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RA... Say what?!?!?!

My name is Beth. I am 35 years old and I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. The purpose of this blog is to educate, advocate, and provide a look into what it is like to have autoimmune diseases as a mother, wife, and person in general. I would like to take a step back and reflect on how I was diagnosed. It was 2012 and I was pregnant with my third child. I was sick with strep throat for the like 8th time in a year. I went into a walk in clinic and the Doctor looked at me and said "I would like to do some blood work on you. You are sick way to much and something is not right." That blood work was the answer to so many unanswered questions that I had had in my past. Long story short, I was referred to a Rheumatologist and found out I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Fibromyalgia. I also have a list of other issues that are autoimmune related such as a blood clotting disorder, thyroid disease, anxiety, and mild depression. The diagnosis, while awful, was an answer to 3 miscarriages, constant pain, and ongoing illnesses that I couldn't seem to get over completely. It also was awesome in a way because I didn't have to search for an explanation of why I felt this way anymore. I realized in my diagnosis that I was not weak, but extremely strong. Here I was 33 years old, two kids and pregnant with my third, and I had RA. I am bad ass... It is hard enough taking care of a family when you are a healthy person. I am doing it, and doing it well, despite my disabilities. 

Comments

Anonymous said…
I feel blessed to know you. My sister is borderline RA and she's suspicious of fibromyalgia. I will be sharing this with her so that she may be inspired through her fears and anxieties. Not only of RA but of trying to start a family of her own. God Bless you and your family!
April 15, 2015 at 5:07 AM
Unknown said…
Please let me know if I can help in any way. I have learned a lot over the last two years. ♡
April 15, 2015 at 8:17 AM
Anonymous said…
I am so proud of you Beth for doing this Blog!
April 15, 2015 at 7:16 PM
Unknown said…
Yay! Can't wait to read!
April 15, 2015 at 9:52 PM
Unknown said…
You are bad ass! I'M INSPIRED FOR SURE!
April 16, 2015 at 11:00 AM
Unknown said…
Hugs everyone...
April 16, 2015 at 6:31 PM
Unknown said…
You ARE a badass, Beth!
I feel so proud just knowing you.
You are Amazing!
This blog is so cool and I can't wait to read more about your adventures and your family and your life, despite this crappy thing called "RA".
Xo Steph
April 27, 2015 at 2:49 PM
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