A Young Wife’s Tale

30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know
by David (With comments from Ashley in parenthesis.)

1. The illness I live with is: Psoriatic Arthritis

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2008

3. But I had symptoms since: 2002

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Always making decisions based on my health.

We shouldn’t judge someone for taking prescribed medication or changing to an all natural, organic diet. We should just be thankful when people with chronic illness are able to get relief.

I know there are people out there who think we’re crazy for buying organic, grass fed beef raised without antibiotics or hormones, even though I drink Diet Coke, and David takes some of the strongest medications available. Don’t judge too harshly. We’re doing what works for us.

We’re still working on the anti-inflammation diet our acupuncturist recommended. David has been dairy free for two weeks now. We are avoiding tomatoes and peppers, but haven’t completely cut them out, yet. He’s drinking one soda a week and eating lots more vegetables. I’m so proud of the progress he’s making!

While I was in Dallas, I went into Strasburg Children at The Shops at Willowbend. While I was exclaiming over the beautiful clothes, the manager asked if I had children, and I told her, “No, but I have nieces and nephews!” She then told me, “Maybe your heart is telling you it’s time to have children.”

Yes. Yes, it is.

We made it back to Jersey. We split our road trip from Dallas into two 12 hour days again. On our trip to Dallas David did really well. His arthritis wasn’t bothering him too much, and he drove more than I did. After a week of fun with family and friends, David’s body was tired. [...]