Background/Diagnosis: After running a half marathon and 2 5’ks, I had unexplained back/ hip pain that wouldn’t resolve. I returned to my PT. After 3 months of low back, hip work I woke up on a Saturday morning with the most intense chest pain I’d ever felt in my life. Moving my arms sent electric shocks throughout my body. I crawled into my PT. He sent me to the emergency clinic. After a chest x-ray and EKG to confirm that I didn’t have breast cancer or a heart issue, my primary doc threw a whack of meds at me to get me at least out of the chair. I was very lucky. I was able to see a Rheumatologst within 2 weeks and was quickly diagnosed. Because of what I now know was Chostochondroitis, I was led to receive my diagnosis.

Treatment: My Rheumatologist quickly started me on a biologic and other supporting medications. I have been through a few different medications to find what works for me. I exercise on a regular basis. I have learned HOW to communicate with my docs. Short, factual setences. I can stand for 7 minutes. I don’t grocery shop anymore because it’s too painful. Then, I’m quiet. I trust in my team. I show them that I trust and will follow their direction for care.

Maintenance: I continue to combine medications, exercise and support from friends and family to keep myself living a full life.

Quality of Life: Currently I live an extremely full life. I am able to hike, vacation, exercise, garden, work full time and lead a full social life. I maintain the attitude that there is nothing that I can’t do. I to figure out HOW to do it. I love gardening. When I blew L4-L5 into pieces, my husband accepted my pinterest challenge to build a vertical garden. He built a staircase attached to my fence. My vegetable garden went vertical! The vertical garden has changed over time- and more planters have been added to the fence!

When I wanted to continue hiking and enjoying my love of the outdoors, we found a tool called a flip stick. With the flip stick, my husband and I enjoyed an incredible hike through Arches National Park

After my shoulder surgery and carpal tunnel surgeries- every day was leg day. After my lumbar fusions- you got it- every day was arm day.

As difficult as it is- at one point I was not able to walk more than about 2,000 steps in a day. This did not stop me from enjoying a trip to Las Vegas. Instead, I rented a scooter!

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/living-a-full-life-with-a-s-through-adaptations/