One step at a time

My crew of furry kids!

Well, it's the weekend once again.  I had an early wake up via my dogs and kitty at 5:30 am.  I dragged myself out of bed slowly this morning.  I took one step and wham, knee pain.  As I limped to the back door to let the rascals outside, I was thinking, will I ever have a day that I wake up and not feel pain?  It doesn't seem likely.  I was very optimistic about Actemra giving me my old life back.  It has helped some.  I do have more good days than bad days right now...  Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis is so unpredictable.

About 2 weeks ago, my rheumatologist added MTX and prednisone to my treatment plan.  Two days after I started this, I had so much energy, and hardly any pain.  I started early in the morning cutting the back yard and front yard.  Trimming and edging also.  Cleaning around the house. Power washing outside. Cooking dinner and more.  I felt pretty darn good!  I was so happy to be able to do things again, even if it was house work and lawn care!  Unfortunately it didn't last.  I am now having pain again and lots of fatigue.  The fatigue is awful.  It feels like a combination of the tiredness you feel when you get the flu and/or running a marathon...

As I step forward, the work with my support group is moving along.  We've had a few new members sign up.  I had a great visit with Kevin when he came through Houston.  We chatted and talked about goals for AI and the Gathering next year here in Houston.  He really is a good guy.  It's so nice to meet people that make you feel comfortable and you feel you can trust.  A true friend.  I also got to meet up with Vince who lives on the southwest part of Houston.  He is one of the organizers for the Gathering.  We had coffee, talked, and visited the possible hotel for the Gathering to be held.  It is a very nice hotel!  The area is great with lots of restaurants, shops, bars, all within walking distance.  We have to have a bar close by!!  Vince is another person that is really great.  I am happy that I am meeting people that are a positive influence and who inspire me to do better, and be a better person.  We should all be more choosey of our friends.  They reflect on us, and they can either bring you up or bring you down.

All in all things are going well.  I was hoping to be feeling better physically than I am right now, but I do feel better mentally so it's a bit of a trade off...  I've made some changes for the better and I feel great about them!  I'm looking forward to two fundraising ideas.  Actually make that three ideas!  Now to get them all to come to fruition...  There is going to be a lot of work involved, but I'm psyched about it!

I'm taking steps and learning who is important in my life.  I hope to show them that I appreciate each of them as individuals and for their unique personalities.  Friends get us through the rough times, share the fun times, laugh together, and sometimes cry together.  We discuss ideas, life, personal problems, issues, jokes, and enjoy each others company and conversation.  The negativity is gone from my life.  Trust is an important part of friendship.  I'm even reaching out to my family without having turmoil.  So things are looking good in that aspect!  I miss certain people.  Chelsea!  (hint-hint)  I'm going to have to get my ass to Austin to see you.  It's just the long drive that gets me.  Just driving around Houston on Wednesday wore me out.  Maybe I can get hopped up on prednisone for the drive!!  LOL!

Well, today may be a day that I don't do much.  It's going to be another hot one here in muggy Houston.   I slept for a bit last night, but I feel like I didn't sleep at all...  I hate it.  I did manage to water all the plants this morning, as they were drooping.  I'm hoping to get some more tomatoes out of the plants we have left!  We still have basil, mint, and rosemary growing pretty well.  Also the Hibiscus are doing great.  Blooming all the time!  Next year will be even better.  I'm going to read about gardening over the winter and go all out next Spring.  For now, I'm ready for Summer to be over.  I'm ready for the cool breezes of Fall.  Enjoying coffee on the patio with the windchimes swaying and singing in the air...

As for now, I feel pretty good.  Certain parts of my body may be in pain, but my mind is much clearer and happier!

One last thing.  I really hope I get to take a trip up north this Fall!  I'm looking forward to doing something important to me, and to visit a couple of really great friends!!  (Whether they like it or not!)  So I'm keeping my fingers crossed!  I'd love to visit NYC with Joan and Marianne and enjoy the city.  Possibly go on a photog hike with Joan.  Maybe even the Jersey shore to walk barefoot in the sand...

Each day, I take one step at a time and see where it leads me.  Always looking for the positive direction and hoping for the best!

Michelle