Cup of Joe, No More!

Like most people, you wake up and go downstairs to fetch a cup of coffee. It's hot, good, and it gets you moving! I love coffee; dark and black is the way I like it. One cup while I'm getting ready, another with breakfast, and a mug to go! But I am said to say my morning cups of coffee are no more.


The pads of the feet and toes are my biggest problem area. I have developed erosion in them and they are very sensitive. Every winter my toes get really cold, very purple and flare up. The flare ups causes my toes to rub up against each other causing them to blister and form what looks like blood clots. Very painful.

I had an appointment with my doctor, Dr. Brooks and I decided to showed him my toes. He looked at them and said, "Stop drinking coffee!" I was like that's it, stop drinking coffee?! My toes already have poor circulation and the caffeine was only making it worse, causing what little blood that does goes into the toes, not always to find a way out.

So I removed coffee and caffeine from my diet, and WOW! Immediate response, my toes aren't purple anymore, yippy! The blood is flowing again and the blisters and tough skin are beginning to fade. I have not had any problems giving up coffee because of the way I feel with out it. Healthy toes have out weighed my old love for coffee.

Getting Better!

Losing My Independence

Growing up I was very independent. I knew what I wanted and I had the drive to accomplish it. It's a great feeling knowing that you are all you need. My RA has really hindered that feeling that I once had and craved. I understand that I will need assistances at times, and I'm ok with that (now). But finding the balance and knowing that I am still independent has been a struggle.

Don't get me wrong, I love my husband but something he does too much for me. When I ask him to let me do things on my own he gets it and sits back. But then I become lazy and ask for his help, where did my drive go!? Augh!

Doing little things around that house makes me feel so good, like I am a contributing wife and that I can provide for others and myself. Then after I do them I am proud of myself, as soon as my husband gets home I'm sure to tell him what I did--dorky I know! Still I feel that it's not enough.

It's hard losing your self unexpectedly. My favorite past time hobby is gone, the place I go to find strength is gone, where I once thrived with confidence is gone, where does that leave me? I've got to find a way to get my spunk back!

Going off all Meds

I was encouraged to write this blog to help others whom are going through the same situation that I am. I also wanted to create a place where I can express myself and how my chronic disease affects me. I hope you enjoy what I have to say, please feel free to leave comments.

It's official; I have been off all my meds for 12 days! I was taking a Humeria shot every week along with methotrexate and a regular painkiller twice a day. I am so nervous to see how my body is going to respond.

I became immune to my drugs before and it was awful. I needed assistance with walking, dressing, and doing my hair. My husband saw me at my all time low, but he never judged me or made me feel bad for needing him soo much during that time. He was amazing during that time, he thought of things before I even realized I needed it. Like waking up with toothpaste already on my toothbrush, and having water with my pills on the night stand.

Now we are at a point where we want to start our own family. We made appointments with my Rheumitologist and OBGYN to ensure that everyone is on the same page and what is going to be best for the baby and me. We were so relieved to learn that both of my doctors had the same stance on the issue. (note: there has been not enough evidence proving that Humeria and Enbral are unsafe during pregnancy).
However, we are starting this process on a more conservative side, getting off all meds for three months before we start trying.

Today, I am feeling pretty strong, with only a few flare ups areas. I will continue to go about my day as usual and hope that each day I will continue to be strong.