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Category Archives: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hi, I’m Monica and I am Immunocompromised | #rheumatoidarthritis

15 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Tags

chronic illness, coronavirus, immunocompromised, rheumatoid arthritis

Nothing to disclose.

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I am in that vulnerable category everyone is talking about. If I contract Coronavirus I am at high risk of developing complications from it, including death.

Yet, even though I am fully aware of this scary truth, I have never been so calm.

Ten years of working in a veterinary clinic, ten years with Rheumatoid Arthritis and almost 20 years with multiple pets have prepared me for this very moment. The moment I prove I can survive.

I know how to wash my hands properly, I know how to maintain a sanitary environment, I know to avoid large crowds and people who are sick.

I know how to stay healthy.

 

Yes, CO-VID 19 is front and center, spreading at unprecedented rates but I have been fighting to stay healthy for many years. Complications from a simple cold, caught at work, or bacterial infection, from a tiny cat scratch, could have serious repercussions for me. I live my life with the constant threat that my body cannot save itself if it gets sick.

That is my reality.

Just because Coronavirus exists doesn’t mean I am any more vulnerable than I have been for the last decade. I am tired of hearing (through the media) that I need to be protected like some helpless lamb.

My immunocompromised state actually makes me uniquely qualified of riding out this storm; definitely more so than the average person who has the privilege of perfect physical health.

Don’t tell me I will die if I get the Coronavirus. I know that. I also know I could die from any other attack on my non-functional immune system. I am not incopetent, I am not incapable. In fact, this is where I will dominate.

For the first time since my diagnosis, I feel powerful. I feel in control of my body, my disease, and my life.

I take daily precautions to minimize the risk of illness. I am protected in ways most people are not. I am already fighting against winter cold and flu. Now is the best time for me to challenge everything else.

If I get sick, I will develop acute symptoms much sooner than the 14-day incubation period of this disease. This makes me less likely to pass on the virus to anyone else, unknowingly, which in turn, protects others.

This pandemic is not scary to me. If I get COVID-19, I will handle it the same way I always do: take care that the symptoms don’t worsen and I continue to give my body the best fighting chance.

 

Hi, I’m Monica and I have RA. I am immunocompromised and I am ready.

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And Finally I Sleep… | #chronicfatigue

15 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis

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Simple Purple Nails with Born Pretty Store stamping plate with Pahlish and Zoya Nail Polishes | Monica with RAThe day after I wrote my previous blog post I managed to nap except, not really. I remained semi-conscious during the entire thing. Though I think I was asleep, too, because if I was awake then I would be more cognizant of time, right? What I mean was that while I was conscious I was trying to sleep but I was not necessarily lying there ticking away the minutes. It was a weird feeling, blatantly aware I was napping and actually doing it, both at the same time.

I can’t say I didn’t rest, though. While I didn’t feel energized afterward, I didn’t wake up groggy like I usually do. Weird feelings.

I experienced these episodes another couple of days but since yesterday, I’ve completely zonked out during my daily naps. I am not sure what changed. Maybe I was tired enough now that I’m napping later in the day. Maybe, there was too much going on in my head to properly power down before. Whatever the reason, I’m finally back on track. Now, I just have to tackle the fatigue that grows with every day.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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Trying to Embrace the Nap || #chronicfatigue

07 Saturday Mar 2020

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Tags

fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis

Nothing to disclose.

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Freehand Winter Berries Nail Art with Zoya Nail Polish and Acrylic Paints | Monica with RA

For the past five years (at least), I’ve made a conscious effort to nap and rest more, as my body needed it. It’s hard to say why but if I don’t get my midday nap in I am totally gone by 5 or 6pm.

I made a resolution to not be so hard on myself when I did need a break. You can see my 2020 resolutions post here. And I have been really good to myself, in that respect. I look forward to my rest and embrace the nap…every day!

But, for the last week or so, I haven’t been able to fall asleep. When I am doing well, disease-wise, I don’t need to rest during the day but right now I wake up feeling lethargic. I feel the lure to lay down but once I’m horizontal I cannot fall asleep!

My mind races a mile a minute and I can’t calm it. I feel worried but I am not sure why I feel that way.

I’ve gotten pretty good at managing my stress and one technique is to identify what is bothering me. However, right now, I can’t put a finger on the reason.

Marmalade is stable (she has severe kidney disease), Mocha is doing well behaviorally, and Affie/Sunsilk are living like champions. Work is going well, I feel financially secure and my relationships are strong. So, what is it?

February was hard because Marmalade was not well and Sunsilk lost her sight suddenly (it has since returned) but I never felt particularly overwhelmed during that time.

Can it be a delayed reaction to that previous stress? Maybe I was running on adrenaline for a few weeks and now that I have a chance to breathe my body is just spent.

