Wedding Advice Requested

You may or may not know this, but I am engaged to be married in 99 days!  The big day is fast approaching and I need the advice of my Sick Chick community.

I've been on the fence over a very important issue:  The guest list.

Here is my problem.  I am considering inviting my rheumy.  I've known him longer than I've known my fiancé, and he brought me back to life when RA stripped the life right on out of me.  On my list of important men in my life, his name definitely lands somewhere in the Top 10.

I do not, however, want him to feel obligated to come (he likely won't) OR to send a gift.  In my opinion, it's more of a gesture than anything else.  Also, what if he does come!?!  I do plan to have a few cocktails, and although he's definitely given me the green light to enjoy them in moderation, I don't want to give him any reason to be concerned.  Who would I seat him with?  What would he think of my family?

I am leaning towards extending the invitation, knowing that it is highly unlikely he would come.  What do you think?

xo
Kat

My Issue With "Smash"

Hello love bugs!  Have you been watching NBC's new show, "Smash," starring Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty?  It's about all the work and drama that goes into staging a Broadway Musical.  McPhee and Hilty compete for the lead role in the musical, and initially Hilty's character, Ivy Lynn, gets the role of a life time:  Marilyn Monroe.

In last night's episode, however, Ivy comes down with a sore throat or inflamed throat - something of that nature.  Her doctor prescribes her prednisone and this becomes the central challenge of the episode.  Other characters claim prednisone is a miracle drug - it will cure her troubles overnight so that she can continue rehearsing to prepare for a big workshop performance.

After taking her very first dose of this wonderdrug, Ivy almost immediately begins to experience the worst of the possible side effects, including....hallucination!  According to WebMD, this is very rare side effect of the drug.  So rare, in fact, it's about halfway down the list of rare side effects!

As someone who lived on prednisone to get through her first year (plus) of life with RA, I found this extremely far-fetched.  I did experience insatiable hunger AND weight gain AND a small bit of 'roid rage, but hallucinations?  Have any of you, fellow sick chicks and dudes, ever experienced such an extreme side effect?  Hit me up in the comments and let me know!

xo

Kat

Why I WILL Run Another Marathon

When I was in school, I never settled for mediocrity.  I had to have the highest grades, be the most involved, etc. I just needed to be in charge.  I never did anything halfway.  I never settled for average.   

I wanted to be a star.

I would only do things if I could be the star; or be the best there was.

A lot of that still rings true for me today. However, in life, career, and relationships, its not always so easy.  You don’t get a letter grade, or a gold star,  or a check mark next to each thing you need to do. You can try to rise above mediocrity by comparing yourself to others. But no matter what, there will always be people that have it better than you and those who have it worse than you.  There will always be people that have more than you and those who have less than you.

I am truly learning to be happy with myself, my life, my achievements, and my belongings – instead of comparing myself to those of others.

However, if I do want to be the best, and I still need to get those “gold stars,” why not compare myself….to myself?

This is why I will run another marathon.

Yes, it’s a huge accomplishment to TRY to run a marathon and to FINISH a marathon.  But for someone who is always looking for that A+ grade and that 4.0 GPA, and that pat on the back for a job well done, simply finishing a marathon (in seven hours) is not exactly the most pride-inducing feat.

I’ve convinced myself that I am proud of it. And I do proudly say that I did or completed the New York City marathon – but I never say that I ran it. I always include a caveat that I “hobbled” it because I truly hobbled through the last ten miles. Besides, I wouldn’t change the experience of it for anything, because it’s something I did with my sister.  

But seven hours…I have to do better and I can do better.  I’ve learned a lot from my first marathon experience.  SO I am putting it out there right now.:

I will run another marathon.

And this time, I will run it.  If I walk part of the way, so be it.  But I will run the majority of it.

Happy "New" New Year!

I hope you all rang in the New Year with joy and festivities and good health.  I know you are thinking that this girl is completely insane.  It’s already March 1^st and she is wishing me a Happy New Year!?!  But, really, can’t a New Year start any day of the year?  It's a "new" year as of today. 

You know, I am feeling a bit guilty.  I wanted to contribute regularly to this blog…but life has just gotten in the way (as it always does).  

I vow that my "New" New Year’s resolution will be to update this blog and share with you thoughts, opinions, insights, interesting articles, and other such items to help engage in a conversation and create a community with all you sick chicks, sick dudes, and friends and families of my little sicklets. 

With that being said, hit me up in the comments.  Let me know how you started your New Year, and what your "New" New Year’s resolution is going to be.  I can’t wait to hear from you!

xo

Kat

ABC News: Biggest Arthritis Myths

Hello Loves!

We know we have been badly behaved sick chicks, not posting on our blog in what seems like decades.  I have a cavalcade of ideas for future blog posts coming your way, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, have you seen the ABC News article today on the biggest arthritis myths?  Here is a summary of THEIR myths:

1.  It's only for the elderly

2.  Some veggies make it worse

3.  There is no help for the pain

4.  Cracking knuckles is a major cause

5.  Exercise = bad

Do you agree or disagree that all of these are myths?  I personally do notice a different if I OD on red pepper strips and cucumbers.  Moderation is key, as well as having open communication with your Rheumy.

Do you have any myths or urban legends to add to the list?  Hit us up in the comments with your thoughts!

xo

Kat

Baby!!!

Congratulations to fellow NYC Sick Chick Jodi McKee and her husband on their new baby girl! Happy and healthy, mom and baby are doing well.

One Sick Chick's Top Three Tips for a Happy Holiday!

The season of merry is officially upon us!  With it comes visions of sugar plums, toys a-plenty, and, for the very lucky chronically ill, usually a flare or two.  Here on the East Coast, the weather has been surprisingly mild (knock on wood a million times over), so RA pain has been minimal - for me at least.

But the holidays can be overwhelming to any chick, not just a sick one.  And we sick ones have the added fun of possibly finding a painful flare at the bottom of our Christmas stockings!

To get through the holidays with ease and charm, try out one or all of my Sick Chick's Top Three Tips for a Happy Holiday!

1.  Don't Do It All:  Or rather, Don't Do It All Alone.  If you are anything like me, your to-do list is never ending:  gifts, cards, decorations, wrapping, baking - when will it ever stop?  Goodbye, Sanity...Hello, Fatigue!  The holidays are meant to be celebrated with your loved ones, who will surely help if you just ask.  Remember:  You are not in this alone.

2.  Shop Online:  Personally, I could never stand the malls at this time of year, even pre-RA.  Nowadays, I avoid them at all costs.  The crowds make me uncomfortable, the lines make me achy, and I'd prefer not to have to walk a mile before I even make it into the store.  Shop online:  You can compare prices, hunt for bargains (Living Rich With Coupons curates the best deals!) and coupon codes (try Retail Me Not), and click your way through your shopping list.

3.  Stay Away From Sweets:  Who am I kidding?  I am telling people to stay away from sweets and that is nearly impossible for me to do!  Here is the thing, though:  We know chocolate can be a flare-trigger for some.  Even if that is not you, consuming too many baked goods or candy makes even the non-chronically ill sluggish.  So rather than staying away from them, try to limit yourself to one or two favorites.  You will feel better, and your waistline will thank you!

So, Sick Chicks and Dudes, what tips do you have for a totally awesome and flare-free festive season?  Let us know in the comments!  Or tell me how you made out with my top three tips!

xo

Kat