Friday, November 13, 2015

My Rheumatoid Arthritis Journey


I have been meaning to write this post for a while now but, every time I sat down to write, I just couldn't. For one, it is a longggggg story and trying to keep it short and concise didn't seem possible. Also, it's all still kind of emotional for me. However, I was just browsing on Pinterest and saw this pin that said "10 signs you have an Autoimmune Disease and how to cure it" and it actually made me sort of mad and gave me some inspiration to write this post. It has also been a little over a year since the beginning of my journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and it seems like good timing.

Starting in May 2014, I gradually started to develop pain in my feet along with some swelling. At this point I was working anywhere between 50 and 60 hours a week between two jobs, and both jobs required being on my feet a lot. Basically, I didn't think much of it. Obviously my feet were hurting because I was on them for an extensive amount of time repetitively. I started to take Motrin routinely and made a conscious effort to wear compression socks and elevate my feet as much as possible.

Well, weeks went on and the pain started to get worse. The pain was all over my feet; toes, top of my feet, the bottom, the heels, every inch of my feet were in pain. Walking up and down stairs was brutal. It felt like the back of my heels were stretching apart with each step. It was also worse in the morning. Getting out of bed was seriously starting to become a chore. As soon as I opened my eyes in the morning I could feel the swelling and pain. I would wince and moan in pain as I first started to bear weight on my feet. At this point, the only thing that made it better was to get moving. It hurt like hell for the first hour or so of being on my feet but, it was bearable after that.

Once again I started to do some research and talked to various health care providers that I knew personally. All of my symptoms lead me to believe I had Plantar Fasciitis. I went out and bought new supportive sneakers, and continued taking antiinflammatories. My wonderful boss at the restaurant I worked at also had experience with the painful condition, and he gave me this awesome foot board to practice certain stretches.

More weeks passed by, and nothing was helping. I finally caved and made a doctors appointment. I was pretty damn miserable at this point. I was crying a lot, and was just cranky and bitchy the majority of the time. I vividly remembering walking down the stairs in the morning step by step, slow as molasses, and my Mom would always be in the living room having coffee and I would just sit down next to her in tears because walking down a flight of stairs was that painful and miserable.

Finally the day of my doctor appointment comes and I was hopeful to get some answers. Well, at this point I still saw my pediatrician. She comes in and goes on to tell me how she can't treat me because I was too old. I was under the impression that I could see her until I was out of college. Why the office couldn't tell me this when I made the appointment was beyond me and I was beyond pissed off. Yes, maybe it was my fault and I should have known but, I was in some serious pain and now I needed to wait even longer to find a new doctor and make a new appointment… I wish I was making this up.

It's almost July by this point. I found a new doctor, and made a new appointment. Well, we all know how those things work and the closest appointment wasn't until early August. I continued to deal with the pain as best as I could but, it was really starting to have an effect on my daily life. It was also around this time that I started to notice the same pain I was having in my feet, I was having in my fingers, hands, and shoulders. I didn't want to go to work, I didn't want to hang out with my friends and go to the beach like a young 22 year old should be doing on Cape Cod in the summer. I wanted to stay home and put my feet up with bags of peas wrapped around my feet. I honestly avoided everything.

The breaking point for me was when my boyfriend planned a day date for us. We live about an hour apart from each other and we had opposite working schedules so we didn't see each other as much as we liked. He was sweet enough to plan a whole day of fun stuff for us to do. We were walking around Chatham, shopping in all the cute little stores and enjoying a beautiful summer day. When I think of that day, all I think about is how miserable and uncomfortable I was. Here I was with my boyfriend who I pretty much never saw, who planned a whole day just for us, and all I could focus on was how much pain I was in. I broke down crying and just wanted to go home. That's when I had it, and when I really realized I needed to do something because something was wrong.

