I’ll have to admit that I have not done a lot of in depth research about RA.  I suppose I have just chosen to limit my research to areas that seem important to me for the here and now.  It’s not important for me to know why I have it because it won’t change anything.    I read some of the trials, some of the research being conducted, and some of the information about new drugs.  All of these things are interesting, but what really appeals to me is learning from people that are actually dealing with the diagnosis.  I am also interested in learning about side effects of RA.

For about a year and a half, I have noticed some changes in my periods, my weight distribution, and my skin.  At 47, I know that these changes can be attributed to perimenopause.  After doing some research, I had a saliva test completed which revealed low progesterone.  So, I started a topical bioidentical progesterone cream about six months ago and saw immediate results with my periods….back to normal!  But, instead of sticking to one brand of cream, in a pinch I bought another brand which resulted in no period for almost three months!  So, I went back to the original cream and things went back to normal in just a few weeks.

I just purchased a book to help me prepare for the inevitable…menopause.  The book is called “The Wisdom of Menopause” by Dr. Christiane Northrup.    Dr. Northrup mentions premature menopause and states that women with auto-immune diseases sometimes experience an earlier transition into menopause.  Ahhh….yes, another gift from RA. (This would make a great candidate for my re-gifting closet….)

On a positive note, she also states that the transition period into menopause is quicker.  Normally, this would be good news, but quicker means that your body may not be given enough time to naturally transition without symptoms.  She states that most women in this category will need hormonal support during the perimenopause cycle.  So, there you have it….another reason to hit the books.    Hormones are complicated.  I decide a long time ago that I would not take artificial hormones, and will be taking biodentical hormones instead.    There are several good books on bioidenticals and perimenopause.  Please take the time to read them and do your research before beginning any kind of hormone supplementation.  I have included some good ones in the link on my blog called the “My Favorite Things” store.

For those of you that have read all of my posts…(I’m sure that is a small number ) you will know that I have RA, my husband has CAD (Coronary artery disease) and my daughter had ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura) earlier this year. Until today, my son was the only one of us without a label. Today, he got a label.  He was diagnosed with an osteochondroma (benign bone tumor). For almost a week, I have been praying, worrying, denying, crying, stressing, and researching. The doctors originally thought that it was benign, but changed their mind and thought that it could be malignant. After a MRI, bone scan, x-rays, and CT scan, they decided that it was the lesser of two evils and gave me the call with the good news that I was waiting for. Thank you Lord!

My children are my greatest blessings.  I would easily trade places with them when they are sick or hurting.  As I was giving the hospital business office my insurance card, and then my unreimbursed medical expense card to cover the deductible, I looked over at my husband and told him that I may have to re-think my thoughts about universal healthcare.  I cannot imagine what it would be like to not have insurance that would pay for appropriate medical testing  for your child or your spouse.   There has to be a way to provide affordable healthcare for everyone.  I don’t think it needs to be “free”, but affordable.  I hope that very soon…somebody, somewhere can figure out how to do it.

So, for today I am counting my blessings.  I’m one of the fortunate ones that has insurance and a job that enables me to help provide for my family.  I’m thankful for a husband that loves me and our children.  I’m blessed that I don’t work for an employer that might fire me for missing a staff meeting because I was on the phone with the doctor.  I’m thankful that on most days, I walk without a limp, can still wear high heels occasionally, and that my medication is doing its job and keeps my RA under control.   And…..I’ve lost three pounds on the Rapid Weight Loss Worried About Your Kids Diet.  There are so many things to be thankful for.  What are you thankful for today?