RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) Sucks

Healthination, anyone?

So, the other day, I was paging through my cable guide, looking for something to watch on the boob tube. Those of you who use Comcast as your service provider may be accustomed to seeing advertisements that run across the bottom of each page of the guide -- things like ads for what movies are available On Demand, how to obtain a less expensive Disney World vacation, and so forth.

However, you can imagine my surprise when I saw "What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?" pop up at the bottom of the screen. I thought for sure that it would simply prove to be a pharma ad (and indeed, an Enbrel ad was wedged in there), but I was pretty darned shocked to discover that the nearly 10 minute video, hosted by Dr. Nancy Snyderman of MSNBC, described pretty accurately exactly what RA is, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated.

You can find the video(s) here. Note that all three videos played together as part of this "public information campaign" / commercial.

My favorite part was when they described RA as an autoimmune disease that affects not just the joints, but the whole body.

What do you guys think?

A Cold Splash of Water to the Face

I have a certifiable, explanation-defying attraction to certain reality shows. Shows like "The Little Couple," "911: The Bronx," and "Deadliest Catch." I make no excuses for my unseemly, voyeuristic interest in the lives of others. I simply accept it. And I've generally been enjoying my viewing habits.

Until yesterday, when I watched (via TiVo) the most recent episode of "Deadliest Catch" on TLC.

During said episode, Jake Anderson, one of the deckhands on the (Alaskan crab) fishing vessel "Northwestern" learns that his 38 year-old sister, Chelsea, has died from complications resulting from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, a disease from which she had suffered since the age of two. As he is speaking to his mother for the first time since learning of his sister's death, Jake tearfully says "Mom, she's in a much better place now. She can run now. And she's so beautiful and no one can make fun of her any more."

Honestly, I thought I was going to throw up.

Because what all of it made clear to me is exactly how serious -- how deadly serious -- this disease is.

You know, even though I like to think of myself as a pragmatic and realistic person, I have to admit that when it comes to RA, I guess I'm still in something of a state of denial. And emotionally and psychologically, I think RAers have to be, to a certain extent: we'd be completely certifiable and suicidal if we were to dwell without ceasing on every assault RA can make on our bodies.

And yet....

I think my denial may go beyond the norm a lot of the time. Yes, I've made certain concessions to the disease. I'll sometimes ask for help, for example. But sometimes, I won't. Granted, part of my refusal to request help is due to sheer stubbornness. But part of it is due to the fact that I still can't really believe I have RA.

Why? Well, I have none of the blood markers: RF, CCP, ESR. My CRP level has only been elevated once. Because of all of this, I can't even participate in any RA research studies. Ha! And then there's the fact that I possess minimal swelling. So, those are all indicators that I don't have RA. Now what are the indicators that I actually do have RA? Morning stiffness, chronic joint pain in my hands and feet and wrists and ankles, positive ultrasounds, and positive x-rays. So which is it? Do I or don't I?

If I don't, then what's wrong with me? If I do, then I'm gonna be scared sometimes. Like I was when I watched "Deadliest Catch."

Scared and sad. Scared because it's serious. Sad because people still deride things they don't understand.

Poor Chelsea. I do indeed hope that you are in a better place.