Sunday, March 31, 2013

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and took a little time to rest their joints! :)

My hubby and I today:




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Saturday, March 30, 2013

It's Sunny in WV!

Happy Easter and a hop into Spring...could it be!? Here's how I stayed active today! Get moving!


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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Hip Hip...No Hooray Today

That crappy feeling when you wake up and realize one of your joints decided to hate you.

Welcome to my life today.

I woke up with some pain in my hip, which is one of the worst places my arthritis hits. It's certainly not a major flare, but it's definitely enough to put a little wobble in my step today. 

I think I'm most frustrated because yesterday, literally the extend of what I did was sit and work on a computer for the majority of the day. Maybe my body is telling me to get up and move!

I'm going to focus my energy on working hard and jamming to some pretty awesome music I have playing today.

So, if you're having a flare today...cheers to you. Here's to tossing your favorite remedy (for me, it's my bag of peas) on your joint and feeling better. 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

A Little Arthritis Laugh :)

Today, I have decided to tell a funny story about arthritis which includes a flare, XBox Kinect and a trip to the doctor.

I got my husband an XBox with the Kinect for Christmas one year and we had a blast trying out all of the new games. I ran track for WVU, so I tried to 'show off' when we were playing the Track & Field game and jumped a little too hard on the long jump, apparently. It hurt a little when I did it, but I figured I just landed wrong.

The next evening, my knee was REALLY swollen and hurting bad. It seemed worse than a traditional flare because it was much worse than it ever had been after I started my medication for having arthritis.

The really weird part was, it lasted for over two days! Usually my flares only last for one.  I was really concerned, so I actually had my friend who is a nurse come take a look. We were seriously concerned that I had torn something in my knee while playing XBox, which would have been super embarrassing.

The next day, the pain started to ease and completely went away. It turned out that the strain on my knee had caused the flare and caused it to be more severe than the usual pain. I still went to see my Rheumatologist who checked it out for me, but she confirmed that it was just from the strain of jumping.

Moral of the story - be careful when you play XBox Kinect, arthritis friends.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Staying Active With Arthritis

In honor of the Arthritis Foundation's new exercise class in Dunbar, WV, I thought I would compose a blog on staying active with arthritis. As an individual who has always lived a very active lifestyle, I understand how joint pain can land you on the couch. 

However, I've also learned that sometimes simply getting up and moving can really help make you feel better.

1. Get Moving
Whether it's an exercise class, working with a trainer or simply taking a walk, don't sit still when your joints are hurting. The more you can move with a comfortable range of motion, the better. Remember: Listen to your body! As you try different forms of activity, take notes of what works best for you.

2. Sitting at Work? Take Time for Your Body
Make sure you have a comfortable chair if you sit at a desk for work. Get up and walk around at least one time per hour and try to avoid holding joints in the same position. (For instance: Holding a phone to your ear with your shoulder - maybe switch to hands-free!) 

3. Strategic Rooms and Organization
It is important to navigate the rooms in your home to match your needs. If you have trouble reaching over your head or traveling a long distance carrying items, take this into consideration. It might take a few days for some reorganization, but if it avoids straining and causing a flare, it's definitely worth it!

4. Sitting & Standing - Take Your Time
Whether you're getting out of bed or simply standing up after sitting for an extended period of time, make sure you take it slow. A quick jerk with your joints can cause a flare, so make sure you're steady before making any moves.

5. Ask for Help
You have arthritis...there's no way around it. Don't try to be Superman or Superwoman! If you need help lifting, opening, moving, etc. don't be afraid to ask for help. Have open communication with individuals whom you are close to often so they have a strong understanding of your arthritis and let them know that you might need a little help sometimes. 

A Little About My Staying Active:
I love taking walks or jogs on a trail on our property at home. I always make sure I listen to my body and avoid over-doing it, but it is my favorite way to stay active. I also follow a healthy diet and work with a trainer at the gym for arthritis-safe lifting and cardio activity. My trainer knows about my arthritis and helps me use modified activities if anything causes pain. The best way to make sure you're on the right track is to communicate and be honest about how your body feels!



