The past few days or so have been kind of rough. My body knows when it’s time for my next treatment. My last round of Rituxan infusions was back in January — so I was technically due for my next round before we went on vacation.
I was hoping to time them out — one the week BEFORE vacation and one the week AFTER —
but thing is, insurance companies often label my treatments as chemotherapy — so there is a “preauthorization” that needs to take place before I can schedule them.
Anyone who’s ever experienced a rheumatoid arthritis “flare-up” knows the feeling — but for those who don’t, I’d describe it as feeling like you’re floating in sort of a gel-like pain… with occasional feelings like someone’s cutting your bones with a rusty, jagged knife.
My knuckles swell and become stiff. Sometimes (as my daughter Sofia noticed recently) they even feel hot to the touch. Even my eyes get puffy.
I don’t really have much of any cartilage left anywhere in my body, so the non-titanium parts really feel it — especially those that have experienced extensive damage, like my feet.
Of course, having deformed feet that ALSO swell and become stiff doesn’t do much to help my posture, either — so I feel it in my back, my neck and my shoulders.
And let’s not forget the crippling fatigue. (I know it’s not the healthiest choice, but let’s just say I keep a number of energy drink manufacturers in business!)
Now, a few hours after I’ve completed this first infusion, I’m starting to feel… something. I can tell that the Rituximab is making its way through my body. My chest feels a little tight, and my cheeks are flushed. But my hands don’t seem to hurt as much. After my next round in two weeks, I should feel even better!
Movement is medicine. Motion is lotion. Moving makes me feel better. When we got home from vacation, I washed my car. But later that night, while we were all watching Bluey, I could hardly move.
I am so blessed to have found a treatment that works for me, and to be able to do the things I do. If YOU or someone you love sturggles with an “invisible” illness like RA, just know that you are not alone. And NEVER GIVE UP. 🙏♥️
#PSNeverGiveUp
