They say, “change is good,” but is it? Change is not the same for everyone. When given a choice, how do we know if the change will be better, worse or remain the same?
For nearly a quarter of a century, I’ve been battling the beast within, medically diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis. RA has interfered with my life countless times, forcing me to change different aspects of who I am and what paths I’m to follow. In addition to the never-ending confrontations, there have been times when my health seems to spiral out of control and I experience overlapping circles of chaos, frustration and confusion.
While medication is a necessary tool for fighting the beast, some times it appears to be the enemy or the culprit of despair. Have you ever read a drug pamphlet then wondered how it could ‘improve’ a person’s health given the possible side effects?
In the past decade, scientists have made extraordinary strides in the advancements of medicine to treat arthritis. I’ve stated many times, “If you’re going to get arthritis, now is the time.” My blog, “Your Diagnosis” (posted 10/22/09), refers to the improved treatments available today compared to when I was diagnosed in 1986, and the difference they can make in a person’s physical abilities.
Having confidence in today’s medicine does not make the decision of a treatment plan any easier. Choosing a biologic, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or a combination of drugs is frightening!! Some of these medications are considered high risks and they all have side effects. Deciding to take one of the older drugs versus the newer options or changing from one to another can be overwhelming!
For 13 years my body did not respond well to the aggressive treatments that were available. As a result, I had several negative experiences (and one very serious), adding to my list of complications. After years of trial and error, I had my first positive response to medication and I’ve stuck with the same plan ever since. With the new options, my doctors and I have considered changing, but we keep going back to the motto, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Given my medical history, this body of mine may appear to be broken, but when it comes to controlling my arthritis, we have something that works – sort of. With all of the medication issues I’ve had in the past, we finally found one that slowed the progression of the disease somewhat with minimal side effects.
Yogi Berra said, “Before we build a better mousetrap, we need to find out if there are any mice out there.” It may sound like I’m stretching a bit with this quote, but for me, the reach is not very far.
Several years ago, I changed treatments in an attempt to improve my life with arthritis. Instead, I experienced a rare side effect that elevated my toxicity level causing permanent damage, reducing my options for future medications. In the end I realized, while ‘the change’ could have controlled my arthritis better, my limitations and lost abilities are permanent. There’s no reversing them. So in essence, I put my overall health at risk by trying a different medication when the improvement I sought was not possible.
While some of the newer treatments offer better results, there are risks involved when it comes to change (I learned this lesson the hard way!). Too often we look at what we don’t have instead of accepting what’s already ours – safer treatments that are working and tolerable to our bodies.
Thank you for all your inspiring words - in person and through your blog. I was diagnosed with lupus in Feb. and the medications seem to be "doing their thing". I think staying active helps too - did a 5K this morning in fact. Please continue to encourage others with your calling!
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