As I sit here contemplating how begin my very first blog, I figure I should start with the title "The RAWL Journey". This stands for my "Rheumatoid Arthritis Weight Loss Journey". I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support I have received over the past week. Because SO many of you have been so positive and supportive through my application to our local Biggest Loser Ottawa, I have decided to create a blog to document this journey for all of you (and myself).
Thank you to everyone who voted for me to help me get the program for free. I financially cannot afford it but know that I need it. I received 400 votes in just 4 days!!! Unfortunately I did not get enough votes to win my position into the program. HOWEVER, through the genergous heart of an anonymous donor, my ENTIRE program has been paid for in full! I begin my journey tomorrow.
For those who are unaware, I have been battling Rheumatoid Arthritis for 3 years now. I am 29 (soon to be 30 -- OUCH!) and have gained around 100 lbs since just before my diagnosis. I have a long road ahead of me and many, many hurdles but with my army of supporters I know that I can overcome the obstacles that this disease throws in my way.
For the past three years I have fought hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis. It has been both a physical and mental struggle every single day and I do not expect this journey to be anything less.
My ultimate goal is to lose 150 lbs because my starting weight is around 300 lbs. This is not something I easily disclose to you, so please try not to be too judgemental!
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a dibilitating autoimmune disease that attacks the healthy tissues in your joitns and around the vital organs in your body. It can be fatal although that is extremely rare. Currently I have failed several treatments (including multiple types of biologic injections) and am now on a chemotherapy medication called Rituxan. It has been over 3 months since my infusions and it can take up to 4 months to work. I am beginning to see improvement so I am going to run with that and tackle it with all I've got!
It is difficult when you are obese to lose weight. I've heard it described by thyroid specialists as being most difficult to lose weight when you have hypothyroidism. I beg to argue that last statement. Having hypothyroidism is only the beginning for me. What makes it hardest to lose the weight is having RA while tackling those first two issues.
One step at a time and with all of you by my side, the next 3 months will change my life and SAVE my life. For that I am so blessed and cannot wait to share the ups and the downs of my journey with you.
God bless!
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