How Kelly Douglas treated high esr?
Note - This article is written by one of our patients about their experiences with high esr.
My name is Kelly Douglas, and on the occasion of my 45th birthday, I decided to have a full blood test as a part of my yearly physical. I had no idea that this regular exam would start me on a path of adversity and perseverance. I was shocked to learn from the test findings that my erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was high at 57.
I wasn't very worried at first because I thought it might be a short-term condition brought on by a mild infection or inflammation. But as time passed, my anxieties increased as I began to experience chronic weariness, joint pain, and sporadic fevers. The elevated ESR levels were symptomatic of an ongoing condition, and it became clear that there was an underlying health issue that required care.
I went to a rheumatologist for medical advice, determined to find the truth. I was given the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory condition marked by persistent joint inflammation, after a series of consultations and additional tests. It was because of this underlying inflammation in my body that the ESR levels were increased.
Note - More stories from other patients at the end of this page
I had a range of overpowering and unpleasant feelings after learning of my diagnosis. I was overcome with fear and grief, but deep down I knew I had to gather my courage and face this issue head-on. I was adamant that I would not let RA define me or impair my quality of life.
My rheumatologist advised me that treating RA called for a diversified strategy. I was given a prescription for a mix of drugs that would lessen the pain, lower the inflammation, and stop the disease's progression. The importance of lifestyle changes, such as consistent exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management strategies, was also stressed as part of my treatment plan.
I took control of my health and included mild exercises like yoga and swimming to my regular schedule. Joint stiffness was reduced by exercise, and it also benefited with mental and emotional health. I also sought the advice of a licenced nutritionist, who assisted me in creating a diet high in fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other anti-inflammatory foods.
The help I received from my family and friends was vital throughout my trip. Their support and compassion were important in keeping me upbeat during trying times. Additionally, I joined a neighbourhood RA support group where I met people going through comparable struggles. The group members' empathy, wisdom, and willingness to share their experiences became a source of power and incentive.
The journey wasn't always easy, though. There were times when my agony and exhaustion overcame me, making even the most straightforward activities appear impossible. In these circumstances, I kept telling myself how far I had come and how determined I had become. I concentrated on praising minor accomplishments and understood that any advance, no matter how modest, was important.
My ESR levels progressively began to drop as I religiously adhered to my treatment regimen and adopted healthy lifestyle adjustments. My blood indicators improved, and I also noticed a dramatic decrease in joint discomfort and weariness. As I learned to pay attention to my body and modify my routines as necessary, the initially frightening diagnosis became more tolerable.
I can state with confidence that I have learnt to live with RA rather than allowing it to control me now, six months after being diagnosed. Despite the possibility of sporadic setbacks, I am now better able to handle any obstacles that may arise. I've learned patience, perseverance, and the value of self-care through RA.
Looking back, I can say that learning about my elevated ESR levels was a pivotal moment in my life. It forced me to put my health first, get medical help, and adjust my lifestyle as needed. I am thankful for the experience now and the priceless lessons it taught me. I've grown stronger as a result of struggle and have started advocating for people with comparable health issues.
If there's one lesson I want people to learn from my experience, it's how important it is to take charge of one's health, seek help, and develop resilience in the face of difficulty.
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