I've still got a lot of fight left in me

Starburst

This song is being played constantly on the radio. I liked the tune and looked up the lyrics. I have decided that this song was written for me.

This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I'm alright song
My power's turned on
Starting right now I'll be strong
I'll play my fight song
And I don't really care if nobody else believes
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me

Over the last few weeks I've had a series of tests. The results haven't shown anything RA related which was the concern. The specialist said the heart murmur is a result of being anaemic, so nothing sinister. The breathing issues are referred symptoms from my gastroparesis (stomach pump disorder). The gastro professor said that my deficiencies are from poor absorption and has changed my medication to liquid, so they can be absorbed properly. I should be seeing a an improvement in my general health as a result. In a nutshell, all the chest-related symptoms stem back to my stomach disorder which is finally being treated by an expert in the field.

I have to admit that I wasn't convinced about my diagnosis as it's uncommon and I wasn't entirely trusting of the gastro I saw in 2014. However, the latest tests have shown there is no doubt that the nerve controlling my stomach has been damaged. Like coming to terms with my RA, I know I will have some ups and downs as I process the prospect of life with yet another difficult to treat, life-long condition but I reckon I can handle it.

I feel GOOD for the first time in the 6 weeks since this nightmare started. I've got two more days at home to adjust to new medication and then back to work on Friday. Thank you for supporting me along the way, what would I do without you?! x

daffy2

what would I do without you?! x

Works both ways Sophie - you are an inspiration to us all in the way you battle through what's thrown at you, so it's no difficulty supporting those endeavours, and it's lovely to share in the times when something goes right or progress is made, as in this latest post.

Slosh

So pleased to hear you are feeling better, it must be hard to adjust to another chronic condition but it does sound as though you are in good hands and I hope the new meds work. Good plan to go back Friday as you then have the long weekend.

I like the song too

mig

Up and at em ,you keep fighting. Mig

dreamdaisy

What would you do without us? You'd cope because that is what you do but it's good to have some company along the way, yes? We're here for you in the same way that you are here for us. No matter what is thrown at you (and far too much is) you rise to the challenge and deal with it in fine style. I am pleased that you have, at long last, an answer to the stomach trouble and that positive other steps are being taken to help you fight back. Keep it up, girl, you're a good example to all with your attitude and courage. Good luck on Friday and I hope it doesn't wear you out for the bank holiday weekend. DD x

stickywicket

daffy2 wrote:

what would I do without you?! x

Works both ways Sophie - you are an inspiration to us all in the way you battle through what's thrown at you, so it's no difficulty supporting those endeavours, and it's lovely to share in the times when something goes right or progress is made, as in this latest post.

Well said, daffy!

Sophie, you never stop looking for different ways to cope and to tackle whatever extra rubbish is thrown at you.

Reading through the paragraph after the song lyrics – it's so typical of you in that you find the positive in everything.

I do hope you've turned yet another corner and that work will go well on Friday.

theresak

Good luck back at work on Friday, Sophie. I haven't 'known' you as long as the others have, but I know you are a fighter, and always look for a positive in everything. Hope all goes well.

dibdab

The song seems to sum up your relentlessly positive attitude to life Sophie, it's good to have an anthem for life !

Having yet another life long condition is rubbish, but at least it has a name and you can rely on the medics to work for your good in living with it.

I hope that new meds make a really positive difference, and that going back to work is positive too.

Deb x

mermaid

Good to hear from you Sophie and it does seem a very apt song for you with the battles you have. I like it too.

I do hope that the liquid meds will help you a lot and that you will feel some improvement soon. Gastroparesis sound a horrible thing to deal with and I think there may be a support group online.

So good to hear you sounding stronger and clearer with your diagnosis - good news about the heart.

I think this anthem is good for many with RA - I once had a nurse say to me that she loved nursing RA patients because they are fighters!

Stay strong and take care xx

Starburst

Thank you so much. I did read your replies and had a little cry. Fortunately, I'm back in normal Sophie mode and I have stopped crying at the drop of a hat. :roll: My return to work has been exhausting but psychologically, I feel back to my usual self. A long term plan remains up in the air. My manager asked me to consider a reduction in hours but not to make a decision until I've seen occupational health. Of course this is taking ages. Welcome to social services 2015; it's long wait, whoever you are! I'll try to be around at much as I can but I'm keeping things quiet around here.

Slosh

Glad to hear things are gradually getting better for you. In terms of your managers comments about reducing your hours, and having recently done this I'd suggest getting in contact with your union to get their advice. There is now flexible working legislation which allows employees to request this and the Equality Act means it is harder to refuse those with a disability. The benefits of using this, and getting support is that you have more control of the changes and there are time scales which have to be met.

Hope all continues to go well.

dibdab

Good to hear that normality is returning. Keep on keeping on, and look after yourself! Hope occy health step up to the mark soon, I'd echo the advice from Slosh to chat to your union, they were invaluable with guidance of what is and isn't possible when I reduced my hours a few years ago, and gave me lots of the key words to use in my letter requesting a reduction. Similarly occy health were supportive with lots of good advice.

Deb xx

GraceB

A very inspiring post Sophie! Thank you.

As for the support you get from here, I regularly see your name when you support others and that's what is great about this forum.

You will get there as you are a strong individual who is tenacious, stubborn and determined.

As for work, I echo what the others have said, if you belong to a Union speak to them, and please get Occy Health involved. I was helped by Occy Health and I have always found seeing Occy Health a very positive experience.

Keep on battling! You'll get there.

GraceB