Nicole Michelle Aldape, aged 10 1/2, continues to recover from a flare-up of her arthritis; and she writes of her feelings about having this debilitating disease.
March 26, 2003~
I am starting to feel more human again.
In fact, I feel so much better I had some food, and I didn't get sick once! No, I didn't eat a lot, but it is progress! Today, I had a toast and cheese sandwich with ham, and I had a small bowl of chicken soup that mommy made for me. I also had a glass of ginger ale, and so far, everything's managed to stay down, and my stomach isn't hurting me. Now, my JOINTS, on the other hand...
I am not in the hospital from this flare, but it sure had me plenty sick. My chest hurt, and it hurt to breathe; but now that is going away, and I can breathe so much easier! I also had a nasty headache, and my joints were so inflamed and swollen they looked like baseballs! It was really bad!
I HATE having flares; they are nothing but inconvenient, and they prevent me from getting around (and I already have plenty enough trouble trying to get around NORMALLY, as it is!). They make me feel so bad, and at times the pain is so bad I just want to curl up and DIE!! :(
I have had to learn to live with having juvenile rheumatoid arthritis practically my whole life. I got it when I was just six weeks old, and for as long as I can remember, all I remember of my early life is going to doctor after doctor and PAIN! I haven't had any surgery yet on my joints; but I am sure I will have some before too long. I am really getting crippled up with this stuff; and I am having such a hard time trying to get around on my own, especially on the days where I have more pain than usual or when I have my flare-ups!
I wish I could just throw my medicines or crutches or wheelchair out into the garbage; I am SICK and TIRED of messing with them all; and I often wish I could just run around and do whatever I wish without having to worry about PAIN! Oh, to be pain-free for just ONE DAY would be absolute BLISS!!
no one knows what children go through when they're sick...you've described the pain and frustration of arthritis well...good job, karen! (((HUGS))) and love, karla. :)
Children love to sink their teeth into sweet and delicious fruit. This story and teaching will have them sinking their hearts into the Fruit of the Spirit.
