To better cope with my health, it has been suggested that I write a journal. I am hope this experience proves to be cathartic and hopefully enlightening. I am not doing this to seek pity but to help people understand. What I know now is that I have been diagnosed with connective tissue disease which is a combination of several conditions happening all at the same time. I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, polymyositis, lupus and chronic fatigue. I also have asthma if everything else was not enough. As my rheumatologist said at my last appointment, I can't do anything simple.

Six months ago I was somewhat symptom free except swelling in my right hand. It was November and I was in the middle of new job and planning my 40th birthday party. I have had the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (ra) since 2001 but it had been in remission for the last 3 years. I have had the diagnosis of fibromyalgia for about 2 years. Both of these conditions I have inherited from my parents. You got to love genetics! I contacted the Rheumatologist right away and blood work showed that the ra was back and I had mild inflammation. They had me start the drug methotrexate right away but warned me it would take up to 12-14 weeks before I would notice any relief. I went about my life, planning my party and getting ready for the upcoming holidays.

My birthday party was held in late November and it was fabulous. Over 65 people attended and a good time was held by all. I never remembered smiling so much and feeling so loved. Of course everyone kept saying that I did not even look close to being 40 which helped my ego immensely. Little did I know I was experiencing the quiet before the storm.

Literally the next morning, I woke up to a fatigue and body pain that I had never experienced before. My husband Doug joked with me that I did not have that much to drink the night before. I just chalked it up to all the party planning and staying out late the night before. As the weekend progressed, the fatigue worsened. We had tickets to an AC/DC concert on that Sunday in which we attended but I slept the whole way up and the whole way back. We planned to do some Christmas shopping as well but I was too tired. The fatigue continued but then I noticed swelling in my ankles as well as my hands. I felt pain in sitting and lifting my shoulders. This progressed through December to the point I could not open doors, bottles and needed assistance in standing. The RA physician was contacted and we were assured that the medicine needed more time to work and that I had to be patient. I remember thinking to myself "if this 40, no thanks"! It did dampen the holidays as I had no energy to bake or decorate which are the 2 things that I love most about the holidays. Everyone kept giving me advice. If I would just exercise more or lose some weight, I would feel better. I never would have dreamed how much worse it would get before it got better. Stay tuned for more......