The "Pains" of Motherhood |
Don't put your family ahead of your own health: When the "pains" of motherhood may be an indication of something more serious
Carol Feener has a full life - a wife and mother of three children - she is devoted to her family. Carol first started experiencing the aches and pains of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at a time in her life when she was busy putting her family and work commitments ahead of her own health. She lived with extreme fatigue and the crippling pain of tender and swollen joints for more than three years before being diagnosed with severe RA.
"My heart was broken. My hands were so badly crippled that I could not take care of my family. In my house, the caregiver role was reversed - my husband and children had to take on the day to day responsibilities of taking care of me and our home. I was unable to function. I could not dress or feed myself and often times, I had trouble walking," says Carol.
Six years ago, Carol was introduced to a newer class of treatments called biologic therapies. Like any medication, individual response varies, but in Carol's case, since starting this treatment, Carol's life has improved dramatically. Many days for Carol are virtually pain free and she works closely with her rheumatologist to ensure her body continues to stay this way.
"Since the first injection of Enbrel, I noticed a difference and with each day it's only getting better. This treatment gave me my life back. I was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of making my daughter's wedding dress. Seeing my daughter in the wedding dress I made her with my own hands was one of the best days of my life. A person can't survive this disease without the support of their loved ones - I am so lucky to have my family," says Carol.
Carol hopes to help improve the lives of Canadians living with RA, both by building awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and advocating for optimal treatment. Carol adds, "Don't give up - rheumatoid arthritis is a manageable disease, especially if you educate yourself on the symptoms and treatments available."
If you think you or a loved one may have rheumatoid arthritis, talk to your doctor about treatments available; your healthcare professional can work with you to determine the best treatment plan.
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