A Young Wife’s Tale

Today, April 25, is my one year blogging anniversary. What a year it’s been! David’s arthritis is so much more stable now, and even my jaw is better than it was a year ago. I got a part time job. David got his Humira. We put our house on the market hoping to sell it [...]

Well we survived our first week in New Jersey. If I were to give you directions to our apartment here, the final step would be to turn right between the liquor store and the dry cleaners. We’ve made lots of Chris Farley jokes about living in a van down by the liquor store this week.

David has accepted a job in New Jersey. We are so grateful God has provided David with another job. Moving from Dallas, Texas to New Jersey is a little bit overwhelming. We have a lot to do in two weeks. Any tips?

What’s the best thing for David when he flares? David soaks in a hot bath with epsom salts every day. When he flares, he takes additional hot baths. Sometimes he will use a heating pad or Therma Heat patches. Often when he flares the doctor will give him an injection of arthritis medication directly into his back. There’s really not a whole lot we can do except wait it out. David has tried acupuncture, but it is a bit expensive, although it does provide considerable relief.

What helps your jaw when it’s hurting? Rest and relaxation. I try to eat soft foods like mashed potatoes and yogurt when my jaw hurts, so that my jaw can rest. Relaxation through exercise, massage therapy, playing the piano, etc. helps quite a bit. When my jaw pain was very bad a few years ago, I would sometimes drink hot beverages to relax my muscles. I wish you could have seen me with my mouth full of Chai Tea Latte leaning to one side to hold the hot liquid where I wanted it.

1. Why doesn’t David take an entry level job while he looks for a mid-level developer position? Well, most entry level computer jobs require physical work, such as lifting heavy equipment or moving and installing computers. With David’s arthritis, he cannot do that sort of thing. Other jobs you might suggest that he can’t do: waiting tables, being a sales clerk or teller. He can’t be on his feet that long. So keep praying for David to find a job.