I woke up on December 28th of 2016 with intense pain in every joint in my body. At first I thought it could possible that I had the flu. But I realized relief when I was up and about for the day. That pain continued in it's severity for 3 months. My local physician said my inflammation was up and thought it was a possible fibromyalgia diagnosis. I have been a very active person, but for the first time I wasn't sure when I got down on the floor how I was going to get up again. For 3 months a slept approximately 2 hours straight each night. After 3 months I got an appointment with a rheumatogist. The rheumatologist diagnosed me with RA. At that point at least I could put a name on all my pain.
I teach classroom music and tried not to let my pain affect how my day would go at school. I was very grateful for the afternoons that I had free just to rest and sleep a little.
I tried everything to ease my pain but prayer and total dependence on God for my needs. I began to read a great book entitled "Get Out Of That Pit" by Beth Moore. This book helped me to get my eyes off me and my focus back to God's word to deliver me from the darkness and self-pity.
I have also learned to thank God for working in my life, and to quote God's healing scriptures. It seems if I hear it from my own mouth I can instill it in my heart.
Music and prayer are very important to aspects of my life. I have discovered when I can't sleep because of my pain to focus my energies on something positive; prayer and studying the bible or quietly practicing a musical instrument.
This quiet time has become a very special time for me. I may be 1:00-3:00 in the morning but it is always very quiet and undisturbed time. It allows me the time to really concentrate with no distractions.
I have also learned my diet really affects the symptoms of RA. It's important to learn what foods might trigger a reaction a few hours later.
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