01/30/2025
A few years ago we moved from WA ⏩ MT to pursue a stepping stone in the medical device world for my husband. A month into moving, I found my feet were terribly swollen and sore. Boots were tight and uncomfortable, I NEEDED slippers on our tiled floors, and would scoot down stairs. Progressively, I was unable to wash my hair due to pain in my shoulder, unable to zip up my pants due to pain in my fingers, and would tense when shaking someone’s hand.
About 6 months after having excruciating pain, I finally went to a rheumatologist in Bozeman, MT. “Sorry to say this hun, but you have rheumatoid arthritis.” I literally cried with RELIEF (to his shock) knowing that I finally had an answer to my problems. I also had an idea of what the root cause was...🧐
I do not want to say my story is everyone’s RA story, but having an idea of how the nervous system is systemically routed, I had a feeling this LARGE transition and constant uncertainty was the culprit.
Within that 2 month time period since moving, my nervous system was on high alert. We moved to the mountains (literally) with an unpredictable living situation. Had no friends or family. I had no stable source of income. And I was quite certain my Frenchie was going to be tramped by the moose roaming our yard.
Lessons were learned, but most importantly, I learned how IMPORTANT establishing safety and routine is for the nervous system. I took my knowledge of Polyvagal informed approaches to develop a regulated lifestyle which in turn has lead to my RA being controlled. To this day, I thank my current employment at Unyte Heath, my supportive family and husband, my horse and dogs, and progressive doctors.
Whenever I hear about chronic pain and fatigue in others, I really do reflect on the pain that developed for myself. The body harbors events, small and large. It's critical to explore why...
Thanks for reading and being on this journey with me!
-T
