I've been coping with this whole "being sick" thing quite well, I like to think. In some ways I think it has made me a better stronger person. I complain less now. I'm grateful for the small things. I don't sweat the small stuff. If someone would take the Lupus and the RA away from me and give me the person I was before I'm not sure I'd be all gung ho on that idea. I like the person I am now. I look back on the person who complained every 5 seconds of her pregnancy and cringe. Man was I ever a brat.
Except now they have given me another disease. That is four auto immune diseases for anyone who is counting. Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sojourn Syndrome, and now Alopecia. I think it is fair to say my immune system hates me. Which I've basically known my whole life in one form or another but the extent was not clear until just yesterday when the latest tidbit came down.
But you know, this changes nothing. I'm losing my hair and the doctor thanks it will stop and I'm not going to go bald and blah, blah, blah. It's not cancer and I'm not dying and so many have it so far, far worse. I've said from the beginning this will not define me.
I'm just me. And as much as all of this has taken away from me, and it has, it has given me strength I never knew I had. I never knew I would be strong enough to not curl up into a ball and cry. To not throw things against a wall and wail at the unfairness of it all. Not that there is anything wrong with those reactions, but it turns out those reactions are not mine. I blog, I tweet, and I move on.
I have some weird faith that may be misguided that somehow this is all going to be ok. That it will work out. That I am not going to lose all my hair and be in constant pain. This is not going to happen because I am simply not going to let it.
I've been reading the Michael J. Fox biography lately and his resilience and attitude is something I admire more than anything. That is what I want to be when I grow up. I don't think I am inherently an optimist. But I am trying.
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I have alopecia, too. I had 90 percent loss (rare) and it all grew back. Now and then I have a flare up. Plus the psoriatic arthritis.
I am so sorry, Jodi, and I admire the way you are handling this. You are very, very strong.
best
A.
You know, if I’m ever diagnosed with something serious, I handle it with the grace that you have. Take care!
I think the way you are handling all this is incredibly admirable. I would be in a corner bitching at the world if I were you. Your positive attitude probably helps as much as any medicine or treatment you’ve been prescribed.
I’m sorry to hear there is something else to worry about. You are quite a trooper, very M.J Fox like.
You’ve been dealt a pretty crummy hand in life lately but you know what? You are an inspiration to those of us who think we have it hard. I read how you deal with one blow after another in the bad news department and I admire how you cope.
You may have more than your fair share of health issues but you also have a loving and devoted husband and one of the cutest kiddos ever to walk the face of the planet. The strength you gather from your family is enough to give those conditions the finger and show the world that you are more determined to beat them at their own game than they are to bring you down.
Everything will be OK. It’s mind over matter and you have a ton of goodness in your life to arm yourself with in this fight. And don’t forget us. You have an entire audience rooting for you. :0)
I admire your strength more than you can imagine. I’m so sorry you have something else to add to your list.
Man, you have been hit hard lately! But you are doing remarkably well (at least on screen). I admire you!
My uncle also has alopecia and even though he didn’t loose all of his hair, it went stark white for about a year. Then all of a sudden, it grew back in his normal color and has been okay ever since.
Hopefully that won’t happen to you but if it does, you could dye it some awesome colors!
You’re right, you ARE handling all this incredibly well, and you should be proud of yourself. Of course, if/when you need to complain, vent or cry that is also totally ok, and doesn’t take away from your strength at all. We’ll all be here to listen and cheer you on.
Please take care of yourself. Your strength and positive attitude are admirable!
I’m so sorry this is happening. I have a friend who was losing hair from her RA meds, have you checked into that? Just a suggestion that might help…hang in there
Nothing weird about that. Your strength gives strength to others.
Mike
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You are the best looking autoimmune diagnosee I’ve ever seen.
House would so hit on you.
But then you’d be way too kind and funny for his black cloud. Stick with your cute husband~!
xoxo
I’ve had some decently major hair loss two times over the last few years (hormone related and then later medicine related) and I know how that sucks.
You know what? I think you might just be turning into an optimist without realizing it
You rock.
I like you too.
You are awesome Jodi. I never never would have handled any of it like you have – I’d have been in the corner of a padded room somewhere.
Jodi, you are doing great with the hand you’ve been dealt. I also have RA + Sjogren’s syndrome; they often go hand in hand. To me, Sjogren’s is just a pain in the butt. I can’t wear contacts- haven’t been able to pretty much since my wedding and I sometimes get bummed out about that, but as you said, others have bigger fish to fry. The RA can be harder as, I’m sure lupus is, too.
Have you ever asked Jenni @chronicbabe about writing a guest essay? You’d be great and I’d be happy to introduce you. Keep looking on the bright side.