Happy Holidays everyone. Wow! How this month has flown by. As I am certain all of you have been hustling and bustling hither and yon preparing for the holidays, so have the Osburns. All the while, I am keeping myself active while silently fighting my RA monster. Although I have had several days of pain and fatigue, I remain in the Holiday spirit.
I absolutely enjoy this time of year. The music, the holiday decor, the egg nog, more egg nog...I digress. I am not one to make resolutions, however, I, here and now, intend to increase my presence on this blog. It is my
Christmas wish for all of you to enjoy a blessed holiday and may Santa bring all of you many gifts. Most importantly, may the Spirit of the season bring ALL of us Peace!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Motivation to write...
Hello all! I hope this finds all of you doing well. So far, this week I feel great. Save for the early morning aches and knee pain. This usually subsides within 2-3 hours after I get moving. Along with my morning coffee. I really have nothing to rant about thus far. However, the week is still young. Haha!
I am learning that with RA, everyday is different. One you may feel like going for a walk/jog and another you want to lye on the couch and shut the world out. Maybe, my attitude this week is also sparked by the fact this is the Christmas season. I absolutely enjoy this time of year.
Back to RA issues. Last week I participated, per the coaches request, in my son's basketball practice. Nothing like a good ole scrimmage with a middle school team. Geesh! It was amazing watching these boys play their scrimmage. Since their first practice this season all of them have progressed. And, they are Faaaaast! I had alot of fun. And my son had a blast defending his dad. However, it took me two days to recuperate.
I have decided to increase my presence on this blog. Cheers and see you soon!
I am learning that with RA, everyday is different. One you may feel like going for a walk/jog and another you want to lye on the couch and shut the world out. Maybe, my attitude this week is also sparked by the fact this is the Christmas season. I absolutely enjoy this time of year.
Back to RA issues. Last week I participated, per the coaches request, in my son's basketball practice. Nothing like a good ole scrimmage with a middle school team. Geesh! It was amazing watching these boys play their scrimmage. Since their first practice this season all of them have progressed. And, they are Faaaaast! I had alot of fun. And my son had a blast defending his dad. However, it took me two days to recuperate.
I have decided to increase my presence on this blog. Cheers and see you soon!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends, as well as, my new friends through RA. I am truly blessed
to have you all. Thank you.
to have you all. Thank you.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Remicade...
Greetings to all. I posted this a few weeks ago, however, I wish to re-post again. In two weeks I will be discussing Remicade infusions with my Rheumatologist. I am asking for input from anyone whom may or may have been on Remicade. I could list a hundred questions here but there isn't enough space. Let me know what you think of this treatment. Thank you.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Remicade or not to remicade...
...that is the question. Cheers my fellow RAers! I went for my regular rheumy follow-up yesterday. He began discussing the possibility of beginning treatment with Remicade, a TNF blocker. Are any of my fellow RAers currently receiving Remicade treatments? If so, I am open to your comments. Peace!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Motivation and Inspiration.
Since my last post a week ago, I have been living life and dealing with weird fluctuations in pain. At the start of my week, the pain and inflammation in my knees from osteoarthritis was almost unbearable. Especially during the morning. I would wake up during the night, hurting, moving from side to side in search of a comfortable spot while wanting to cry. Yes, I am man enough to say, I truly felt like crying. I did not.
Because I was not about to let my monster (RA) have control over me. I would wake up, take my meds (my morning cocktail of methotrexate, prednisone and folic acid) and eat breakfast. I must admit, for the purpose of this article, I have not been too motivated to go for my usual walk. Shame on me, right? I have had trials and tribulations in life, yes, as we all have. Like most of you, I feel I am in my most fiercest fight of all. A fight, which intends on a daily basis, to remind me how great this battle will be and to remind me it is here
to stay. Maybe so, as I said, RA will not control me.
I have a life inwhich I intend to live. I have a wonderful family which supports and loves me.
