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How has your condition impacted you? I discovered I had fibromyalgia when I went to see a rheumatologist for a persistent pain in my hip. My GP thought it might be rheumatoid arthritis, and she wanted a second opinion from a specialist.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Kelly
KellyDrexel Hill, PA
Grave’s Disease, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and DSAP (Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis)
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How has your condition impacted you? I was diagnosed with Grave’s disease when I was 30. At the time my endocrinologist told me that having one autoimmune disease opens the door for other autoimmune diseases to develop. I didn’t take that information too seriously at the time. Ten years later I’m managing 5 diseases.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Rob
Rob
Philadelphia, PA
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How has your condition impacted you? I have had bilateral knee replacements, elbow replacement, wrist replacement, and finger fusion. The rheumatoid vasculitis causes inflammation of my arteries. I was the 10th person in the US to try an autologous stem cell transplant for RA. No medications have worked for me. I went onto long term disability in January 2009 - after having the disease for 15 years.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Jessica
Jessica
Brooklyn, NY
Diagnosed with Polymyositis in 2004 and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) in 2006
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How has your condition impacted you?
Well, now I can look back and count myself lucky because the progression of my disease was very slow, my doctors recognized it early, and I responded well to medication. A couple of years ago was pretty difficult as not only did I have to deal with a loss of physical strength but I also had to deal with a loss of identity. I've always identified as a strong person, able to do anything on my own, and this disease has put a serious crimp on that kind of thinking. It is something I still struggle with now. In other ways, my life is better since I take much better care of myself. I eat better and really know the importance of regular exercise and sleep.
Well, now I can look back and count myself lucky because the progression of my disease was very slow, my doctors recognized it early, and I responded well to medication. A couple of years ago was pretty difficult as not only did I have to deal with a loss of physical strength but I also had to deal with a loss of identity. I've always identified as a strong person, able to do anything on my own, and this disease has put a serious crimp on that kind of thinking. It is something I still struggle with now. In other ways, my life is better since I take much better care of myself. I eat better and really know the importance of regular exercise and sleep.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Carrie
Carrie
Brooklyn, NY
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How has your condition impacted you? I’ve been lucky in that the symptoms have been minimal and I’ve responded well to medication. Since the outlook for both conditions is not all that great as they progress, I’ve become much more conscious of my health and daily decisions that might affect it in hopes that I might be able to slow, manage or stop progression.