I used this article as a resource for this blog post: http://www.everydayhealth.com/arthritis-photos/10-simple-ways-to-stay-active-with-arthritis.aspx#/slide-9

Arthritis Foundation Offers Exercise Class in Dunbar, WV

The Arthritis Foundation is now offering free exercise classes by certified instructors on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9-10am at the Dunbar Recreation Center in West Virginia!

It's so exciting to see programs that benefit arthritis patients offered in our area. A special thanks to the Bureau of Senior Services and Kanawha Valley Senior Services for teaming up to teach this course!

Here is the full article, which was featured in the Gazette!

http://www.wvgazettemail.com/Life/201303220244

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Things I Can't Do...Ride on 2 Wheels!

So, I married a guy who could! Though, I won't lie...I think the entire series was a little shocked over a snow-covered race track!


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Thursday, March 21, 2013

This Little Girl Brightens My Days

Having a rough day? Take a few minutes to watch this - it is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg&noredirect=1

Sharing Our Stories of Arthritis

Today, I'm going to share another arthritis blog that I love. The outlook on this blog is to 'live, not wallow' because you have arthritis. What a great thought! Even on the days we are in pain, let's always try to be positive and still live our lives to the fullest!

Here's the link to the blog:
http://allflaredup.wordpress.com/

Snow!? This Girl is Ready to Warm her Joints with Some Warm Weather!




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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

My Weakness: My Shoes

As an official 100% girly girl, I think it's okay to be honest. I absolutely love, adore, cherish, am obsessed with...SHOES! I'm a pageant girl...So it's always been totally natural for me to have on shoes to make me a half a foot taller than I actually am. 

It's an obvious point that my diagnosis with Rheumatoid Arthritis put a bit of a damper on my love for high heels. I had to quickly learn that sometimes, I might have to wear flats. (Now, I absolutely adore them...but I'll be honest, it took some time for me to reach this point.)

I recently read an article of a lady who had arthritis who absolutely loved a certain pair of shoes. She said they were comfortable and much easier on her, as an arthritis patient. So, in case of others who might be looking for comfortable shoes for arthritis patients, check out this link:

http://www.skechers.com/search?t=go+walk&x=-1114&y=-74

Monday, March 18, 2013

Kids With Arthritis - The Heartbreaking Truth

Approximately 294,000 children under the age of 18 are affected by pediatric arthritis and rheumatologic conditions. These alarming statistics lead to Juvenile Arthritis being one of the most common childhood diseases in the United States.

These children suffer from symptoms including pain, swelling, tenderness and stiffness in joints which leads to a limited range of motion. Additionally, children have joint contracture because they hold a painful joint in a flexed position for an extended period of time. They can damage joint cartilage which can lead to joint deformity or impaired use of the joint and there is a potential for altered growth of bones and joints leading to short stature.


When these signs or symptoms begin to develop in children, sometimes parents aren't sure what is happening. They know their child is in pain, but they don't know what is causing it or why it is happening. This is scary for parents!


So, I am writing today to build awareness! I support the Arthritis Foundation and their "Kids Get Arthritis Too" program and hope you will take time to learn about it, too. You never know when arthritis can hit your family. Learn about it and take steps to make sure we have support for kids who do get this painful disease and take action to have educated physicians in our states and strong programs for kids to still have a positive quality of life.


There is no known cause for arthritis, so we must take action to fund research and assist with programs to support healthy lifestyles for individuals with this disease.


Learn more about this program by visiting: http://www.arthritistoday.org/kgat/index.php




All facts from this blog taken from www.arthritis.org

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Indianapolis!

Enjoying Indianapolis at the Supercross Race!



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Thursday, March 14, 2013

A Touch of Love

Tonight, I write with a swollen thumb! Sending an encouraging note to anyone who might be in pain tonight.

Today, in my Leadership WV Class, I talked about The Arthritis Foundation and my involvement and I met a fellow classmate who had juvenile arthritis! It's a small world! Talk about your arthritis and spread awareness...you never know who needs support.

Xoxo and happy joints!

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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Washington DC - On The Hill!

On the hill today talking to WV Representatives about education in our state!


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Monday, March 11, 2013

Ready to Go!

Heading to DC to talk to WV State Representatives about education! Love my job :) Let's hope for pain-free travel! Happy joints!


