My Story

My story.  It starts on a beautiful summer day when I was invited to attend an 8 week summer special from a local yoga studio.  It was a combination of strengthening movements, cardio, and yoga.  I fell in love with the class and decided to become a 200 hour yoga instructor.  But as most journey's go, I ran into a health problem that wasn't totally diagnosed for 3 years.  I woke up one morning and couldn't get myself out of bed.  I yelled for my husband to come and help me up.  Once he assisted me in getting down the stairs to our kitchen, I felt much better.  I honestly thought it was because of the yoga, the swimming, and training I was doing to compete int he Senior Olympics in my area.  But the moment I slowed down, or stopped to sit and rest, the same symptoms of not being able to lift myself up out of a couch or chair or bed hit me again.  I went to my PCP who had no idea what was going on with me.  That was when I was referred to a Rheumatologist.  Long story short, I was finally diagnosed with PMR which then turned into Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Now almost 17 years later, I am considered in remission and I am using 2 medications to help my body stop fighting itself.  If I had not found yogaI am not sure where I would be.  I continue to move my body in yoga, swimming, walking, horseback riding, and more.  Each of us has a story.  I hope yours can be shared with family and friends.  It truly helps to talk about our lives, our stories, and how we are turning things around.