6 weeks in a cast and then 3 to 5 months.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Warm Hugs.

[Gaby P.]

Hi Shelli, have you tried ayurvedic treatments? Since the risk is only that it does not work for you, and then it still was a relaxing vacation, chances are to get rid of it completely, which is why you might want to give it a try. My husband did not believe in it, so no placebo effect possible, but accompanied me on a three weeks Pancha Karma treatment, and his symptoms are gone ever since and this is now more than 8 years ago. Wish you all the best, Gabriele

[Gabriele Norton]

Dear Shelli,
check out this product on the following website. It will not heal your RA but it will definitely improve your overall well being and quality of life. It's a German invention and fairly new on the US market, but definitely worth checking out.
www.united-states.bemergroup.com

[Vicki Vescio]

Love & prayers to you Shelli. Keep up the strength.

[Camille]

God bless you Shelli. I will be praying for you.

[Katherine Pritchard]

Hi Shelli,

I guess I'm a bit late, but I want to encourage you in your battle with RA! My lovely mother-in-law went to be with the LORD several years ago at a wonderful 83 yrs of age after battling RA for over 40 years! I credit her mental, emotional and spiritual attitude with her having lived so much longer than her doctors predicted. She was the epitome of an eternal optimist. At first they said she'd be in a wheel chair by the time she was 50...didn't happen...EVER! She played the piano every Sunday for her little country Baptist church until two months before her passing, another thing her doctors said she'd eventually have to 'give-up'! She was a walking testimony to her Sweet Jesus who walked with her every step of the way. She had bouts of great pain, occasionally, but she never stopped fighting or believing that she wasn't walking alone!

I will keep you in my prayers for strength and healing and look forward to what you will be doing next!

Wishing you many blessings, Katherine

[Amy]

Just learning about your struggle but will be praying for you! All the best.