My Life and new fight with RA

Meth(ylcobalamin) Junkie?

2010-09-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

For the past few years I have been administering B12 injections weekly. Your body needs B12 for healthy cell growth and function. It improves brain function (which I need desperately), memory, nervous system, and so on. It also gives you a boost of energy and alertness. B12 tablets are not absorbed very efficiently in the body and injections gives your body the best ability to absorb it. I may turned into a bit of a junkie because I have used it during periods of fatigue induced by my RA. It may be psychological, but I feel it helps with my energy levels. You can't overdose on B12 and your body doesn't store excess. I am curious to know if any of you take B12 injections or have in the past.

Great Time!

2010-09-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

The family and I had an awesome vacation in Orlando. The weather was great and the crowds usually associated with the area were nonexistent. My jackass friend RA showed up from time to time but wasn't really a factor. Multiple trips to Sea World and a visit to Busch Gardens took place, as well time just relaxing around the many pools. If you ever visit Sea World, spend the extra $60 and get the VIP "behind the scenes" tour. Amy and Addy got some shopping in during our vacation as well. I even went with and didn't complain the entire time. I rode my first roller coaster. I know that seems crazy and you are probably saying "What rock have you been living under". It seems crazy to me too, especially me being a confirmed adrenaline junkie by several sources. It was tough coming back to work the other day but I managed. I learned that my supervisor is moving on and perhaps a promotion for me is in the works. We'll see what happens. I'll post some pics from our trip soon. Until then the pic posted is of Addy taking her first scuba lesson at 6 years old. She has no fear in anything she does and I think some of my "adrenaline junkie" may have been rubbed off on her. God help me is she does a 1/4 of the crap I did as a kid.

PT Update

2010-08-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

My body is numb anytime I finish working out with my new trainer/coach/motivator. As I sit here here I think I still have ringing in my ears from this mornings motivational excerpts. I have not seen these motivational techniques since I was 18, in basic training, being dressed down by a DI. Pat can break me down like no other. The important thing is that he can build me back up like no other as well. In only a week and a half he has brought out more strength from my body then I ever thought possible. "Weak mind, weak body." "Strong mind, strong body." I have heard those words echoed daily. There are times I would like nothing better then to kick the ever lovin' crap out of this 70 year old man. That anger is channeled into whatever exercise I am performing and he gets that extra rep he is looking for from me. I have to be honest with all of you. I would love to kick the ever lovin' crap out of that 70 year old man, but the truth is, he would be the one delivering the kicking, not me. I am looking forward to the upcoming recovery week. Just stretching and cardio are on the docket for me. It works out perfectly with a late summer vacation to Orlando with the family. I am sure Amy will get a briefing from Pat before we leave and will likely be reporting on the status of my workouts to him next week. I will workout but I think I am leaving the diet plan behind me when we leave for Florida. Naughty diet here I come! I hope my liver has toughened up too, because there are a few adult beverages with my name of them too. I'll be sure to give you all the details upon the return, along with some pics. Cheers all! Hope this finds you happy and some what pain free. Mike...

2010-08-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days you wish you were a kid and could stop and say "Do over!"? Most of the days I wish I could do this fall in place with post-MTX dosing. Poor Amy got a healthy dose of "Grumpy Mike" this morning. I did apologize before leaving for work today but I have carried the burden of the way I acted all day. I am sure some of you battle with the same. I guess part of me just needed to get that off my chest. We have had some activity here at work today, a DTO flight, a vehicle accident with injuries, and a person having a falling tree pin them. Things like this always make me pause. I am glad I said I was sorry for the way I acted and said "I love you" before heading out the door. One never knows when a life changing event will happen.

2010-08-23T05:26:00.000-07:00

Late last week I entered into a nasty little flare up. I managed to stay away from my prednisone despite wake boarding and jet skiing this weekend. I finished my first workout with my new trainer this morning. The picture basically shows how I am feeling after my session. 10 weeks of this? I guess I better slip on a pair of big boy chonies and suck it up. This is going to be tough. The scary part is this is just the test to find my starting point. I actually thought to appear weaker then I was just to make my starting point a little easier. Shame got the better of me and I found the fortitude to give it everything I had. I'll be sure to share what comes of this testing week after it ends. A few of my joints hurt today but just about every muscle in my body is numb at this point. I am going to have a coworker start 1000ml IV on me in a few minutes. I am definately dehydrated from the weekend activities and this mornings workout. Some O2 therapy might be needed as well...lol. So I had a great weekend on the river with family and a sobering workout this morning. I ache and hurt but the pain lets me know I am still alive and kicking. Hoping everyone had a great weekend!

You meet people in the strangest places...

