Three years ago tomorrow I confronted my rather erudite rheumatologist with a decision:
"Henceforth, I shall no longer fight my arch nemesis, the evil Psoriatic Arthritis, with bi-weekly self-injections of poison nor shall I continue to irradiate him with chemo-by-mouth pills. This seems to have become both an effort in futility and rather like cutting one's head off to cure a toothache."
My erstwhile physician was not pleased. Obviously, he neither had the disease nor first-hand experience with the combative tools but voice his strong objection nonetheless:
"You are making a big mistake," he thundered. "You do this and you will be in a wheelchair before summer!"
Knowing it was fruitless but proceeding anyway, I pointed out that while my arch nemesis seemed little damaged by his prescribed battle plan I, seemingly the sole object of his professional concern, now had severe cataracts, no teeth, a damaged liver and compromised immune system. At this point he did have the good grace to look somewhat ashamed, admitting there was no cure - only 'suggested' treatment options with very nasty side effects - before beating a hasty retreat to meet his tennis partner.
Faced with both a prognosis and 'sell by' date, I made a rather long and laborious retreat homeward to tell my husband and children...
Yesterday I surrendered to a lovely power chair given me by a kind and concerned friend. The three of us: myself, hubby and 8 year-old made up a rather gypsy-looking caravan towards the park. It was the first time in almost three years I moved forward (without pain) under my own power. Freed from wheelchair pushing duty, my husband strolled cheerfully while Bugsy rode circles around us on her bike. Later, Bugsy and I raced the park perimeter. She made it around two and a half times to my one. I also learned not to attempt a direct small curb climb: the mental face-plant picture still looms in the front of my brain.
Turning homeward, my mind whirled with creativity! I needed a holder for my black paper Japanese fan and a place to park a drink. Needless to say, a tray for my iPad and bags of all sizes and colors must be attached. An internet search quickly revealed the wonders of E-tape. (You must wait for pictures!) Most of all, I met an old forgotten friend named Hope and said a silent prayer that I wouldn't lose sight of her again... :)
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