-- TOO FUNNY

I ended up going to an urgent care clinic. The doctor recommended doing some lab work and a tapered dose of prednisone to relieve my discomfort. The steroid was a 10 day dose pack and WOW… I felt fabulous for those 10 days! The swelling, redness around my joints and pain all went away. I was myself again! Unfortunately, that didn't last long and I was right back to where I was 10 days prior.

Towards the end of August I was finally able to see my primary care physician. After reviewing my symptoms and lab work he referred me to a rheumatologist. The only problem being that I was leaving for college three hours away from home in a few weeks and there was no way a specialist was going to fit me in before then. As much as I didn't want to, I decided to set up an appointment with a rheumatologist that was near my school.

My first appointment with my rheumatologist was in the beginning of October. We must have talked for over an hour about the events that have happened since May. He was so thorough and really listened to what I was saying. After reviewing my labs, X-rays, symptoms and some assessments he told me I have rheumatoid arthritis. Finally… an answer! We started talking about treatment options and after going back and fourth with questions and answers we decided to start me on Methotrexate. I continued to see my rheumatologist every 3-4 weeks until May 2015. There was a lot of medications adjustments, lab work, etc which was the reason I needed to see him so often.




So how am I doing now? GREAT! Of course I have flare-ups and some days are better than others but, I have come to accept that. I currently take a few different medications to manage my RA. Methotrexate, Enbrel, and Nabumetone. It took a lot of trial and error with doses and medications to see what worked for me. Cortisone shots during really tough flares were helpful too. Not to mention all the non-pharmalogical methods I do and use to manage my RA. But, it all feels like a distant memory now. I was hanging out with my best friend Carly one day last April and she looks at me and says "You seem so much happier lately". I think that was the moment where I finally realized I was, and that I was myself again. The pain from RA is just miserable, cruel and can really effect your day to day life.

I am so thankful to have found a beyond wonderful rheumatologist and that I am able to have treatment for my RA. Everybody is different and what works for me, might not work for you or be the treatment option you would choose. Some people with RA choose to manage it holistically, or with their diet and thats great. No one knows your body like you do, so listen to it and treat it right however you choose.

I share my story in hopes of helping others who are in a similar situation. I love hearing from readers, so please leave comments, messages, email etc if you have any questions, or want to share your story because I would love to hear them!





Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Goodbye Summer 2015

Summer on Cape Cod never disappoints. As I sit here drinking a pumpkin beer on the official first day of Fall, I can't help but look back on the summer. I'd have to say, this past season was one full of great memories. It certainly had some rough times with events and memories that I'd like to leave it the past but, overall I'd say it was a summer I'll remember for a very long time. 

My favorite memory of Summer 2015 would of course have to be passing the NCLEX and officially becoming a RN. It was easily the BEST DAY OF MY LIFE. Landing a job in my dream specialty comes in a close second. Nursing is the best profession. 



I had my fair share of lobster rolls, seafood, onion rings, and ice cream. All important parts of summer on Cape Cod. I mean have you been to Somerset Creamery? It's easily the best ice cream on Cape.

 

                                 

                                       

Parked my beach chair in the sand quite a few times. 


Oh, how could I have forgotten about afternoons and evenings at the Chartroom? Mudslides are the perfect afternoon pick me up in the summer. 


Volunteered at the Falmouth Road Race and ALS Cliff Walk. I officially got to cross something off my bucket list- working side by side as a nurse with the best nurse I know.  She (my mom) is really a bad ass, and if I could be half the nurse she is one day, I'd be lucky. 


I went to quite a few bridal/wedding/bachelorette events! Super fun spending time with great girlfriends planning weddings, picking out bridesmaid dresses, going to a wedding, and a fun bachelorette parties!




A few evening spent riding my bike at the Cape Cod Canal. It's my favorite place to ride because it is so beautiful, especially at sunset. There are so many spots to park and jump on the canal on either side of the bridge. 


Oh, the sunsets. They never get old. 




