My Walking Poles are Collecting Dust!

After being diagnosed with an autoimmune muscle disease along with systemic scleroderma back in 2013, I was planning for my future and how I was going to cope with my weakness and the destruction of my muscles. My sister was having a rummage sale at her home and I saw a pair of walking poles. I asked if I could purchase them thinking this could really help me cope with my condition. Of course, she gave them to me.

My doctor prescribed 30 mg of Prednisone and then I was put on methotrexate. Later the methotrexate was damaging my liver and I was switched to Mycophenolate.  I had to start physical therapy, and suddenly reality was setting in. Was I going to end up using a cane or walker? Was I going to be in a wheelchair at a very young age? I remember traveling in the beginning, with my husband and then with a friend who traveled with me to Ireland. My daughter was on a college choir tour and I was not going to miss this opportunity. I was totally dependent on my travel partners. I could not lift my suitcase. I could not step up onto the tour bus. I was too weak. 

The reason I decided to write this post, is because I was riding my bike the other day and I saw an older gentleman walking with walking poles. It made me think of mine. Where are they? Collecting dust in my garage? I tend to forget at times, I have Autoimmune Disease. In fact, I told my husband and my Functional Dr recently that I feel very normal and forget I am ill! What? Yep, I am being very honest! I often forget I have multiple autoimmune conditions. This did not happen overnight. It took years of healing, through hard work, diet change, lots of bloodwork, urine samples, stool sample, mercury removal from my mouth, abscess, and infection treatment, detoxing and so much more, including LDN, CBD and many supplements specific to my needs! In fact, this battle will never be over. I will have to continue to test and live a clean life with the proper mindset to push forward!

I have been trying a new treatment called Ta1 peptide therapy (Thymosine Alpha-1). I am starting month 6, and this has been amazing! My icing on the cake so to speak. I truly believe this has been a miracle! I am not afraid to try new things! My strength has returned. My fatigue has all but disappeared. I cannot remember the last time I had a Raynaud’s attack. I have golfed in 46-degree weather. I have golfed 5 days a week. I have taken golf lessons and practiced daily. Life is good! Is this the only answer? No! It takes many pieces to this giant puzzle to heal. This has been just one important piece.

In August it will be 3 years that I have been off my immunosuppressive drugs! That was one of my goals immediately! Goal met! If you struggle with chronic illness or autoimmune disease has you wondering if a “normal” life is possible, I am here to tell you it is! I will hang onto my dusty walking poles for now. Maybe when I am older, I can put them to use.