Over the past two years, I have persevered through a myriad of health issues ranging from systemic joint pain/inflammation (hint,hint), anemia, weight loss of 40 pounds (December, 2008), being tested for cancer (results being negative), a plethora of blood tests, cultures, biopsies, CT Scans, etc. Being hospitalized for a staph infection from a bronchoscope (March, 2009) and leading up to a near death experience after a surgical procedure (video-assisted thoracotomy) inwhich I lost 2 liters of blood from a hemothorax. All of this leading up to my diagnosis of RA in August. I digress.
As the week progressed, my pain became an ache. I have been feeling better this weekend and the knee pain feels more like having a rock in my knees. I have noticed myself walking with a little less stiffness and soreness. Although, standing and sitting for long periods still hurts.
My attitude has improved greatly too. Earlier in the week, I felt a sense of loneliness, isolation and alot of anger. I caught myself asking "me", one question; " Why me?" Why not me?
So, my question to all of you is what motivates and inspires you? Me? Since 2008, I have had a spiritual reawakening. The foundation of my soul has been shaken. My faith, as a result, has grown favorably. Although, I had a deep, religious upbringing, questions which echoed in my mind throughout my life were answered.
Music inspires and motivates me. I find inspiration through reading and my own writing as well. The writings of Dr. Wayne Dyer have given me inspiration, enlightened myself to my true self and potential. Even through the face of adversity.
My ultimate source of motivation and inspiration, my family. My wife has been my rock throughout this ordeal. My children fill me with the strength and courage to face each day despite how I may feel and to live each day to the fullest. I bid you peace and good health.
Because I was not about to let my monster (RA) have control over me. I would wake up, take my meds (my morning cocktail of methotrexate, prednisone and folic acid) and eat breakfast. I must admit, for the purpose of this article, I have not been too motivated to go for my usual walk. Shame on me, right? I have had trials and tribulations in life, yes, as we all have. Like most of you, I feel I am in my most fiercest fight of all. A fight, which intends on a daily basis, to remind me how great this battle will be and to remind me it is here
to stay. Maybe so, as I said, RA will not control me.
I have a life inwhich I intend to live. I have a wonderful family which supports and loves me.
Over the past two years, I have persevered through a myriad of health issues ranging from systemic joint pain/inflammation (hint,hint), anemia, weight loss of 40 pounds (December, 2008), being tested for cancer (results being negative), a plethora of blood tests, cultures, biopsies, CT Scans, etc. Being hospitalized for a staph infection from a bronchoscope (March, 2009) and leading up to a near death experience after a surgical procedure (video-assisted thoracotomy) inwhich I lost 2 liters of blood from a hemothorax. All of this leading up to my diagnosis of RA in August. I digress.
As the week progressed, my pain became an ache. I have been feeling better this weekend and the knee pain feels more like having a rock in my knees. I have noticed myself walking with a little less stiffness and soreness. Although, standing and sitting for long periods still hurts.
My attitude has improved greatly too. Earlier in the week, I felt a sense of loneliness, isolation and alot of anger. I caught myself asking "me", one question; " Why me?" Why not me?
So, my question to all of you is what motivates and inspires you? Me? Since 2008, I have had a spiritual reawakening. The foundation of my soul has been shaken. My faith, as a result, has grown favorably. Although, I had a deep, religious upbringing, questions which echoed in my mind throughout my life were answered.
Music inspires and motivates me. I find inspiration through reading and my own writing as well. The writings of Dr. Wayne Dyer have given me inspiration, enlightened myself to my true self and potential. Even through the face of adversity.
My ultimate source of motivation and inspiration, my family. My wife has been my rock throughout this ordeal. My children fill me with the strength and courage to face each day despite how I may feel and to live each day to the fullest. I bid you peace and good health.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Recapping Saturday night!
I wanted to recap a wonderful evening out with my wife and son. We ventured out to our favorite area of Louisville, Ky. The Highlands. A place where one can stroll for many blocks and window shop, get some ink at one of a few tattoo parlors, eat fine food, visit a local pub or nightclub. A place known for the eccentric and the eclectic. A very laidback environment really. And, not to mention, a few of my local musician friends call this area home.
