turning into my mother and thats not good news

well guys and gals i had my Xrays done last friday for my breast reduction and bc my mom had digenerative disk disease they checked me out for that as well. Well the labs came back and i have the starting of the disease.... i have a disk out of place and my lower back is spuring and they also found that i have ostioarthritis there as well... so of course i called my mom and cried for about 10 min and told her what was going on with me and told her that i was sorry if i was ever a pain when her back hurt... just some info on my mother the disease runs in all the females on my mothers side. My mother has a wire that was surgically put thru all of her spin and she has planted boxes in her hip to help ease the pain with a remote control. As far as i knew she always blamed all her back problems on nursing... bc she was always pushin a med cart or what not it didnt help that she is only 5 ft... so anyway now at 25 yrs old i have found out that i have the starting of what my mother has.... So yes i do get to have a breast reduction but also now i know what lies ahead for my future ... and that just really sucks... i dont wanna be 40 yrs old with a cane and cryin bc i cant move.... man i wish i didnt know what the results were.

I feel your pain - and in more ways than one. Shortly after I was diagnosed with MS, my mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. About two weeks ago, my rheumatologist told me that I also have rheumatoid arthritis. I still vividly remember seeing my mother pretty much bed bound - unable to work (she too was a nurse, an RN). She was no longer the lively, dancing, happy person I knew. Years of steroid use made her gain a lot of weight, and she could barely move. Anyway, life with ANY potentially debilitating illness is bad - believe me, I know. I have two confirmed (MS and RA) and one suspected (also have the DNA antibodes for lupus). BUT, your attitude and outlook will affect your prognosis! BELIEVE ME!!! Manda, I have days where literally, I must take pain medication an hour before I can even attempt to get out of bed. I have both a cane and a walker. And to be honest, I"ve had days that I wonder why I even bother living in so much pain - but then I look at my two beautiful daughers and remember that I DO have a purpose. But, there are days where I feel *almost* normal. Whenever I get steroid injections or injections of toradol, I can move so much easier. And now that my body is getting used to the chemo drugs, I am doing much, much better on them too now. Life is an unchartered path, and you are the only compass. YOU determine where your life goes and the outlook on it. I completely understand your devastation, and you have every right to feel devastated and cheated. You were cheated out of a healthy body, but you still have the right to live life and to enjoy every moment! Remember that! Now, I'm going to give you some good old "girlfriend to girlfriend" advice. . . . when you're tired, REST! It's OKAY to break your day in half with a nap. Somedays, that's how I get through. I think, okay, I only have to function until noon. Then, I can nap. Once I wake from my nap, I then know I have to make it until dinner. After I feed the girls, I can collapse in the chair until bedtime. NEXT, if you're feeling overwhelmed or tired, TAKE THE EASY WAY OUT! NOTHING is wrong with ordering a delivered pizza. Your daughter probably loves it and you can scrape off the meat and cheese for a protein filled dinner. Also, never underestimate the value of a Kid's cuisine. Those handy little things will pop right into the microwave for a meal for your kiddo while you munch on cheese (superman will have to fend for himself those nights. But hey, he has super powers, so I'm sure he'll manage ) ALSO, and this is the most important thing, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!!! Your body can speak volumes, if only you'll listen. Manda, weight loss is great. Exercise is great, but if you need time off, give it to yourself! Your body will tell you what it needs. Sweetie, I'm sorry you will have to deal with this for the rest of your life. Nothing I, or anyone else can say, will make up for that, but there are so many invisible diseases out there, and so many of have them. We find support, friendship, and encouragement in eachother. Last, go to the site that is butyoudontlooksick.com It is GREAT!!! Read the SPOON story! It completely describes how I feel all of the time. I think you'll find inspiration in it as well. Best wishes!!! Leslie

thanks leslie i really do appreciate all ur words... i just hate knowin that i am gointo end up like that.... i dont wanna

I'm so sorry for what you're going through! You've had the strength to oversome so many challenges so far and my instincts tell me you're not going to cave now. On a lighter note, your new photo is gorgeous! Hang in there sweetie! Love, Sandy

Listen woman, A lot can happen between now and when you're 40. Ten years ago I didn't even dream I could have surgery to help me finally lose the weight! Take good care of yourself, stay up on the research and I'm sure medical science will advance quite a bit by then. Don't borrow trouble from tomorrow. ~Sue