Some folks with RA, namely yours truly, struggle sometimes to get through an average day. There is more time in a day than energy in my body and that sometimes poses a problem at 6:00 pm when I have no energy left and the day is not done yet. This poses a problem to which I have come up with many creative solutions over the years. Generally it involved TV and take-out. But those days may be over. Read on!
Feat #1 - I Survived Disney
You may understand my trepidation when we set off on a "vacation" to the Orlando area for a 5 park days, 4 water park days and 1 Legoland day. The amount of sun, walking and fatigue involved in this kind of "vacation" can be overwhelming for someone with RA. 12 days in Florida in May, with 10 days of wandering around parks, going on rides and sweltering in the heat. As it turns out, I felt great. No aches, no pain, no swelling, just good times on the roller coasters, teacups and "It's a Small World". It was only with achieving the next two feats do I have some insight as to why I feel so fantastic. Read on!
Feat #2 - I Can Ride a Bike
I haven't owned a bike for all of my adult life. Mainly because I find the seats uncomfortable. But it seems technology has caught up, and there are more comfy seats. Check. My kids are now riding their bikes independently, and so this is the year we can all go for longer family bike rides. The other day, my son and I biked 5.6 K through woods and trails and I felt great. I can ride a bike and like it and not flare! Amazing! Why you ask, is this feat possible? Read on!
Feat #3 - I Enjoyed a Zumba Class
Zumba is an aerobics dance class set to dance music where you jump, skip and shake it for an hour. It is exhausting. I love/hate my instructor. She's not even breathing hard at the end. I was, after 12 minutes. But I made it to the end. As my brother once said, "it wasn't pretty, but it did it". That summarizes my efforts fairly succinctly. But I did it. How you ask? Read on!
How are these amazing feats possible? Drugs is the short answer. I think I may have found a biologic that agrees with me. I'm on monthly infusions of Actemra, and I feel fantastic. Really, really super. This is not something I usually write in this blog. If I can't rail against the meds not working, what will I write about? Perhaps all the things I can do with my new-found non-flaring body.
It's nice to write a happy post. Laugh if you must, but it requires a happy song. And who doesn't smile when LMFAO comes on with "Party Rock"?
1 comment:
Oh, it is SO cool when the pain and disability finally goes--and then stays away! I'm happy for you, Megan, and I hope that the Actemra gives you a nice, lonnnnnng remission. Enjoy everything!
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