Most importantly, my health has improved so much from last year. Last summer was really tough for me because it was when all of the autoimmune problems started happening and I basically didn't enjoy the summer. That may sound dramatic but, I was extremely miserable, sad, and depressed for the majority of the time last year. I remember it so vividly because this summer I would go do things like ride my bike at the canal, walk my dog, or spend the day at the beach and I was hesitant because the last time I did those things, I was in a lot of pain and couldn't enjoy it. I'm so lucky and thankful to have found treatment that works for me because I'm happy and myself again. I'll touch on this more in upcoming posts but, I am so thankful for my health this summer. It allowed me to enjoy another Cape Cod summer, which is the best place to spend any summer. 



I love my home. <3


Question:

What is your favorite summer memory?



Thursday, August 13, 2015

My Favorite Makeup Products for Sensitive Skin


I have been wanting to share this post for a while now. I have always loved makeup. Buying and trying new products is so fun! However, through my journey with Perioral Dermatitis and my extremely sensitive skin, it has been increasingly more difficult to find products that don't irritate my skin. With some research, and my own trial and errors, I have found some products that I love! I am sharing my favorite makeup products for people with sensitive skin and Perioral Dermatitis in hopes to help others discover new products and for others to share with me their favorite products. So, if you have any makeup products you love for sensitive skin and/or Perioral Dermatitis, let me know in the comments! 


  • Physicians Formula 

Physicians Formula Organic Wear line is 100% natural origin makeup. There are no harsh chemicals, no parabens, no sodium lauryl sulfate, and no synthetic preservatives. Sounds good to me! I found these products at my local CVS and Target. 


The products I love from Physicians Formula are the BB cream, the Tinted Moisturizer, and the Bronzer. The tinted moisturizer is perfect for the summer months. It provides a little coverage while giving your skin a healthy glow. The BB cream is  thicker than the tinted moisturizer, so this is a product I wear in the fall and winter months. It leaves my skin looking healthy, hydrated, and smooth.  The bronzer is probably one of my favorite bronzers ever. It glides on the skin so well and is a perfect color for my skin tone. It pairs perfectly with both the BB cream and the tinted moisturizer. The only thing I don't love about these products is the smell of them. I can't really put it into words but, the smell is just… different. 

  • Dr. Hauschka 

I came across the Dr. Hauschka line at a local organic skin spa, Painted Red Nails when I was newly diagnosed with Perioral Dermatitis. I have had and repurchased these products for over a year now. The black liquid eyeliner is the best eyeliner. It is very black, the small applicator makes it incredibly easy to glide on a thin line of eyeliner on the eyelid. The volume mascara is another great product. It adds the perfect amount of length and volume with only two coats. The only bad thing about the mascara is that it doesn't last long. It is not a mascara that you can wear for 10 or 12 hours because it starts to flake off. But, for me that is okay because I don't have a lifestyle where I need to wear makeup for 10 or 12 hours a day. One thing I LOVE about natural makeup is how easy it is to take off. No messing with eye makeup remover because it easily comes off with soap and water. The eyeshadow trio is another products from Dr. Hauschka that I love. I mean, clearly I do because I hit pan in all the colors! They blend easily and are perfect neutral colors to wear day to day.

  • Tarte 

I LOVE TARTE MAKEUP PRODUCTS. If I had to pick a favorite makeup brand, I am pretty sure I would pick Tarte. A few months ago I picked up this sample pack at Ulta after reading that Tarte products are always formulated without paragons, mineral oils, SLS, gluten, phthalates, and triclosan. Does it get any better? 