I don’t want to get into a bad habit, though. I am dragging by late afternoon and cannot get anything done after 3pm. I don’t want this to be a new normal where I spend the entire day in a zombie state.

Hopefully, like Rheumatoid Arthritis flares, this fatigue will pass. Fingers crossed because I cannot go on like this!

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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20 Resolutions for 2020 || #betterliving

15 Saturday Feb 2020

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Tags

new year resolutions, rheumatoid arthritis

Nothing to disclose.

Well, I am sure there is nothing novel about this post but I am on a huge “this decade is going to be better than the last” kick. The past ten years sucked so I’m pretty sure the 20s will be a massive improvement even if I don’t try at all.

2010  to 2019 marked giving up my dreams, my life as I knew it and a part of myself. I spent the past decade ignoring my Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis and fighting against my body. I thought if I ignored it, my condition would improve on its own. Obviously, mind over matter didn’t work because my RA could be better managed.

This decade I want to do better. I want to get my disease under control. I want to learn how to manage a full-time life so that I can re-visit old dreams and make them realities.

Scroll down to see if you have any of the same resolutions as me. Maybe we can keep them up together.

20 New Year's Resolutions for 2020 | New Years Resolutions | Monica with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog 2020)

But, before you scroll down, don’t forget to…

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IMG_2138

Write more

I just didn’t do enough of it last year. I had a lot to say but never actually put thought to paper. They kept swirling around my head and weighing me down. Honestly, I think part of the reason I was not mentally well was that I did not provide enough of a release for my brain.

Sleep more

My body needs the rest. It wages war against itself. I battle fatigue and pain daily. I tire myself out, even more, when I fight against my body. I need to embrace it, the nap and better my sleep hygiene. If I sleep more, I’ll experience fewer or decreased Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms.

Drink more water

If it’s not summer I sometimes only drink 2, maybe 3, at most. That’s just not enough, especially with my autoimmune condition. If I want to feel better, I need to put in the work and hydrating is the best way to optimize my health.

Read more

I didn’t read enough last year. In total, I think I read maybe 10 books? Unacceptable. I love to read. I need to do it more. As of this post, I have already finished three books.

20 New Year's Resolutions for 2020 | New Years Resolutions | Monica with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog 2020)

Spend even more time with the pets

My girls are getting older and I don’t know how much time I have left with them. I need to love them more, and more, and “the mostest ever”. Now.

Exercise more

I am not climbing right now so I’ve been exercising less. Exercising less means my joints are more stiff and painful than usual. If I want to increase my physical ability I better get moving! I’m building up my stamina with at home works outs (mostly dedicated to the abs so I can get back on the climbing wall!) I already feel more mobile and less like the Tin Man since the movement oils (no pun intended) the joints!

Make more videos

I like making videos. I have ideas I just need to film them.

Paint my nails more

I also love painting my nails. However, given my pets’ schedules, it’s hard to find a good chunk of time where I can sit and get them done. I need to include time for my hobbies because I enjoy them and they make me happy!

Eat better

I don’t mean diet or restrict. I just want to be more aware of the things I am putting in my body. My diet doesn’t completely affect my RA but eating better does reduce some inflammatory symptoms.
I take my daily Tumeric Milk Latte and am already noticing a small difference in physical symptoms.

20 New Year's Resolutions for 2020 | New Years Resolutions | Monica with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog 2020)

Stick to a schedule

I think it’ll be better for my RA and my mind if I stick to a routine. If my body acclimatizes to a set schedule I will conserve energy and get more done.

Unplug more often

This is pretty self-explanatory. I spend entirely too much time on my devices. I don’t like that the first thing I do every morning is check my phone, log into email and Instagram. I should get up, open the window and look outside. Less digital, better mental health.

Listen to my body

I spent years fighting my body, hoping that if I thought about it hard enough my RA would just go away. Maybe it’s time to listen to my body and work with it instead of against it.

Be patient with myself

On the same note, I not only need to listen to my body but also not feel guilty when I take it slow. I am not able-bodied anymore. I have limitations. If I’m okay with them, maybe the mental change will positively impact my condition.

Stay organized

I have a tendency to live in organized chaos. Monica, repeat after me: clean space, clear mind!

20 New Year's Resolutions for 2020 | New Years Resolutions | Monica with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog 2020)

Take something out, put it back

Same thread: putting things back where they belong is my first defense against chaos.

Waste less

I am already quite conscious of my waste. I recently started using washable, reusable cotton rounds. I use reusable tumblers for coffee and plastic or metal straws. They’re little things but I think I could do even better.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

When I thought about the amount of non-recyclable waste in my everyday life I was horrified (especially when it comes to shipping materials). I am making a cat tree out of old shipping boxes and trying to bunch items into fewer shipments.

Keep better track of my finances

At the moment, keeping track of my finances is basically only buying necessities. I want to do better and actually log how much I spend and where. If I budget properly I keep track of my money and probably save it in the process.