The Highlands is also steeped in its own history; some of it to be haunted. We went to a popular, local haunted house this fine Saturday evening. The Baxter Avenue Morgue. This historic building was once a family-owned funeral home/mortuary for many years. The morgue was operated in the basement. Due to
many reported strange happenings and disappearances of locals during the early 20th century, the funeral home lost considerable business. The building eventually became vacant.
This building has been a haunted house attraction for many years. This night was also my sons' first haunted house experience. The line moved rather quickly despite the huge early crowd. Our turn to enter, and the mayhem began. I am not easily frightened, so, I must say, I was truly spooked at points along the tour. A damn fine job by the spooks and all involved.
The whole point here, I had a very tough day early on Saturday. I was determined to control my monster and have fun on Saturday night. I did. RA lost out yet again.
Might I add, the Louisville Paranormal Investigators have concluded Baxter Avenue Morgue is indeed, truly haunted. Muahahahahahahaha!!!!
The Highlands is also steeped in its own history; some of it to be haunted. We went to a popular, local haunted house this fine Saturday evening. The Baxter Avenue Morgue. This historic building was once a family-owned funeral home/mortuary for many years. The morgue was operated in the basement. Due to
many reported strange happenings and disappearances of locals during the early 20th century, the funeral home lost considerable business. The building eventually became vacant.
This building has been a haunted house attraction for many years. This night was also my sons' first haunted house experience. The line moved rather quickly despite the huge early crowd. Our turn to enter, and the mayhem began. I am not easily frightened, so, I must say, I was truly spooked at points along the tour. A damn fine job by the spooks and all involved.
The whole point here, I had a very tough day early on Saturday. I was determined to control my monster and have fun on Saturday night. I did. RA lost out yet again.
Might I add, the Louisville Paranormal Investigators have concluded Baxter Avenue Morgue is indeed, truly haunted. Muahahahahahahaha!!!!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Coping day-to-day with RA!
I am certain if everyone with RA in America (and, our numbers are high) were asked, " How do you cope with the pain of RA from day-to-day?", one would receive millions (literally) of different answers. I'm sure everyone would reply by stating they take their medication regularly as prescribed by their rheumatologist. Same goes here. I try to keep a positive, mental outlook. I do what I can around the house each day. Housework also keeps me busy, which keeps me active, which takes my mind off of my RA.
I enjoy reading and writing (which, I have been doing more of), playing music and spending time with my family. I stay mindful the events of the past 2 years have not only affected me, but, everyone around me; my family and my friends.
I am definitely learning how to live this new life. Lately, I have found myself a bit pissed off. I want to do certain things as I had before. On my own and at a quicker pace. Not happening now. I have been exercising again for awhile now. My workouts now are not as intense as they once were-with intense cardio and resistance training. My pace is a bit slower, but hey, it's working for me right now.
The pain differs from each day. Some mornings are brutal, especially if I have been very active the day before. Maybe, this where I am still learning and coping with my RA.
I would love to hear from others how they are coping with RA. Peace!
I enjoy reading and writing (which, I have been doing more of), playing music and spending time with my family. I stay mindful the events of the past 2 years have not only affected me, but, everyone around me; my family and my friends.
I am definitely learning how to live this new life. Lately, I have found myself a bit pissed off. I want to do certain things as I had before. On my own and at a quicker pace. Not happening now. I have been exercising again for awhile now. My workouts now are not as intense as they once were-with intense cardio and resistance training. My pace is a bit slower, but hey, it's working for me right now.
The pain differs from each day. Some mornings are brutal, especially if I have been very active the day before. Maybe, this where I am still learning and coping with my RA.
I would love to hear from others how they are coping with RA. Peace!
Rambling about RA!
