Here’s a link if you would prefer to listen:
Well, it is day two of my flare-up dealing with the RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis). I am feeling a little bit better than yesterday, and I was able to get my laundry done last night; so that was a huge win in my favor. I talk to my rheumatologist’s office staff and I’m able to get my infusion next week. Hip hip hooray! Now, it’s just surviving until next week to get my meds.
So I’m glad I’m getting my infusion next week. My left ankle joint feels like it is on fire it and it is hurting all the time, and there’s nothing that doesn’t stop the pain unless I’m sleeping. Today, my hips starting are aching. I have been taking extra meds over-the-counter to help with the pain, especially at night. To be honest, this is just my life when I have a flare-up. I’m just doing the basic things to get through my day until I get my infusion.
I am focusing on what I can do instead of what I can’t. And my attitude helps a lot when dealing with a bad flare that’s trying to get worse. If I sit here and focused on what I cannot do I would be so depressed. That I would find myself in a dark place that I don’t want to be. And I find it helps me to focus on what I can do especially when I’m in a lot of pain. So what am I doing? I am working on my blog right now, I plan to read a book later today, and if I feel up to it I am planning to work on a new story outline it’s going through my head. I am focusing on tasks it does not take a lot of energy and where I can sit and do not affect my joints that much. And tonight I’ll probably watch TV again. Perhaps a movie 🎥. So basically the tasks that I’m doing are not putting a lot of stress on my joints or causing me pain.
I’m prioritizing tasks that must get done. I took out the garbage this morning. I am doing tasks that need to get done that can’t wait because I’m in survival mode.
I don’t care that the dishes are not done or my house is messy and cluttered. Or am I’m still in my pajamas. Right now, it’s about me taking care of myself independently to the best of my ability despite having pain. That means that I have to let other things go until I am feeling better.
Alexandra Mars 