2010-08-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

I am beginning to train with a retired US Olympic weightlifting coach starting next week. How does this sort of stuff happen? Try to picture this as you read. It starts at 5:10 am while hiking up a hill that I call "Heartbreak Ridge" toting a 75lb weight vest. As I near the top to this particular hill I can see a silhouette. It looks to me as if a man is walking an animal of some sort. An animal rather then a dog I say, because of the sheer size of the animal's silhouette. I don't think much of it until I hear the man begin to say "no" (pause) "no" (pause) "NO!" Those words then change into "OH (expletive) NO! I look up to see the the dog charging at me full speed, leash flying in the wind. At his point I am reverting back into animal instinct. Fight or flight! My mind quickly made the decision I wouldn't out run this animal with or without a 75lb vest strapped to me. So, fight it was. I stood my ground as the animal came closer to me. I then heard the man shout, "He's a big baby, he just wants some love". The 163lb hunk of Bull Mastiff got to me and showered me with love and slobber. The gentleman made it to me shortly after the dog and apologized what seemed like 20 times in 10 seconds. I figured the excitement of the situation gone we would part paths and go about our day. He asked if he could walk along for a bit and of course anyone that knows me knows I am up for conversation even this early in the morning. To make a long story endless...lol...I find out he is a former oylmpic weightlifting coach, living in the same subdivision I happen to live in. We strike up a conversation about training and conditioning. I told him my struggles of being in my early 40s(geez I hate saying that), my job, and being diagnosed with RA. His response to this was, "This must be fate". To end all of this without going into anymore detail is that this incident allowed me to meet a new friend and that friend has offered to start training me 3 days a week, free of charge. There are some stipulations though. I have to follow a diet plan established by a dietitian friend of his and I can not complain about any of the workouts. Am I lucky or what? I am blessed daily. I am looking forward to starting with him and will keep you posted. Something tells me I only think I have been working out hard for the past 4 or 5 years...lol. Who would have thought I would meet a new friend, who happens to be a retired oylmpic weightlifting coach at 5:10am on a hill I call "Hearbreak Ridge".

2010-08-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank Michelle (http://thelifeandtimesofagirlwithra.blogspot.com) for thinking enough of me and what I write to pass on this token of appreciation. I hope some of my words help all of you as much as your words help me. Reading about the trial and tribulations of others affected by this disease is helpful and comforting. It nice to know I am not in this boat alone rowing towards the light. Equally, I get insight into life in general. Your funny posts and stories put a smile upon my face regularly.

Is summer ending already?

2010-08-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

It looks as though my updates are turning seasonal(the shame of it). Truth be told, like so many of you, my summer has been filled to the brim with activity. Between work, weekends on the river, and vacations I have hardly had any time to write. My RA has been pretty good to me all summer. I was even a naughty boy and stopped taking MTX for about a month. Am I a rebel or what? My body felt great up until that 4th week and then the old familiar pain and stiffness came creeping back. So much for that thought of remission...lol. Since then I have slowly came back to form. I remain dedicated to my early morning workouts. I still believe that those workouts are what helps the most with both the physical and psychological effects of this disease. My only problem areas are those joints that have had a history of injury through my career as a firefighter. My right knee and ankle along with my shoulders are the only things that truly bother me. Enough of the complaining already! Life is good and I am blessed. Amy and I celebrated our 15 year anniversary this past July. I still can't believe she keeps me around after all these years. Addy will be starting 1st grade this coming Monday. I am amazed by her out-going personality, sense of humor, and fearlessness on a daily basis. Hope this finds you all doing well. I have some catching up to do on your blogs. I am curious to see how all of you are doing. You are missed. Mike...

Spring has arrived and so have I from my hiatus

2010-04-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

As I begin writing this my thoughts are of you, the people I call friends. I hope and wish with all my heart that this finds all of you healthy and happy. It will likely take me some time to catch up with all of your posts, but give me time. I wish I could say that I have exciting life changing information on my life to share, but I can't. As for being being gone so long, it can best be described as just being in a "funk" for a few months. That, coupled with keeping up with work, a wife, and 6 year old daughter have kept me away far too long. So here I am! My jackass friend RA is still hanging around but I am starting to figure out his patterns and workings. I am sure he still has a few tricks up his sleeve but he hasn't shown me any in some time. I do have an appointment with my doc next week. At our last meeting he decided that we could go 3 months between visits unless something changed in how I am feeling. I am starting to come to grips with the fact I will never be pain free. I am managing with what I have. I am still as active as I once was but give myself a little more time for recovery. I completed an 8 mile power hike the other day with a 75 pound pack. This was the first time I was able to accomplish this task since my first serious RA flare up. If is sounds as though I am bragging...well...I am. It felt good but I did pay a price for it. I am participating in an Arthritis Foundation walk this coming weekend. Just a quick 3 mile walk but I managed to raise $500.00 for my efforts. My life at home is busy with being the best dad/husband I can be. Even with all my many faults, Amy and Addy keep me around. I am blessed and a better person having them to call my wife and daughter. I can not imagine my life without them. We are busy with preparing the boat and jet ski for time spent on the river this summer. I think we are only a few weeks away from starting our weekends on the river! I can not wait! Not long ago I had a visit from one of my uncles that was passing through the area. I found out his son was diagnosed with RA about 5 years ago. I felt bad being that out of touch with a person I call my cousin and friend. The best thing that came from finding that out is that it seems as though RA skips generations with our family. I will remain hopeful that Addy will never have to deal with the issues of this disease. Anyway, I had better get back to work. I realize I may have rambled a bit. Hoping you can work through it! It feels good to be back! Mike...

