RA... Squared.

I finally had to address my arthritis with my doctor. It was a while ago that my USC doctors asked if wanted to see a specialist, but like I keep saying, I just needed a break from all of the medical stuff... Besides, I figured it was just a little arthritis.
Today I got the call (from a very nonchalant receptionist) that my Rheumatoid factor came back positive. She then gave me the number to a specialist and pretty much hung up... So I guess I will have to wait and ask this guy any questions I have, which is probably better anyway. I did do a little online research, of course. I was not aware that it is an autoimmune disease, similar to lupus. Hepatitis C seems to be a trigger for it, however, some HCV patients have a positive Rheumatoid factor, but do not have RA... I am hoping that I will fall into that category, but I do seem to have a textbook case. The RA symptoms that I have are:

• Numbness and tingling in hands
• Pain in forefoot
• Pairs of achy joints... Excruciatingly achy.
• Morning stiffness (all day)
• Swelling/hot/fluid around ankles and knees
• Nodule on my wrist
• Fatigue... That could just be from everything
• Positive Rheumatoid Factor

No fun guys, and it happened so suddenly! No matter what it is though, I am confident that we can do something about it. It will definitely push  me into a stricter diet. I will be saying goodbye to my favorites, like cheese... And bacon. Yes. Bacon. I'm not saying I won't fall off the wagon from time to time, but I will try my best. I am sure that if it alleviates the pain, it will be easier to stick with it. I also signed up for a yoga class. I'm not so sure I will be able to stick with that one at all, but we'll see. I am still trying to "train" for the 5K at the end of April, but I read that I will have to focus more on core strength and stretching with any kind of arthritis, so I'm a little worried that I won't be ready in time...   

Onto another subject, I did get put back on my prozac. I am having too hard of a time without it, especially since I am so achy right now, but if my LFTs go back up, I may have to find another option. I had really thought my depression was gone, but apparently my medicine was just working well. 

I always tell myself that it could be worse, and I know it can, but this is getting a little ridiculous. Just kidding, see, I'm still making the most of life on most days...

We went to Joshua tree earlier this month. I did not know how beautiful the desert is. We stayed in a cute cabin, went hiking every day, roasted marshmallows, and stargazed from the jacuzzi at night. River became very comfortable with heights, and was climbing every rock by our last day. I, on the other hand, have a new found fear of heights. It was a great trip, and needed.
After that trip, I came home and put my notice in at my job. I feel so guilty, but it is getting harder and harder for me to keep up. All I want to do is sleep when I get home, and that is not how I want to live. It is too much, at least for now, especially if I need to take care of this RA, too.
Here is a little information on Rheumatoid Arthritis... I love pinterest. You can find all important information you need in a cute little infograghic. 

Click here for more information