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The Ronee' Files: Johnny Getting Better, But Now I'm Sick! Oh, The Horror! by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado
Friday, September 28, 2007
Rated "G" by the Author.
Ronee' is down with a flare up of her JRA; she isn't in the hospital, but she is still feeling lousy. She writes about it and how her brother Johnny is faring in the hospital. Things are improving for him, much to her (and everybody else's) relief.
Friday, September 28, 2007, 6:20 a.m., D.S.T., Nashville, Tennessee~
Dear Journal~
I am in a pickle. I don't know what kind, per se, but still a pickle just the same.
This is your (sick) friend, Ronee' Le-Anne Reaux. I guess I won't be going to school today; woke up this morning flaring my butt off. Yeah, my JRA is kickin' me in the heinie. My joints are hot, swollen, and extremely sore (it's a chore just trying to type this down), I am feverish, I have a migraine headache to end all migraines, and my chest is killing me. If it doesn't ease up soon, I may have to get daddy up so he can get me to the ER; I need some relief!!
I really feel bad....
Speaking of hospitals, my brother Johnny has been in the hospital for six days now. Went in last Saturday when he had a seizure, a bad one. For a while, things looked mighty sticky for him, but now he's dong much better; he's now out of ICU, and although very weakened, he's now eating and awake. Very encouraging news, indeed.
I miss him.
When Johnny isn't here, the house just isn't the same. I love him so much; I just wish he didn't have to suffer like he does! I wish he didn't have MD, and I wish he could walk or run around like any other teenaged boy! (Not that I can do that myself, but I definitely get around a lot better than Johnny does!)
I will have to tell daddy I'm sick and that I won't go to school. I feel too bad for one thing. When my arthritis flares up, I not only get the joint pain: I get the added bonus of chest pain if my lungs/heart are affected, extreme nausea, chills, fever, severe headache, get a rash, and sometimes my vision is affected (I get blurred vision or I see spots before my eyes; it's really strange!). I have the "systemic" kind of JRA, meaning it affects my bodily systems besides my joints.
It's the most severe form of JRA. It can make me very sick. No kidding.
Oh, joy.
I've lived with this monster since I was four--ten years now--; you think I'd be used to it by now. Well, the truth of the matter is this: I'm not. I'm not used to it at all!
When I have a flare, there's nothing more I want than to be left alone or sleep! They say sleep is good when you're sick; I like to take advantage of that.
Well, I am going to stop typing; I can't concentrate, and it's hard to type when your fingers look like fat sausages--and feel like someone keeps sticking an ice pick repeatedly into the joints! *OW* Well, it DOES! I wouldn't lie to you! It's the gospel truth! Take care, and God bless!
sounds as tho you are sympathtic to the point that you became sick as well You definitely need outside help. Seek help from police 9ll or the many organizations that help the abused. 'lil flower
Very sorry to hear this, Ronee. Sounds like some bed rest is definitely in order. Lay back, relax, take a nap if you can, and then watch some cartoons - or The Three Stooges - laughter is very good medicine. And we're all glad to hear Johnny is improving.
Ow--ow--poor Ronee! This one is filled with pain and tears; hope she feels better soon. An excellent write, with a tiny bit of laughter amid the hurt. Well done.
Karen, I liked your story. It gives a sense of the bother, annoyance and fear which accompanies chronic disorders. Several years ago, just when I was ready to focus on a second career as a writer, rheumatoid arthritis attacked me. I have been fortunate to have an excellent response in a controlled study. Sometimes I forget my struggle. Thanks for reminding me and for portraying the battle.
It is hard to try to function properly when you are suffering in pain and it is not something you just get use to, you just end up having to accept it as part of life and try to live to your best, not all the time do others understand. Thank you Karen for sharing with us.
Newfie Hugs, Rose
