This is a picture from Negril, Jamaica at the White Sands resort. I have been there many times. This trip was probably 5-6 years ago. Funny, how…if I knew then what I know now, I would have done things differently. Though this image is unintentionally underexposed, it is perfect in its own way. Kind of like we are, not perfect in the normal sense of the word but great in our own ways.

I have had RA for over 20 years and about 3 years ago, I had a serious flare up…that doesn’t seem to go into remission. About 8 months ago my numbers were good again. ANA, anti-CCP, CRP, and sed rate all looking very good after months of testing with different medications. But, I learned that all of these things can be going in your favor and you still suffer severe symptoms.

Durning the past 3 years I have had two knee replacements, one with a bad outcome, I need a new right shoulder and left hip at a minimum with the left shoulder close behind. RA is a ruthless disease. As I write this I am wearing compression gloves to allow me to type and reclaim some of the use my hands.

The point of all of this is not to make you feel sorry for me, but, hopefully you can get an idea of what people with RA go through.

This blog is dedicated to letting people know what I have learned on my journey, and for me to learn from you, ways to address the issues we deal with. Severe RA is very serious and is life changing. Your attitude and outlook will make all the difference between a difficult existence or a challenging one with a positive outlook. My goal is to post every day and so far I am getting it done 🙂 yay me.