Hi, My name is Tish and I live in Tennessee with my husband of 38 years and my 5 year old (Hurricane Katrina survivor) dachshund. We have 3 wonderful daughters. Beth is a nurse and married to a nurse and they have 3 children- Corinna is 13, Owen is 9, and Maya is almost 3. Jenny and her husband own an antigue car restortation/muscle car builder business as well as raising yellow labs. They have a daughter Shawna who is 15 and a son George who is almost 3. Melissa, our youngest is a junior in college studying criminal justice. She is very interested in law enforcement and anti-terrorism. Her long-term goal is to be a canine handler for TSA or ATF or HSA or somthing similar.
One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming first an LPN, then an RN. I did this after I had my first 2 children, working full time the whole time. Can't even believe I did it.
I was first diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica in Jan 06 with a development of RA in July 06. I have since developed auto-immune asthma and been hospitalized twice in 2008 with that. It seems particularly difficult to control. I was approved for SSDI in July 08. This was a sad day for me as I truly miss my work. However, there is no way I can be a decent employee with the inability to work most days.
My meds have been many so I will tell you what I am currently on. Unfortunately, between the RA and the asthma I am, and will probably forever be steroid dependent though most times 5mg/day suffices. I also take Imuran 100mg/day and Rituxan infusions approx every 4 mos.
As I have said before, I hate these drugs with a passion but would not go off them. The regained ability to hold my grandbabies make the risks well worth the benefits.
Hugs and love to all, Tish