I am sharing a personal post with you today. Chemistry Cachet is a fun place to come for easy recipes, gardening tips, tutorials, and things in our life…but I would also like it to be a place for inspiration. I love helping people in real life who are struggling or need advice, and I want to be able to do that with this blog too.
I have been working on this post for awhile. The reason I haven’t posted it sooner is fear. Fear about being defined by this, or possibly judged as I have been for many years. Fear is something God has been working on in my life recently, which is why I finally started blogging too 🙂 My Rheumatologist shared with me that May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, so what better month to share this with you?
Today I am facing the fear and telling you the truth about me. For 18 years, I have had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was just a child when I was diagnosed (10 years old), and I have struggled with it since then. To say it changed the course of my life would be an understatement. Growing up, I desperately wanted to be that girl who was all about athletics, dancing, feeling good all the time, partying, and the works. The problem was, I couldn’t be any of those things. I was different, and it took me years to realize that was okay. Many people are misinformed about RA, mainly because there is confusion as to what Arthritis really is. There are many forms of Arthritis, but RA affects much more than just your joints. I recently came across a wonderful, inspiring blog that has some great information on Arthritis. Kate from Kate the Almost Great has some good points about the struggles of arthritis. Check that out here. It offers great insight into the complications of living with RA.
I could go in to a lot of detail about what I went through physically and emotionally, and continue to go through to this day. However, I would rather share with you how it has blessed me in ways I never thought possible. These are just seven top reasons for me, but I can assure you there are countless other ways too.
1. It forced me to focus more on academics vs athletics.
Obviously, with swollen and painful knees, I wasn’t going to be winning any awards in the sports department, so I spent more time on my school work. I secretly loved it, and worked really hard to graduate at the top of my class. I went on to get a chemistry degree in college specializing in math, and that is one of the reasons I have the career I do today. I started out just tutoring people in the difficult subjects, and soon realized I had a true passion for academia. I have slowly worked my way up to be an academic consultant in many aspects. In turn, I have helped many students pass college and go on to be doctors, lawyers, dentists, and more. If you would like to read more about that, please read it on my business website.
2. I’ve learned true compassion.
I know how hard it is to go through pain, both physically and emotionally. Anytime a friend or loved one faces hard times like that, I have nothing but compassion. I want to help them in anyway I can and I am grateful for that. I pray daily for those that are suffering and need encouragement.
3. I was able to take care of my sick husband.
Little did I know at the age of 21, not only would I be struggling with health problems, but my husband would become severely sick while he was in the marines. I was his caretaker for many years, and by the time he was 23 he had a complete colorectomy due to severe ulcerative colitis and the early stages of colon cancer. I was so grateful I had knowledge of the medical industry including all the medications he was on. I was no stranger to the medical field and it helped us in so many ways. I also, again, was able to have complete compassion on him. He went through more physically than I could ever imagine.
4. It forced me to find a different career path.
Like I mentioned with the academic consulting I am doing, I knew with a chemistry degree, I probably wasn’t going to be able to be a chemist in a lab for 8 hours a day. You many not realize, but chemistry can be tedious work. There were many times in college, I had to get help from fellow students because I physically couldn’t do some of the lab work. I knew the Lord was leading me down a different career path. Blogging and having my own business are what He has driven me towards. I knew I needed to be able to take a day off when I was sick, or being able to go to my doctor’s appointments. No other job would allow that. I am so grateful to have started this blogging venture to share all my knowledge with you and learn from everyone.
5. I live day by day.
Some days are good, and some days are bad. Taking each day as it comes is how I get through it, but it has brought so much more peace to life living one day at a time. As a Christian, that is how we should be living anyways, and having RA has forced me to do so.
6. I take delight in the little things.
Little enjoyments are what makes the world go round. I delight in the small things like sunrises, birds chirping, flowers blooming, a steaming hot bath, sunshine, and nature.
7. A strong marriage.
My husband and I have truly been through a lot in our almost 8 years of marriage. Our health issues have brought us closer and more dependent on each other. We are waiting to have kids due to the medications, but I am grateful for that too. We are building a stronger marriage and becoming better people each day, so our future kids will get the best parents they can have.
Thank you for reading this today. I know it is much heavier than I usually share, but I want people to know that diseases don’t have to define you. In fact, it can be God’s way of making you stronger. If you need support or have questions, please reach out to me! Also, if you would be interested in some information about stuff like this, let me know!
