The Girl With Arthritis

I'm going to be quite frank: I haven't seen a rheumatologist since October, and I don't intend to again for a while. I have the opportunity to call and make an appointment and probably get one in two weeks or so, but I've chosen not to.  I know you can't predict the future, but I think I have clear judgement when I say it's not worth the pain, frustration and guilt. The last two doctors I've seen have told me I'm completely fine and whatever pain I have is normal, aging muscle strain or in my head, but probably both. Although I did not realise that the pain of aging begins its onset before ripe age of 18, I will take it. Nobody who can really help me cares. And that's okay. My arthritis is honestly not as bad as most people's. Sure, I hurt. But I'm not in a wheelchair, nor have I ever needed pred. I walk a lot, go to classes, hang out with friends, attend religious services and studies, and just explore my beautiful city and that is w...

I've been back from that weekend away for two weeks now, but I can tell you I can still feel the positive effects it had. I really got closer with my friends and new friends. Having just gotten back to classes a few weeks ago, it was a well deserved rest. Not that I did much resting, anyway. The place we stayed near was by a beach. Though we did visit it, none of us could go swimming because of the risk of hypothermia (much to the disappointment of the guys). None the less it was very pretty, and we even got to skip some stones before heading back (there were a lot of those).   But we enjoyed the cold, snowy weather and made the very best of it. Including building a snowman! We tried using a banana for the nose, but that didn't quite work. Instead, we used Oreos, Gold Fish and other snacks. We also slid down hills of snow, had snow ball fights and made forts. You wouldn't think we're legal adults, would you?    

I'm terrible at posting lately. I don't have much to say medically that is much different from what it was a few weeks ago. I can't bend my elbows for too long before they get stiff and painful. I cannot touch my chin to my chest. My muscles are very tense. I'd like to slice my heels off. It's the basic life of a psoriatic arthritis patient. But, I'm very excited for this coming weekend. I'm going away with a large group, just getting away from it all about two hours away. We're going to the ocean, and some of my friends even plan to take a quick swim! I will be safely on the side watching though- don't want my fingers going completely blue, the nails are enough! I really need this weekend trip to get away and clear my head. I'm hoping my body will feel better as my soul does. Anyway, pictures will be coming!