"If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." ~Toni Morrison

Monday, April 1, 2013

A is for Arthritis

This month I am participating in the A to Z Challenge. I will be writing about memories from my life and all my different homes.

When I was in fifth grade, I got very sick. I came home from a bike ride one day to find red spots all over my body. The local doctor thought it was Scarlet Fever and told us to go to the hospital immediately. My younger sister was left with the neighbors while my parents drove me to Harcourt Street Children's Hospital in Dublin.

I don't remember much from that night. Apparently I puked. I remember my dad carrying me through the. Emergency Room doors. I remember the first night in the hospital ward. The only other child in my ward was a small boy with a cast on one arm and a drip hanging from the other. He tossed and turned in his sleep, and I kept imagining the drip ripping from his arm during one of his violent turns.

The next day the doctors began the huge task of figuring out what was wrong with me. I had so many blood tests that I lost count. One morning I was rolled away to a surgery room for a blood marrow test. That was a painful one. My joints were swollen and stiff. I woke up every morning in pain and fear. Lyme Disease. Leukemia. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. They were all scary possibilities.

A month of visitor's hours brought homework and awkward moments spent crouched on tiny chairs talking with friends and family. I learned to play Solitaire and Gin Rummy. My mom brought food for me because I hated the hospital food. Painkillers, anti-inflammatories, even Steroids, were prescribed and taken. No test ever came back positive. No one ever solved the mystery. My condition was labeled Arthritis.

I have long since outgrown the painful swollen joints. My crooked fingers and warped knuckles remain as a constant reminder of those years, but nothing else is the same. My life has changed completely, and for the better. Maybe one of these days, I'll write about it.

12 comments:

  1. Wow!!! You have me really curious.

    Dropping by from A to Z. First year participating and very excited.

    Brett Minor
    Transformed Nonconformist

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    1. Good luck with the challenge. It's a great way to find new blogs and interesting people. I will be stopping by to visit your blog later today.

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  2. I'm glad you aren't suffering from any lingering effects! Swinging around from A to Z. Nice to meet you!

    www.diaryofasquaretoothedgirl.blogspot.com

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    1. Nice to meet you too. Can't wait to check out your blog.

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  3. Many members of my family suffer from Arthritis.

    New follower here. I'm stopping by from the "A to Z challenge" and I look forward to visiting again!

    Sylvia
    http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/

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  4. Hello! I'm so sorry to hear about this. What a scary thing to happen to a child :( You have a great attitude and didn't let it stop you. That's inspiring!

    Happy A to Z-ing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

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    1. Thank you. It was pretty scary, but I gained a lot from the experience. Thanks for visiting.

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  5. I think it's a great idea to write about your experience. Even if you don't decide to share it online I'm sure family and friends would love to read it.

    (Grover at Inane Ramblings)

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    1. I actually started writing a memoir during a recent NaNo, but I found so many holes in my memory of events. It would probably involve a lot of family interviews to get it all right.

      Thanks for visiting.

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  6. I was so meant to visit you, hairy scary really. Only yesterday I had it confirmed that I have arthritis and I was concerned it was Rheumatoid. 'No' said my GP, 'your joints are just wearing out.'

    On a serious note, I was a tad put-out by the news, but when I read your experience, for you as a child, it must have been terrifying. Looking forward to reading part two of your story, sounds like a positive. Cheers

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    1. Chris, I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It can feel so devastating, but it is not the end. I worked hard at maintaining a normal life when I suffered from arthritis. It was not always easy. Know your limitations, find something that helps with the pain if needed, and just keep living.

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