20 New Year's Resolutions for 2020 | New Years Resolutions | Monica with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog 2020)

Live more

I have become the biggest homebody.  I am mostly an introvert and completely happy on my own. Also, socializing usually means dinner and drinks which are super expensive. And, I just don’t like spending the money on those things. I don’t really have an excuse as I live in a great city with other low-cost activities, always! I should take more advantage of them.

Think of, at least, one positive thing per day

I felt really bad at the end of last year and I was mentally in a bad place. At the beginning of the year, I told myself I would think of one positive thing a day. Preferably in the morning so I start out in a good mood!


 

So, what about you? Do you have any resolutions for the new year? Are you keeping up with them? Comment below!

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Satisfied Sunday – 5/12/19

12 Sunday May 2019

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

gratitude, rheumatoid arthritis

Nothing to disclose.

I cannot believe we’re almost halfway through the year! Time really flies (whether I’m having fun or not)…

This week I am grateful for…

Photo of Silver Linen Tableware….access to medical insurance. I moved forward with my sinus procedure and follow up appointments, both of which were fully covered by my insurance. Now, I am one step closer to controlling my chronic sinusitis!

 

What are you grateful for this week?

 

HI, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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The Great Sinus Situation of 2018

10 Friday May 2019

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Tags

rheumatoid arthritis, sinus infection

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Oh, my lungs hurt? It’s the methotrexate. My ribs are inflamed? It’s the rheumatoid arthritis. My tongue is sore? That’s just the Sjogren’s. Your head is completely congested? That’s just your unrelated sinusitis.

white and yellow flower with green stems

I’ve been out of commission for months. Around October, my chronic sinusitis flared badly and I’ve dealt with infections ever since.

I wrote an article over at RheumatoidArthritis.net about how sometimes conditions are not all tied to my autoimmune!

Link: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/chronic-sinus-infections/

I hope you enjoy the post!

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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A Very RA Thanksgiving || 2018

23 Friday Nov 2018

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Tags

RA thanksgiving

I’ll be perfectly honest, I’ve been a “Mopey Molly” the last few weeks. I’ve been almost sick so I felt totally spent. Just being awake was difficult. It was hard to feel good about anything until my sinus infection finally broke out and I am now on antibiotics and getting better.


agriculture autumn background decoration

Every Thanksgiving I write a post detailing what I am grateful for because even though I am dealing with a pretty heavy illness I still have so much good in my life.

So, without further ado, here are the things I am most thankful for this year…

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orange and blue pumpkins

My Brain

Rheumatoid Arthritis robbed me of my physical ability but I still have my wits. As long as I maintain my mental state, I can conquer the world.

Family

RA is an autoimmune disease which means many of the symptoms (many, not all) are internal and invisible. Often times, chronic illnesses warriors feel isolated and unloved because the people around then don’t believe them.

My family helps me when I need it, doesn’t make me feel bad for it, and most importantly (for me, at least) doesn’t treat me like an invalid because guess what, I’m not.

Friends

It really astounds me how often people think I’m a burden because they feel like they have to make accomodations for me. (First, educate yo damn self and second, I make my own accomodations, thank you very much).

I am so lucky I have “true” friends who grab my arm and help me get up on to a curb; amigos who stop so I can take a break and don’t bitch about me holding them up; besties who help me cut up my food at restaurants without a lick of judgement.

And, what’s especially amazing is they just do. I rarely ask for help and my friends know how embarrased I get asking for it especially when it comes to my RA.

My current physical ability

I complain about the pain and swelling and immobility but truthfully, it could be worse. I am still mostly able-bodied. Yes, I do sometimes need assistance (canes, walkers, etc) but I still have the OPTION to use them.

Work

Sure, I cannot work full-time without pain, fatigue and other symptoms but at least I can work. And, I am lucky that one of my jobs is done from the comfort of my own home.

…Speaking of…

Home

I live in a beautiful house, in a safe neighborhood, close to everything I could possibly need, including…

Doctors

…access to some of the best doctors/specialists (human and veterinary) in the country. They’ve kept my disease from progressing and I don’t have to wait ages to see them. Most I can see within days.

Private Insurance

It does not escape me that I could be paying thousands of dollars every month on medication alone. Add in doctor’s visits, specialists, routine imaging, etc I could either a) experience serious monetary instablity or b) forgoing important treatments all together because I point blank can’t afford them.

I am especially grateful I can afford good private insurance that covers most of my medical costs and ensures I can see all those great specialists without leaping through any fancy hoops.

My Pets

I bet you were wondering when they would pop up, right?

I don’t even know what to say except where would I be without them? They give me purpose (when I often feel like I have none anymore), they keep sane and safe. I am fortunate I can care for all of them both physically and financially.

 

What are you grateful for this week? LMK in the comments!

 

Hi. my name is Monica and I have RA.

 

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