I have learned many things along the way and would love to share them with you. One of the reasons I got a degree in chemistry would be to have a well rounded aspect of things even including nutrition, exercise, and medicines. I don’t get to work out like some, but I have a routine I do daily to stay in shape. I also care about nutrition especially with the health issues my husband has. You may notice, but I love sharing healthier treats when I can on the blog (although we still delight in the occasional treat, like my cookies :)) I will leave you with one of my favorite versus in the Bible.
James 1:2-4 : “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.“
I would love to know your thoughts on this. Would you be interested in some health related content on the blog occasionally? Do you have any questions? Let me know and have a great rest of the week!
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How crazy is that we posted something similar on the same way. I love your outlook and you are so inspiring!
That is crazy! Great minds think alike 🙂 Thanks Nina!
I can not being to imagine what you go through with RA but I am so impressed by the outlook that you have and that you have found a silver lining to it. You truly are an inspiration!
Thank you Anne! That means so much 🙂
You are so inspiring, Alexis! I love that you’re able to look at all the positives and that you’re helping spread awareness.
Thank you Jaelan, I was really nervous about writing it, but I hope to inspire and help others through it!
I am so glad you were able to share your story. I believe if we all continue to share our stories that it will become easier for others. It is only by sharing our stories that a stigma is released. I have friends who have RA and I have seen the struggle that they often have. I love your list and feel that we all can benefit and use it on a daily basis.
Thank you Sheryl, you are so right! That is why I decided to share this today in the hopes others can benefit too! Thank you for your support 🙂
I found your blog after you replied to my question on Hometalk and I’m so glad I came. I too have RA and have struggled with it for 41 years. It does change your life but you learn to deal with it and make adjustments to daily living. Loved your list and it’s so true that the disease does not define a person. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Sharon, thanks so much for coming! And bless your heart for having RA for so many years. I plan on sharing things on and off about living with RA, so come back anytime. And feel free to talk to me anytime 🙂 Have a great day!
Hi Alexis, this is my first visit to your blog (visiting from Pintastic Party). I so needed to read this today! I had surgery last week on my ankle that turned out to be more extensive than planned. I learned yesterday that I’ll have a cast on for another month and then an air brace for the rest of the summer. I was really stressed and down today. Reading this made me realize in the grand scheme of things, I’m blessed my ankle can be fixed at all. Other positives are coming about too. Lke my 8 year old is learning to do many things for herself and is proud of herself. My mom had RA beginning with what in the 1940’s they called Rheumatic Fever when she was 7. It didn’t show up again until her late 50s. She was my hero. Always so brave and up for anything. Some of my fondest memories are us laughing hysterically when occasionally she’d need a wheelchair when we went shopping. I was a horrible chair driver and we’d always end up knocking over a display or something! LOL! Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks so much for stopping over to read! And I hope and pray your ankle will heal quickly. Isn’t it neat how sometimes tough experiences turn into such sweet memories? Like with your mom, that is so funny!! Thank you for sharing that with me, I got a good laugh! 🙂 I’m sure your mom faced some difficult things, especially back then when advances in medications weren’t as good as they are today. Thanks for connecting and I hope we can continue :), have a great day!
I definitely relate to these points. My husband is the one who takes care of me, which he learned to do watching his dad help his mom with UC. I’m mostly a more empathetic person, but I will confess I can’t tolerate people who turn into babies for a mild cold or who become anti-social after a little diarrhea. I may or may not be referring to my brothers. 😉
I found you from Stephanie’s blog. What an inspiring post! I have fibromyalgia which some days is not to bad but other days, my life comes to a halt. It has taken years to come to grips with it in my mind. Your post was so inspiring and I had tears in my eyes. God bless you.
Thank you so much Melanie! What a sweet comment to read from you! Have a wonderful day and God Bless!
Hi Alexis.
How great is our God!
I suffered with Lyme disease for 4 years (only 4). It had developed into an autoimmune disease. Ironically, it did not effect my joints, but caused severe intractable pain in the back of my head and neck. After having numerous procedures done, including an occipital nerve ablation, the pain was still there. No medication was able to relieve it.
My internist told me she thought I would get better. And then she put me on Methadone, a life sentence of narcotic addiction. (By the grace of God I was able to kick it.)