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Location:Airport Rd,Charleston,United States

Sunday, March 10, 2013

A Little About Me-

So, for the next three days I'll be updating my blog from Washington DC!

I work in higher education for a living and this week brings me the outstanding opportunity of meeting with West Virginia State Representatives to discuss higher education and what we are doing to help prepare our students for the future!

Passion is something that drives me...so, we obviously know that arthritis is something I am passionate about, but education is, too!

Let's hope for pain-free travels...Oh, and I'm packing flats in my purse ;)

Stay Active! My Favorite: Trail Runs

We live in the country, so this is one of my favorite ways to stay active and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Trail runs and Hiking!


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Resting By Bones!

Enjoying a positively heavenly day in West Virginia. Taking some time to relax before a busy week ahead!


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Saturday, March 9, 2013

Keep Calm & Take Care Of Your Body

I'm writing tonight's blog because I realized something that ended up making a lot of sense. Last night, I stayed with one of my best friends while she was in town visiting from North Dakota and I slept on an air mattress. When I woke up this morning, I learned QUICKLY that the air had somehow escaped from this, said air mattress, and I was sleeping on a hardwood floor. My immediate first thought was, "OH CRAP...my body is going to go crazy!"

As an arthritis patient, I think I would probably be put in some sort of "She Freaks Out" category because I have serious anxiety over thinking that a flare might be coming. So, cheers to you, arthritis patients...I'm going to write this AND try to take my own advice.

From now on, I'm listening to my body and I am going to try to keep calm if a flare does hit. I'm no doctor...no really, not even close...blood makes me puke and/or pass out. However, I would assume that if stress assists in causing flares, then stressing over the fact that I am, indeed, having a flare probably isn't helping anything. SO, my goal: Follow my cute little graphic up there and keep calm. I'll rest the joints that need rested, take my medicine, stay active and follow a healthy diet and if a flare does it...I'll know that I'm doing everything I can to keep it limited and minimal as possible! Happy Joints!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Travel Troubles

So, I work for a company called Vandalia Consulting who owns West Virginia Junior College, Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology and Ohio Valley College of Technology. I am the Regional Director of Career Management which means I travel to these campuses quite a bit to work with employees in the Career Management Department to make sure our students are ready for job searching and to start their careers when they finish our programs. (No lie, we have some of the best career services, especially for small campuses, that I have EVER seen!)

The main point I want to focus on in my little job description that I have included is: Travel.

Sometimes when I sit in a car for a long time or fly somewhere, I don't realize that I might be leaning on a certain joint, keeping my legs bent too long or simply just not changing positions enough. The stress on those specific joints ends up throwing me into a total flare that evening or during the night and it makes it so hard to accomplish what I need to do while being out of town! 

Here are a few tips for travel to minimize your risk of a flare:
  1. Take breaks during your trip to get out and stretch
  2. Pay attention to the way you are sitting - if you are leaning on your center console or on your door, make sure you change positions throughout the trip
  3. Leave early enough that you aren't speeding or hurrying - this can lead to tense driving like gripping the steering wheel harder or sitting leaned forward which can cause joint pain
  4. Get plenty of rest before your trip and the night you arrive so your joints have time to recover
  5. Pack an ice pack or heating pad just in case you have a flare once you've arrived
  6. Pack lightly or make multiple trips to carry items into your hotel or where you are staying - don't overload your arms with bags and strain something that could lead to a flare!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

This guy has the right idea...


RA & Your Diet

Diet Matters!

This is my fifth year officially diagnosed with arthritis and I have taken the time to pay attention and watch trends in my eating habits and flare-ups. The truth is, there are foods that can possibly decrease the chances of flares for individuals with arthritis and there are foods that might trigger a flare. 

I know that following a lower-carb diet with less junk food and regular exercising and weight lifting is the best recipe for a flare-free life. Of course I still have some from time to time, but this is the best method for my body. Here is a great article I found, compliments of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior! It has some great information on key ingredients and information that might decrease or trigger flares for you. Happy, pain free reading!

RA Warrior Article

Frozen Peas ... My Hero

I have tried to compare the pain of an arthritis flare before, but the truth is...I don't think it's possible. Whether it's the sharp pains when you try to move, the constant ache or the pulsing pain running through the joint, no one truly knows the extent of the pain until they've had a flare of their own.


