Infusion Day

Today I got my Remicade infusion to treat my rheumatoid arthritis. Every eight weeks, they hook me up to an IV and I get the medication intravenously. It takes about two hours to get the treatment. I go to the treatment room in my rheumatologist's office where they have a team of very friendly and professional nurses who administer the medication. They make you feel as comfortable as possible. I love the recliners. They even provide snacks and beverages. They're much more hospitable than flight attendants (using the word "beverage" made me think of flight attendants).

snack drawer

Remicade helps stop further joint damage. And, for some patients without joint damage, it may help stop damage before it starts. I wish this wonderful drug had been around when I was first diagnosed. Remicade can also be used to treat diseases such as plaque psoriasis, adult Crohn’s disease, and ankylosing spondylitis.

So here's a shout out to the wonderful gals at Drs. Myerson and Sutej's office in Atlanta, GA. You rock!

Gia, great nurse and mother of teenage daughter

The boss--Gail, head nurse--very spunky & perky

Shawn, nurse extraordinaire
(This is really Michelle Obama. Shawn wouldn't let me take her picture!)

Arthritis Checkup

I saw my rheumatologist this week for a checkup. He came bouncing in the examine room and said, "How's my girlfriend?" Girlfriend? First time he's said that. He seemed to be in a particularly good mood that day. He continued to compliment me on my brown-fallish color outfit and said he looks horrible in brown.

Anyway, after some chit chat, we moved on to the medical examine. He looked at my hands and shook his head and sighed. He said he wished he had known me when I was first diagnosed with RA. Although after we talked some more, we determined that it might not have made a difference. In 1987 when I first "presented" (to use his terminology) they didn't have the revolutionary drugs that they have today to treat the disease. My doctor at that time could have treated the disease more aggressively, but the really radical drugs didn't come on the market until 2000.

If you're interested in reading more about the history of treatments for RA, check out part one of this article by Dr. Michael Makover. He's pretty much describing my experience. I also learned through his article that one of my all-time favorite actresses, Lucille Ball, had RA and was bedridden for two years at the start of her career. Wow, who knew? Renoir also suffered from RA. I didn't know that either.

I'm taking many medications for my RA--I'd be embarrassed for anyone to see my medicine cabinet. The most effective drug combo that I'm currently being treated with is an infusion of Remicade that I get every eight weeks and methotrexate. The great news today for anyone being diagnosed with RA is that the new drugs on the market are breakthroughs and can prevent deformities and allow you to lead a fairly normal life.

Two Sisters, 1881 - Renoir

Hip Surgery in December

My hip replacement surgery is scheduled for early December. I've already had the hip replaced once, 14 years ago, but the lining is deteriorating and needs to be replaced. Micro particles are dropping from the plastic liner and eating away at the bone, so I've got to get this done in the next few months. The surgeon says 14 years is good, but with newer technology, I should get even more years out of this new one. The other parts--the metal rod and socket joint appear to be stable, so he's just going to replace the liner. I'll still need to be in the hospital for three days and need four to six weeks to recuperate.

When I had my first hip replacement, I was in so much pain. The arthritis had destroyed the socket and the ball joint was rubbing against bone and starting to cause bone fragments. Right after I had it done, the relief was immediate. I had to go through physical therapy and some other inconveniences, but I've been able to live a healthy life that I otherwise would not have been able to do. If you're contemplating having your hip replaced, I'd say go ahead and get it done--it's worth it.

Arthritis

I've had rheumatoid arthritis for 21 years. I was first diagnosed with the disease a few months before my wedding. I asked my husband if he was sure he still wanted to marry me and he said he was committed. Little did he know the trials we would face together. In the '80s they didn't treat RA aggressively like they do now and as a result I have several deformities--most noticeable are my hands. It has also affected my feet and hip. Over the years I've had many surgeries on my hands and feet and a hip replacement. I'm having my hip replaced again in December.

The disease came on with a vengeance. I'm not one to complain, but it was very painful. One of the hardest things to deal with was having to change my lifestyle. I couldn't do the things that I was once able to do--no more active sports, loss of energy, loss of strength. I questioned God and asked Him, "why?" I didn't accept the disease and my situation until I thanked God for it. That's right, I thanked God for allowing this disease to happen to me. If it wasn't for my faith in God and there being a purpose, I think I would be in deep depression.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV).

I'm so grateful for a husband who has stuck beside me through it all. The Lord blessed me with a wonderful man. The Lord has also blessed us with a beautiful daughter. One is all we both could handle. I'm thankful for where I work and my co-workers who don't judge me on whether my body is perfect or not. I'm often embarrassed by my deformed hands and fingers. But God doesn't see them. He looks at my heart and sees beyond crooked hands and feet.

I look forward to the day when I will have no more pain and no more disease. My body will be new. It's all because of what God offers me through his Son, Jesus, that I can look forward to heaven and a renewed body.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true" (Revelation 21:3-5, NIV).

For now on this earth, I will look for the humor in life, it's a gift from God.