This is my story. And everyone’s outcome is different. But I wanted to encourage you.
18 years is a practically a lifetime. But I believe in spiritual healing, because I have experienced it myself. I was so healed of Lyme that the titers no longer show up in my blood. My pain is completely gone and has been since 2007.
You have learned to overcome and to see goodness in very difficult circumstances. And that is a gift. Some people may not know why they suffer until they pass over. I will pray that you and your husband will know complete healing in your bodies. I believe with all my heart that this is possible.
Live each day in the joy of the presence of the Lord, knowing that he paid the price for your salvation and healing. Give thanks in all occasions for he loves you SO MUCH! What he allows is for his glory and your benefit. This I believe. God bless!
Yes, Amen to this! Without the Lord, the days would be long and hard, but with his sweet grace, we are able to live in peace and fullness! Thanks for sharing your story with me! And thank you for stopping over to read 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Hi Alexis… I found you through the Tuesday Talk linkup. You’re a tough cookie… I, too, have RA. I am “only” 3 years into this and I was blessed to have been diagnosed very early (age 47). I take weekly oral methotrexate and recently started weekly Enbrel injections when the flares got too frequent last fall. So far so good and I am still pretty physically active although I am careful not to overdo it and to get more rest and stress less. I definitely could do better on the diet especially sugar. I have a wonderful medical team, loving supportive spouse and friends. How richly blessed I am.
Hi Laurie! I have taken both of those medications for about 8 years and have had success for the most part. I had to switch to methotrexate injections though since the oral wasn’t working anymore. It gets worse as I get older, but I just take it one day at a time. Staying active is the best thing you can do! I still mow the yard when I can 🙂 Thank you for sharing your story with me and for stopping over! God Bless!
Thanks for this post. I’ve struggled for many years with a chronic illness that’s yet to be given a name. The thing that I appreciate learning the most is compassion, giving my life and my plans over to God, and getting to witness God’s faithfulness over and over.
That is difficult going through something and not knowing what it is. Thanks for coming over, and I pray you may get things worked out. God Bless!
I love that your focus was on the blessings that came from your disease. Living one day at a time, and delighting in the little things are what Scripture calls us to. And the blessings you’ve seen that came out of an unfortunate health situation exemplify how God can give us beauty for ashes. Blessed by your testimony!
Thank you, you are so true! It is amazing how the Lord uses our situation as testimonies and inspiration for others. Thank you for reading today 🙂
Hi Alexis!
I am so glad you got over the fear and decided to publish this post! It is a powerful testimony that we don’t have to be defined by our illnesses. I have two sisters that have an autoimmune disease and I see their health struggles. It has been a tough battle. I also have postpartum issues that I never really recovered from. But like you, I don’t let them define my person or who God created me to be.
I LOVE how you have turned your circumstances into the beautiful blessings they really are. I enjoyed all seven of the reasons . So grateful for Women with Intention…that’s how I found your blog 🙂
Hi Tia! Thank you so much for your kind words! I love the inspiration and strength from the Women with Intention Link up. It is so great connecting with people and encouraging each other. Thank you again 🙂
Oh my goodness, I loved this post. First, thank you for being so willing to share such a personal story. I am actually working this summer at Victory Junction, which is a serious fun camp for children with chronic illnesses, so I loved reading about this. I also loved the Bible Verse you shared. It’s one of my favorites! Wow. Again, thank you.
Thank you so much for reading and for your sweet words 🙂 And what a great thing to be working with this summer. What a blessing for those children!
Thanks for adding this to the Healthy Living Link Party . We hope you will come back again on Wednesday.
Thank you Elaine!
I see why God has me hooked on your blog. We have a lot in common in spite of our age difference. You see, my youngest daughter was born with spina bifida and she does life from a wheelchair. You can read her story on the blog at A Daughter Teaches, A Mother Learns. Anyways, you are an inspiration, yes I tell you that a lot, but I alway told her that her disability will not define her, what she DOES with it will. Great story and thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Bless your daughter’s sweet heart! I will hop over to read her story. It is such a testimony to hear how other people rise up through adversity in their lives, with God using weaknesses to inspire others. Sometimes things get hard, but I quickly pray that He will help me remember how many blessings come with situations like this. I am so glad we connected Michelle 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
p.s – Read your blog post about her on the blog and wrote you a comment. Thanks for sharing that with me 🙂