Lately, I have found myself wanting to vent and ramble about RA. Please excuse me if I happen to mention what many folks with RA have already ranted and raved about. I am an RA newbie and this is my time. Although I am being proactive and educating myself to this autoimmune disorder and how to live with RA, this " monster" inside me wants to control every facet of my life. I refuse to give it the control it seeks.
I just recently read a report from the Tin Mom blog on Arthritis Today. (This blog is an excellent source of information about RA. Thank you, Annette. Kudos).
This is a report by Jennifer Davis revealing new information on the debilitating effects of arthritis (as a whole) on America's population, as well as, our economy. I was floored, to say the least. What I read also backed up the information I have read recently from a book titled, The Autoimmune Epidemic, by Donna Jackson Nakazawa. ( I could give my own review in a later blog). And, I may do just that; once I complete the book.
This report was astounding. Apparently, 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. (currently), reports limited activity as a result of joint pain. That is roughly, 21 million people. Also, a government report stated the number of American adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis is increasing. A CDC report listed an increased number of doctor-diagnosed, adult (over age 18) arthritis cases from 46 million to 50 million over a four year period.
A study from 2007-2009 revealed 22% of the American population has arthritis. Pardon me, but, WTF!!
That equals an annual cost of 128 billion dollars.
Oh yes! Might I add; arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems, not to mention, the nation's leading cause of disability amongst Americans over the age of 15.
Arthritis also results in 39 million physician office visits annually, as well as, more than 500,000 hospitalizations each year. This chronic illness affects people of ALL age groups, including 300,000 children. Gees, America, is this really good enough? Thank you for the recent passage of the Arthritis Control and Cure Act on September 30, 2010. A major accomplishment indeed, yet, much work still lies ahead.
The point here is this; arthritis is a chronic, debilitating disease that affects more people than cancer. Yes, I said that. And, may I add, I say that with respect for those whom have survived, are currently fighting, or, whom have lost someone dear from cancer. I have. And, my mother is a breast cancer survivor.
Cancer is tracked and the patients are placed on a registry. Currently, 9 million Americans alone are diagnosed with some form of cancer. No method of tracking rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders exists. This isn't good enough!
I just recently read a report from the Tin Mom blog on Arthritis Today. (This blog is an excellent source of information about RA. Thank you, Annette. Kudos).
This is a report by Jennifer Davis revealing new information on the debilitating effects of arthritis (as a whole) on America's population, as well as, our economy. I was floored, to say the least. What I read also backed up the information I have read recently from a book titled, The Autoimmune Epidemic, by Donna Jackson Nakazawa. ( I could give my own review in a later blog). And, I may do just that; once I complete the book.
This report was astounding. Apparently, 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. (currently), reports limited activity as a result of joint pain. That is roughly, 21 million people. Also, a government report stated the number of American adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis is increasing. A CDC report listed an increased number of doctor-diagnosed, adult (over age 18) arthritis cases from 46 million to 50 million over a four year period.
A study from 2007-2009 revealed 22% of the American population has arthritis. Pardon me, but, WTF!!
That equals an annual cost of 128 billion dollars.
Oh yes! Might I add; arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems, not to mention, the nation's leading cause of disability amongst Americans over the age of 15.
Arthritis also results in 39 million physician office visits annually, as well as, more than 500,000 hospitalizations each year. This chronic illness affects people of ALL age groups, including 300,000 children. Gees, America, is this really good enough? Thank you for the recent passage of the Arthritis Control and Cure Act on September 30, 2010. A major accomplishment indeed, yet, much work still lies ahead.
The point here is this; arthritis is a chronic, debilitating disease that affects more people than cancer. Yes, I said that. And, may I add, I say that with respect for those whom have survived, are currently fighting, or, whom have lost someone dear from cancer. I have. And, my mother is a breast cancer survivor.
Cancer is tracked and the patients are placed on a registry. Currently, 9 million Americans alone are diagnosed with some form of cancer. No method of tracking rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders exists. This isn't good enough!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Mountain Climbing!
