It's been a while...

So, it's been a while since I was here. I actually forgot that I had started this. Since my last post I've had a few surgeries. I got my left knee replaced, had surgery on my right knee and surgery on my left shoulder. It's been a couple of years since my last surgery but I'm again doing physical therapy. I've started seeing a new primary doctor and we are making some changes in my life. Here goes the latest update...

First, my RA is FINALLY in remission. For those that don't know, that means that my RA factor is down to 22 and there are little to no noticable differences in my x-rays. My medications are definitely working.

Next, I spoke at length with my primary doctor about my future. When I was diagnosed with RA, I weighed 170 to 180 active pounds. I walked, danced, hiked and other things. Since my diagnosis in 2011, I've lost a huge amount of mobility and gained a massive amount of weight. After speaking with my doctor I've decided to have gastric sleeve surgery. To begin that process I've begun seeing a nutritionist and more physical therapy. The nutritionist is to get advice on eating right and the physical therapist is to help me make my journey to mobility. I'm hoping for surgery within the next 6 to 9 months.

My next step, after surgery and weightloss, is travel. My plan is to buy a cargo trailer with the intention of converting it to a small camper trailer. In my past, I've been a gypsy and I want that back. I've seen a lot of this country and met some awesome people. On the other side, I've missed a lot. I want to camp in the Painted Desert, stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon, hike in the Sierra Nevadas, stand in the mist of Old Faithful and drive the Pacific Highway. There's a lot of places on my list but this will get me started.

There are a few people in my life that think I'm crazy for that last part and I love them. I'm not going to regret the last 10 years because of the time I've had to spend with my girls and my mom but I've missed traveling. I've missed road trips. My hope is that my people will come to support this decision and my dream. I'll keep you posted on my journey....

Dream!!