The American and Russian Coalition

2010-02-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a visit with my rheumatologist. His name is Dr. Michael Britt. He is a Russian native that moved to the US after the fall of the former USSR. I have read many stories of people dealing with unmotivated specialists and the frustrations surrounding them. I am not one of those people. He came highly recommended and from my initial diagnosis has been really proactive in my treatment. He is a great mix of serious physician and stand up comic. He often refers to me as his "Poster Child RA Patient" to the interns that seem to be following him all the time. He always takes the time out to ask about my family and how they are coping with my diagnosis. He often teases me and enjoys lighthearted conversations about life in general. He exemplifies what is missing in many of today's physician offices. I guess this is just another example of all the blessings I have.

After the visit today, we agreed to give MTX another 3 months. I have come a long way since September. I still have some joint pain and morning stiffness. I am not crawling to the bathroom in the morning anymore though. I am realistic in my hopes of being one of the lucky that are blessed with a period of remission, but still hopeful none the less.

My wife Amy is becoming proactive in her understanding of this disease as well as my treatment. Early in my diagnosis it seemed as though she didn't care. Many of you commented that it was likey that she was scared. As it turns out...you were right. We are now making our way through the understanding and treatment of this disease together. I know it has helped me and I would like to think it has helped her too.

As always, I appreciate your comments as well as your posts on not only RA, but life in general. They make me smile/laugh, pause for reflection on my life with Amy and Addy, give me hope, and above all let me know I am not alone in dealing with RA. Mike...

Another MTX newbie question

2010-01-28T04:42:00.001-08:00

So.....If I find myself still on MTX this summer, how sensitive is your skin to UV rays. My current MTX script is 2.5 mg X 5 weekly. I do take folic acid daily and drink approximately 180 oz of water daily as well. The reason I ask is I typically spend an insane amount of time on the water during the summer. I swear I will stop taking this stuff if it doesn't allow me to enjoy wake boarding/wake surfing! Curious to know what you experienced if you were taking MTX. Mike...

Giving Thanks...

2010-01-25T08:42:00.000-08:00

While growing up, more times then not, if my Dad was spouting off some folksy wisdom it usually went in one ear and out the other. There are probably too many to count that landed on the floor on the other side of my head. There are a few that were absorbed into my grey matter though. One in particular that comes to mind this morning. "When things are tough and you start feeling sorry for yourself, look around you and you will always find someone worse off then you." I hate RA and hate the meds I have to take for this disease, but I am thankful. Thankful that I am the one chosen to bare this burden. It has caused me to open my eyes and look around me once again.

Coming back

2010-01-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

Well here I am. It's been some time since I posted. For those that were wondering where I have been and those who worried...I apologize for not getting back on here sooner. Life has been quite busy since my last post. If the silly season wasn't enough, January has been busy with instructing at our annual fire academy. As far as my RA...I am not convinced that MTX is going to be the best treatment for me. Maybe I am not being patient enough. It's 3 months now and though I am not as stiff and sore as I once was, I was expecting more relief. Am I asking too much? Some of you might know the answer. I have awesome insurance that pays almost all of my prescription med charges. Do any of you have some advice? Should I ask for a change of meds yet? If you read my profile you know I am not a patient person.

I am hoping all of you are having a wonderful new year and also hoping you feeling well.

Mike...

Week 4 of MTX

2009-12-04T14:47:00.000-08:00

So it's been 4 weeks since I started MTX. At this point I have to admit my body is feeling much better. I still am experiencing what could best be described as a fog the day after I take the medication. I have taken little in the way of prednisone with the exception of my hunting trip and for a day or so after the rugby. I have had an awesome day. I spent a little over an hour rowing today and covered a total of 8 miles. I got Christmas packages mailed out, raked the front yard, did some laundry, and even shampooed the living room and entry way carpets. I had a quick lunch with my wife as well. I picked up Addy at 2:45 and she has been a complete doll all afternoon/evening. I guess God is smiling on me today. I am looking forward to the weekend off. They are predicting some snow here in Tennessee tonight and with any luck Addy and I will be building a snowman mixing with grass clipping come morning. As a Minnesota native, I do miss winters and all the fun things that go with it. I do not miss those insanely cold January's' with below temps though. Hoping everyone enjoys the weekend. Thinking of all of you, Mike...