While reading the blogs by The Tin Mom, Mrs. Annette Beach, from Arthritis Today, I happened to stumble across a particular blog titled, Mountain Climbing. What motivates you to reach your peak? I swear, I felt the earth shake under my feet when I read this article. Ironically, for the past week, I had been climbing over my own hills and mountains. I have been having excruciating pain in my knees, wrists and hands. Making normal, everyday tasks nearly unbearable.
For example, washing and folding two loads of laundry kicked my ass (to be totally blunt). I was exhausted and needed to rest. I am quite thankful for having a dishwasher. I have had plenty of help from my brother-in-law with the yard work. Still, I have great difficulty accepting these physical limitations.
Another example, the other day my family and I attended a party and the boys were playing football. My son threw me the football and I threw it back to him. We did this for roughly ten minutes, or, at least until they decided to go to the pond and fish. My point is, I had not thrown a football with him for several months. The joy I felt was overwhelming. Had I taken all those moments of playing ball with him since he was a child for granted? Those few moments were soul-inspiring. My soul felt " free ". I strongly recommend reading this article. Whether you have RA or some other chronic illness or not, this blog is a must read.
For example, washing and folding two loads of laundry kicked my ass (to be totally blunt). I was exhausted and needed to rest. I am quite thankful for having a dishwasher. I have had plenty of help from my brother-in-law with the yard work. Still, I have great difficulty accepting these physical limitations.
Another example, the other day my family and I attended a party and the boys were playing football. My son threw me the football and I threw it back to him. We did this for roughly ten minutes, or, at least until they decided to go to the pond and fish. My point is, I had not thrown a football with him for several months. The joy I felt was overwhelming. Had I taken all those moments of playing ball with him since he was a child for granted? Those few moments were soul-inspiring. My soul felt " free ". I strongly recommend reading this article. Whether you have RA or some other chronic illness or not, this blog is a must read.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Finally, some relief!
Ahhhh! Finally, some relief. For nearly five weeks I've been taking a medication called methotrexate. After a few weeks of continuous pain, I feel relief. Not complete relief but relief nonetheless. Thank you methotrexate. Peace, my friends.
~ Tim ~
~ Tim ~
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Living with RA!
Greetings! This particular blog may be a continuum. My hope is for others living with or whom know someone living with RA to use this particular blog as another means inwhich to communicate. I am an RA newbie. I am being very proactive and desiring to learn all I can about this disorder, how it will affect me, my family, friends and all others close to me.
I am astounded by the millions of Americans (not excluding my fellow international bloggers) currently diagnosed and living with RA. 23.5 million Americans have RA, lupus, sarcoidosis or some other autoimmune disorder. There exists no known cause (yes, there are theories), there are treatments, thankfully, however, there is no cure. Furthermore, there exists no tracking system of autoimmune disorders, as is with cancer.
Currently, approximately 9 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of cancer. ALL of these cases are tracked on a reporting system with the National Institutes of Health and other agencies. Current research also points to a probable link between the high diagnosis rate of autoimmune disorders and the toxins being poured into our environment. (Hmmm)! I digress.
I welcome all of you to my little corner of the blogging world. So, please grab a coffee or whatever your favorite drink (cheers), relax and blog away at The Blogger Cafe.
I bid you peace!
I am astounded by the millions of Americans (not excluding my fellow international bloggers) currently diagnosed and living with RA. 23.5 million Americans have RA, lupus, sarcoidosis or some other autoimmune disorder. There exists no known cause (yes, there are theories), there are treatments, thankfully, however, there is no cure. Furthermore, there exists no tracking system of autoimmune disorders, as is with cancer.
Currently, approximately 9 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of cancer. ALL of these cases are tracked on a reporting system with the National Institutes of Health and other agencies. Current research also points to a probable link between the high diagnosis rate of autoimmune disorders and the toxins being poured into our environment. (Hmmm)! I digress.
I welcome all of you to my little corner of the blogging world. So, please grab a coffee or whatever your favorite drink (cheers), relax and blog away at The Blogger Cafe.
I bid you peace!
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