A great deciding factor to quit the job was the fact that I need to have foot surgery and the company I worked for was not able to grant me the time off when it was needed. Everyday I worked, the pain increased. RA was attacking my body with quite a bit of inflammation and it did this to my foot.
As the inflammation caused the toes to spread apart the capillaries and cartilage tore causing my toe joint to pop out. If you are thinking "ouch," you are almost correct. It is actually more like "OUCH!!!" The surgery to correct this problem is quite painful with bone cutting and pin placement involved. ICK!
My Rheumatologist, who is always trying to get me to add another DMARD (Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drug, feels that the answer to the inflammation problem is for me to begin taking Arava. The way the drug works is that it blocks the formation of DNA, preventing cells from developing, especially in the immune system. Not good! I want my DNA to keep forming DNA.
Once again, after much prayer, and talking with my husband, friends, and family, I have decided against the drug. My personal challenge is to attack this inflammation the only way I am comfortable with, through nutrition. My hope and prayer is that when the inflammation calms down, my foot will heal without the need for surgery. It is a big reach, but I am pretty determined.
Now that I am back to my homemaker roots, I have the time to take better care of myself and my disease. I have time once again to be a better friend, mom, and wife. I am so thankful and feel extremely blessed that we are at a place in life that allowed me the freedom to stay home.
I am beginning with the basics in anti-inflammatory eating starting right here. This is my biggest challenge yet, trying to avoid surgery by turning to nutrition rather than medications. I have seen miraculous changes over the years in my healing through nutrition and I cannot imagine that it would fail me now. Only time will tell :)
I admire how much you've done your research. I think God has given us so many tools to heal our bodies. I like to avoid medicine too, especially ones that work to mask symptoms rather than solve underlying problems. Have you seen "Food Matters" ? Such a fascinating movie, has me wanting to learn more about Gerson Therapy.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tauni! I haven't seen "Food Matters" or heard about Gerson Therapy. I will have to check into both of those.
DeleteYour foot looks just like mine! My toes are separated just like yours. I can feel your pain!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your new journey. I have faith you will make it happen.
Thanks Cathy! I should have never slacked off on eating correctly. Hopefully it isn't too late to turn things around with my feet. Hope you are doing well :)
DeletePraying for a miracle for you. I have a foot doing crazy things as well. Praying the damage remains at bay and things calm down! Go diet, go!
ReplyDeleteI just saw this comment. Thank you so much for prayer. I am holding onto faith :)
DeleteHave you heard of Correct Toes? They're like braces for your toes. I have no idea if they will work for you, but they aren't too expensive, they're like wearing braces for your teeth, but for your toes (obviously!) and at least for me, they are pretty comfortable. I haven't worn mine enough to say if they work or not, but if you're looking at getting your toes back into place without surgery, Correct Toes might be worthwhile for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen. I will definitely check into that :)
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