Tent Camping in cold weather with RA

2009-11-25T11:45:00.000-08:00

So I went hunting this past week. It was my first tent camping experience in cold, damp conditions since having to deal with RA. It was quite an experience and my body is finally beginning to come back to what I feel is normal. I have to laugh at it now. I was in pretty sad shape, but I still had a great time. I guess bringing a prednisone script will be in order next time I do that. Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and hoping you have safe travels. Take care all, Mike...

School Lunch

2009-11-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

I just got back from having a Thanksgiving lunch with my daughter Addy. I was amazed that the lunch was so delicious. OK, I admit, if something is hot and even resembles food I'll likely eat/enjoy it. Seriously though, the folks in the cafeteria did an awesome job.

So what to say today? I had a great workout this morning. I completely "B" slapped the rowing machine and acent machine. Addy didn't give me any grief in picking out clothes for school this morning. I was lucky enough to enjoy lunch with her, even if it was at 10:30 in the morning. Amy called complaining that I spent too much money at Sams Club yesterday, even though I bought exactly what was on the list she created. I am looking forward to spending some time reading with Addy this afternoon. The weather is flippin' awesome here in Tennessee today. I'll finish this up saying I am having another "good day".

PS. Any of you eat CLIFF Bars? Is it just me or do all of them look like bear poop?

In the Groove

2009-11-18T12:08:00.001-08:00

Funny but after an extremely crappy day yesterday, I am feeling great today. Who knows maybe some of the guys injected me with tryptophan yesterday while I was taking my post lunch "safety nap". Not sure what it was but I was wasted yesterday afternoon. I am in good spirits and looking forward to going home in a few hours. I am sure I will be taked into stopping at a park after picking up Addy from school. At 5 she is already a master at manipulating me. Truth be told I still like the slides and swings too. Anyway, thanks as always to those who give me advice, encouragement, or just make me smile. You help me more then words can say. ~Mike~

The tip of the sword is dull today

2009-11-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

I said I wasn't going to talk about RA today but I am experiencing something strange today. Let's start by saying I had a great nights sleep. I woke up feeling good. I had an great workout and after I felt flippin' awesome. It's 2:30 pm and I am at work. I feel like I could lay down and sleep anywhere. I feel drained and weak. I am actually debating taking sick leave which is completley out of character for me. WTH?

A word of thanks

2009-11-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

I wanted to say thank you for all of your comments, advice, and encouragement. I am a "rookie" when it comes to RA and blogging. I never thought someone would ever read much less respond to what I write. So again, thank you! I took my 2nd dose of MTX last night. I woke up and hit the gym for my 5:00 am workout. I was a little foggy and ill when I woke but I powered through the urse to pull the warm covers back over my body. Hoping all of you are having a great start to a new week! ~Mike~

Am I shallow?

2009-11-09T14:15:00.000-08:00

One more quick thing...is it shallow of me to be worried about losing my hair while on this MTX medication. I know I should be more worried about being healthy...I also know I am not Sampson...but I kinda like my hair.

The journey begins

2009-11-09T08:44:00.001-08:00

9 November, 2009
So here I am, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 40 years old. Although my body has been dealing with pain and stiffness, lately it pales in comparison to what my mind has been going through. What will be in store for me in the future? Will I be able to pass my annual physical fitness test to remain employed as a firefighter next year, 5 years from now, 10 years from now? Why does my wife not seem the least bit concerned about this diagnosis? I know my current physical condition and workout routines helps with my condition and will certainly assist me long term with this disease. My fear physically, is the medication(s) I have been taking as well as MTX, which I started last night. I wish I had the ability to look ahead, find the answers to these questions as well as many more, and breathe a collective sigh of relief with what I see, good or bad. I guess the not knowing and the feeling of something being out of control is hard for a “Type A” person like me. I am so used always having an answer, knowing the correct action to take, or taking control of an out of control situation makes this that much harder. I find it hard to put my faith in something I know so little about. That “something” is what my doctor is telling me and the medications surrounding this disease. I know I am not alone in my fears, doubt, and confusion. I know deep down the answers will present themselves and deep down I know there is a higher purpose in the reason I have this disease. I guess things will present themselves in time. Until then I will practice patience and humility but remain focused on learning more and taking care of both my mind and body.