The sample pack came with the following: Lights, Camera Lashes 4 in 1 Mascara, Amazonian Clay 12 hour Blush, LipSurgence Lip Tint, Amazonian Clay Mineral Bronzer, and the Maracuja Oil (not pictured). The bronzer is the perfect bronzer for summer because it gives your face a sun kissed look. The blush is a beautiful rose color and seriously lasts 12 hours. The lip tint is my favorite color for lip products. It is the color of my natural lips, only a little darker which is perfect for my usual natural makeup. I have really sensitive lips so the fact that this product doesn't irritate my lips is a serious win in my book. Now… the mascara. Holy hell this is the BEST mascara I have ever used. I can't believe it's a natural product! It gives my lashes some serious length with only one coat, and adds volume without clumping. I'm so close to using up this mascara and I can't wait to go buy the full size. 

Since my makeup routine in the summer is fairly simple, I am on the lookout for makeup products for the winter months. I tend to wear foundation just in the fall and winter months, so I have been doing some research and shopping for natural foundations. I am really eager to try the Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Full Coverage Foundation and the Airbrush Foundation. Oh and I want the Showstopper Clay Palette. Do I need it? No. But I want all. the. makeup. 



All the products mentioned above are products that have not caused my extremely sensitive skin to break out, or have caused my Perioral Dermatitis to flare up. I hope I have shared something new with you that you might try out if you are in a similar situation. 

Please share your favorite makeup products for sensitive skin and/or Perioral Dermatitis in the comments! I love hearing of new products I should buy and test out. Also, please let me know if you have tried any Tarte products. That brand seems to be my favorite so I am interested in trying their other products. 


Friday, July 31, 2015

Friday Favorites

Hello there. It has been quite some time since I've given this little ol' blog some attention. Things have finally calmed down and I am excited to get back into it. Starting this week, I am for sure going to be posting weekly. So stay tuned! 

A few of my favorite  bloggers share their weekly favorites every Friday. I've always enjoyed reading their favorite foods, beauty products, books, moments, facts and weekly finds every Friday. I thought I would join in on the fun this week as a way to catch up! 

Friday Favorites 

  • I'm officially a Registered Nurse!

          Eekkkk! I still can't believe it. Two hours, seventy-five questions, and a long 49 hours later I officially found out I passed my boards. All of my studying and hard work has officially paid off and I could not be more happy or proud of myself. It is so nice to go about my days without having to studying or do practice questions. I keep telling everyone I feel like myself again. Big shout out to my Mom who was the only person that knew of my test date and kept it a secret for so long. She also stayed with me in a hotel the night before, went shopping and drank martinis with me to calm my nerves. Thanks Mom, you're the best! Love you. 

  • Cape Cloth 
   

     Months ago, I came across Cape Cloth. Cape Cloth is a local company who's"mission is to represent Cape Cod activities with superior style, on premium materials, while helping locals live better". Isn't that awesome? Another awesome fact about Cape Cloth is that with every purchase, Cape Cloth donates $1 to Cape Abilities, an organization that serves individuals with disabilities on Cape Cod to live active, healthy, meaningful lives in their own local towns. I am all about supporting small, local businesses. So whether you live here on Cape Cod year around, vacation here, or just love the Cape, you need to buy yourself some Cape Cloth gear. You won't regret it! 

I am wearing the classic hat in cranberry and the good hood in vintage navy. 

Oh and who's that cute little puppy you ask? That is my new nephew Rigley, who is a greater swiss mountain dog! 

  • Spiked Seltzer 
   

   One of my favorite things about summer is enjoying an ice cold beverage by the pool or on the beach. My drink of choice is usually a nice summer ale, or a vodka tonic. However, I recently discovered my new favorite summer drink- Spiked Seltzer. Oh my gosh, I am obsessed with these drinks. I love regular seltzer of any kind really, but seltzer that is spiked?! Now you're talking my language. They have four flavors- cranberry, grapefruit, lime and orange. Cranberry and grapefruit are definitely my favorite but they are all delicious. I got all my friends hooked on these! If you're a fan of seltzer, you need to take these to your next cookout, beach day, or girls night. 

