The Wolf Howls in Pain
On July 13, 2006 I visited my Rheumy for a follow up appointment. Everything went well. My visit with the vampires was great because my Blood Work looked good nothing bad to report (thank you Jesus). For months now I've wanted to reduce my dosage of the Prednisone (steroids) from 20 mg's to 10 mg's. For months, I've been having problems with my right hip. My doctor told me a few years ago that I may have to replace my knees and hip but, she gave me at least 10 years. My 7 year diagnoses anniversary was on July 12th so I guess I'm just a few years shy.
I've gained 21 lbs in 7 months (remember steroids make you EAT). I'm trying to rule out weight gain as a reason for the hip pain before I agree to take more pain medication. I think I may have a permanent limp. It's hard to get up, sit down, walk, walk up and down the stairs, drive, get out of the bed, shower, put on clothes, and take off clothes, etc…the pain has pretty much disrupted my everyday life (great). Most of the time I need to use a cane but, I only use it in the house (stubborn Taurus) it slows me down and it doesn't match any of my outfits, just kidding! So I asked my doctor and she agreed only because the Blood Work looked good. No signs of a flare up. Yippee for me!! Regrettably, I tried to reduce the dosage a few years ago and it caused all kinds of problems with my Sjogren's (show-grens) Syndrome. It flared and dried my eyes and my mouth and the joints flared and ached all the time. It's been a few weeks now and boy I tell you…I'M IN PAIN ALL DAY LONG!! MY EYES HURT and MY MOUTH IS DRY. Whoa is me!! My body depends on this medication. I really don't like that AT ALL but I have to take them.
I have been a bit discouraged and have felt myself feeling depressed but getting upset and discouraged only causes worry and just like I've heard…"If you're going to pray don't worry, If you're going to worry don't pray". NUFF SAID!! I have learned and trained myself to not bring any negative thoughts into mind and don't speak them. Worrying causes flares. Flares and I don't get along very well. Worrying causes emotional eating, emotional eating causes weight gain. Weight gain may have caused hip pain (and of course it's not healthy)…where am I going with this?? No one is perfect. We all fall short and get discouraged at times and I am getting better with my thoughts and emotions to get myself back on track with positive thoughts, meditating and most definitely prayer. God is in control, God is in control, God is in control.
That is my Mantra when meditating…
Philippians 4:13