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Lora Veitenheimer, 56
Council Bluffs, Iowa
In February of 2005 I lost my job because I could not keep up with the demands of working. My husband took a leave of absence from his job to help me. I could no longer dress myself, I couldn't open cans or jars, I could not sit by myself nor could I get up once I did sit.
I went to my doctor and she gave pain pills, sleeping pills and muscle relaxers, ran every blood test known to man, then sent me to physical therapy. Frustrated, I started researching my symptoms online. I came up with two possibilities Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus.
Armed with this information I went back to my doctor who again told me that neither one of those showed up in my blood work. I sank into depression because I thought I was going crazy and why didn't anyone believe me. My husband had had enough and told me to find another doctor or he was going to find one for me. So I went to a Rheumatologist armed with the information from the internet. He examined me and told me I had RA. But I said no it's not showing up in any blood work. And he told me it didn't have to; well needless to say I have RA.
It came out when I went through my change of life. Then I went on disability and thought my life was over. But that was 3 years ago.
I did my first Arthritis Walk last year with my daughter and my doctor was waiting for me at the finish line. I could never have achieved that with out the help of my husband, my family or my doctor. Two months ago I found out I also have Osteoarthritis in my spine, neck and hips.
I still go to the gym twice a week, take tap dancing lessons once a week and walk every chance I get. I work closely with my doctor to control my arthritis so it does NOT control me.