  • New Yes To Products 

I recently went to Target to stock up on some of my favorite Yes To products. I was so surprised about all the new products they had. I only went in for my facial cleanser and moisturizer but I think I need to go back soon to try some of their new stuff. I mean I love the majority of their products so, I am pretty sure I'll like everything else they have. Let me know what your favorite Yes To products are so I can try them out. 


There ya have it! My favorite things this week. I have so many ideas for future posts including my favorite makeup products for perioral dermatitis and sensitive skin, a favorite products update and so much more. Hope you stay tuned and thanks for reading! 




Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Catching up!

Hey there! I can't believe that its been more than a month since my last blog spot. Sorry about that! The end of my last semester of nursing school was quickly approaching so I was studying for finals, packing my apartment up to move back home, applying for the NCLEX, and starting to job search. Things have calmed down now so, I am hoping to get back to blogging once a week. So, lets catch up because I have a lot to share since my last post.

I GRADUATED FROM NURSING SCHOOL!





I received my nursing pin and my Bachelors of Science in Nursing all on the same day, and I still can't believe that chapter of my life is over. I think I had a permanent smile on my face all day. I officially completed one of the hardest and demanding things I have ever done in my life, and man does it feel good! It is definitely a bittersweet feeling that it is over. I am definitely going to miss going to class and seeing my "nursing family". The bond and relationships that you make with your nursing classmates is really unlike anything else because they are really the only other people who understand what you're going through. I'll miss them so very much but, I am so excited to see what all of us are going to accomplish in our nursing careers!

The week after graduation was filled with fun activities. My family was here from Florida to celebrate my graduation, and we wanted to continue the fun so we did a lot of cool things. 




We went to Newport, Rhode Island one day. We walked along the Cliff Walk and saw all the mansions. It was really pretty. The weather was a little foggy and cloudy but, that didn't stop us from having a good time. We also went shopping. I bought a pair of Birkenstocks. I love them! I have a hard time wearing regular sandals or flip flops because of the rheumatoid arthritis in my feet. It's not realistic for me to not wearing sandals in the summer time so after doing some research I finally bought these and couldn't be happier with my purchase. I definitely recommend them if you're dealing with a similar situation. They form to your feet which makes them very supportive. My family and I ended our day in Newport with dinner at Brick Alley Pub. I had a lobster roll and it was delicious. Check out the Brick Alley Pub if you're ever in Newport. It certainly won't disappoint. 




Our next day of adventures took us to Boston. First, we made a pit stop at F1 Boston, an indoor race car track.


It was so much fun! You get suited up in race jumpsuits with a neck guard and helmet and drive a race car 40 mph around a track. 40 mph is fast for a track with lots of turns and corners. One race is 15 laps and it goes by so fast. There was seven of us for the race and I came in 5th which wasn't too shabby. F1 is a great day activity and I certainly will be going back at some point. After the racing, we made our way into the city where we went to Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, and Newbury Street. It was a gorgeous day in the city. And I may have spent too much money on Newbury Street but… it's Newbury Street! 

Our last adventure of the week took us to Charlestown, New Hampshire. We went zip lining at Morningside. My family and I have all been zip lining together before and it is definitely an activity we will probably keep doing every time they visit. We completed the Superman Zip Line Tour which includes seven zip lines and two suspension bridges. 


Our two guides, Josh and Dylan were great! They were very professional and made the experience lots of fun. I was only really nervous on the first zip just because you always have to get the first one over with. After that, each zip got better and better.



That's what I've been up to! I was so happy to have my family here for a little vacation and so grateful they came to celebrate my graduation. I don't see them as often as I'd like because they live in Florida but, every time we get together we just pick up right where we left off. I can't wait until we see them again! 

I have a lot of ideas for future posts including my Rheumatoid Arthritis story so, be on the lookout for that. I will be doing weekly posts now that I have my life back :)

Question
  • What have you been up to? 
  • Any other college graduates out there? 
  • Any fun summer plans?