Why PeachyPains?

Let’s break it up into TWO WORDS. Peachy and Pains.

The definition of Peachy, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is 1) resembling a peach and 2) unusually fine: Dandy. A little weird, I know, but I believe that having a positive outlook and attitude when dealing with this disease is highly recommended, and should be required. Well, at least 80% of the time

The definition of Pain, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is 1) punishment 2) localized physical suffering associated with bodily disorder (as a disease or an injury); also : a basic bodily sensation induced by a noxious stimulus, received by naked nerve endings, characterized by physical discomfort (as pricking, throbbing, or aching), and typically leading to evasive action. What a PERFECT word to describe ARTHRITIS.  The perfect word to describe what I feel is a disease that is UNACCEPTABLE. Because, in essence, having arthritis is unacceptable, dealing with pain is unacceptable, and the fact that there are 50 million suffers of this disease, in the USA alone, is UNACCEPTABLE!

So, to sum it all up having a Peachy attitude to fight the Pain in your life is the first step towards success!

Why did you start a blog?

I am a huge fan of Glee! [Okay, that probably doesn't make any sense, but that's my style with this blog. You need to keep reading. ] I’m a total GLEEK if you ask anyone who knows me personally. One of the more recent episodes titled “Born This Way” truly inspired me. One of the characters quoted Mahatma Gandhi and said, “Be the change you wish to see.” I want to see change about this disease. I want people to know that just because they have this disease it will not keep them from being who they are supposed to be. It doesn’t keep me from being who I am supposed to be. I am an inspired, determined, persistent young woman. I fight passionately for what I believe in. I believe change for ankylosing spondylitis is around the corner, I believe that life shouldn’t end just because you’ve been diagnosed with a disease, and that with a little planning and a smiling “Peachy Attitude” you can get through ANYTHING! My friend reminds me that Oprah calls it “Living Your Best Life.” I refuse to be reduced by my circumstances. I HAVE ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS, BUT IT DOES NOT HAVE ME!

What is ankylosing spondylitis?

First and foremost, it is also know as AS and can be pronounced ANK-ki-low-sing spon-di-LIE-tis. Now, try it with me, say it 3 TIMES FAST!!! Fun, right? Well, its NOT a fun auto-immune disease; that’s for sure!

It’s a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the sacroiliac joints (where the spine attaches to the pelvis), spine, and hip joints. Ankylosing is a term meaning stiff or rigid and spondylitis means inflammation of the spine. Think of it as a cousin to rheumatoid arthritis but only affects your lower joints, starting with your mid-back. However, its definitely not limited to your rib cage (SCARY!) and your eyes. If you want a proper explanation visit the Arthritis Page titled – What is Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Would you consider yourself an expert?

I would consider myself an expert to my OWN body. I know what I need to do to maintain my health and get better. However, as a health activist, I would highly suggest finding a good doctor and one who isn’t afraid of questions! I think communication is key to any relationship!

I would consider myself an expert in puppy land thanks to my three stooges. Some people would say I own a zoo and have been through the wars, so probably more stories about that.

What do you talk about?

My health…of course!

In my birthday post, I talked about goals that I want to accomplish. So, probably about those too.

New found passion in my life, so I HAVE TO TALK ABOUT THEM!! –

• Thrift-shopping
• Crafting
• DIYing
• Antiquing
• And $1 dollar store hunting

I will also talk about my main passion — the Arthritis Foundation. I’ll dig deep into how I AM involved, how I got involved, and even the why, with the Denver Arthritis Walk. I will also be sharing, pushing, and striving for each arthritis suffer/survivor to join me and start a team for the 2012 Walk Season.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me!!