Saturday, March 31, 2012

What a Week...

The week started with the funeral of my courageous nephew.

He was an amazing person and his life was cut short.
You can read about his many accomplishments here.
Our love and prayers go to his dad and family.
They have been through so much.
Funerals are heart wrenching,
but when the family gets together it is a little slice of Heaven.

THEN

after three months of pain and various doctors appointments
I have a diagnosis - Rheumatoid arthritis!

I had to come home and look it up:

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your whole body with fevers and fatigue.

Rheumatoid arthritis is much more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing joint damage.

information from here

So our world around here has changed a bit.
But we can handle anything as I heard in Conference this morning:

I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. (D&C 84:88)

This weekend is fabulous. What a blessing it is to have General Conference
and to be inspired and feel God's love through his Prophets and Apostles.

Mike and Sam were fortunate to get tickets to go.
Aren't they cute boys!



They are at the Conference Center
with 21,000 of other dear saints.


I was happy to rest on the couch and enjoy it on TV.


4 comments:

Courtney said...

My college roommate was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis last summer when she had a newborn. I know she was in a lot of pain for a while but last week she was telling me that she is on methotrexate (chemo) and her joint pain is minimal now (she just treats with ibuprofen). I hope they can get yours under control soon!

Katie said...

sam... are you getting taller than dad???

Leslie said...

Barb, I am so sorry to hear about your illness!!! I hope you feel better soon. I know that there are several medications that really help with rheumatoid arthritis. But you are right, you can do it!!! :) Take care!

Cassondra said...

Oh, Barb, you will be in my prayers as you tackle this new challenge! I agree, that hearing from our prophets and apostles is such a blessing! I love and miss you here in our ward!