When my flares hit, I immediately grab the bag of peas from the freezer. (In all honesty, a few times I've not had peas and have used those individual frozen daiquiris...no joke, they work just as well.) However, I've heard of some other techniques people use, so I thought I'd share. Whether you're soothed by cool or warm items on your joints or simply rest and relaxation, know what works best for your body and use it!

Help - I'm Having a Flare!
A Few Things To Try:
  • Ice or something cold on the joint
  • Heat on the joint (heating pad)
  • Alternating cool and warm items on the joint
  • Warm bath or shower
  • Light stretching
  • Rest

Most flares are caused by overuse of joints or increased stress. Make sure you have plenty of rest and keep stress at bay. Remember relaxation techniques that work best for you and always listen to your body.



Welcome To My Journey!

Arthritis.

I was 22 years old when this word entered my world and it was a scary thing to hear. 

I was a high jumper for the West Virginia University Women's Track Team, so needless to say, I was pretty active. I started having some really strange pain during the off-season while I was interning for the West Virginia Power Baseball Team in Charleston and I knew something wasn't right.

The pain would jump around, but it wasn't just an ache...it was severe pain with swelling and redness all over the joint. It would be bad one day, REALLY bad the next, back to just bad the following day and then it would disappear to the other side of my body somewhere...same process. I specifically remember one day crying in my bedroom while I was trying to blowdry my hair because I couldn't straighten my arm. My mom had to come finish it for me.

At that point, we knew we needed to find out what was going on. It wasn't easy. After seeing five different doctors in West Virginia, I still didn't have any answers. The blood work that actually shows Rheumatoid Arthritis didn't show up when they ran my tests, so there weren't any concrete answers. I was given some pain medicine that didn't help and sent on my way. 

School was starting back, track was starting back and I was still in a state disbelief over what was happening.

Rheumatologists aren't easy to get into. We learned that quickly. The earliest I could see someone with the University would have been that May...and that was even playing the 'athlete card' to get an appointment.

The year didn't go well. I went from one track meet to the next praying that the pain wouldn't be in my legs so I could still jump and I remember nights where the pain was so unbearable, I'd literally have to crawl to the bathroom. I called my Mom one day, crying because my knee was so swollen I couldn't even put pants on. She said to get home and they got me an emergency appointment with the doctor I had seen in Charleston previously. I drove home using my left foot because I couldn't use the right one in Yoga pants that were loose enough to get over the joint and we went immediately to the appointment. The doctor stated that my blood work was still normal and the joints 'seemed to still look fine.'

What!? FINE? I struggled through this particular flare, went back to school and continued on this path of not knowing what was wrong or what to do. 

Then something amazing happened. 

My cell phone rang and my mom is crying, but not in a sad way, in an excited way. She said "I have an appointment with a Rheumatologist at The University of Pittsburgh Hospital!" I'll never forget...the appointment was the day before my birthday, haha...Happy Birthday to Me, I was diagnosed with RA. 

The appointment was very long. I was there for hours, explaining symptoms, talking about my activities and what I had gone through, having my joints tested and I had to have even more blood work done. I remember that I was even tested for HIV! Talk about a scary set of blood work!

The outcome was that I did, indeed, have arthritis. It was a clinical diagnosis called Palendromic Rheumatism, which is a form of Rheumatoid Arthritis that can't be found in blood work. The great people at Pitt's hospital got me on medicine that started working and, even though it took a few weeks, I was feeling much better!

I am 27 years old now, officially on the 5th anniversary of arthritis in my life and I am looking forward to telling my story of diagnosis, the path that followed, my involvement with the Arthritis Foundation, what I'm doing now, how I want to help and the outcome! I look forward to you joining me, sharing your stories and support and making this world a less painful place to be for people with arthritis.


THIS is just the beginning of my journey with arthritis. I have started this blog because I was totally LOST when I found out I had been diagnosed at just 22 years old. This blog will tell stories from my personal experience and those who I have met and come into contact with...I can't wait to share my experiences, support others and learn more about arthritis. Most importantly, I hope this helps spread awareness about arthritis...Over 50 million people (1 in 5) have arthritis in America. What can we do to help ease the pain? Let's start now.