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Exercise, drugs, attitude help manage disease

By jeremyc | December 17, 2009

Debbie McGrady, 55, Greenwood, bank teller, National City Bank

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 11 years ago. It was pretty devastating news because my mother suffered from the disease, and it pretty much took her life. She was crippled and died at age 63.Mine started with my feet. For years, I wasn’t diagnosed. I was running about a mile or two a day, and it felt like I was running on balls. I had surgery on one of my feet and they removed what doctors initially thought were tumors.

But they came back and when I had blood tests and X-rays, rheumatologist Michael Stack diagnosed me with rheumatoid arthritis. I tried anti-inflammatory medications, but they worked only for a while. He told me if I didn’t do anything, I would be in a wheelchair in eight months because I had the most aggressive RA he’s seen.

That was a turning point for me. I just was bound and determined the disease wasn’t going to get me.

For the last eight years, it has been pretty controlled with biological drugs, including Rituxan that I’ve taken for three years. Since RA makes the immune system overactive, biological drugs essentially slow it down. I get an infusion that’s very expensive, costing $10,000 for one treatment, which is covered by my insurance. But I’ve gone for 10 months without it.

While I do have some damage to my hands, the drug put me in remission. I really became dedicated about working out at least five days a week. I do 30 minutes of weight training, focusing on one area, such as arms, chest or back, each day. Then I do 30 minutes of cardio, using a Stairmaster, elliptical or other equipment. In 2002, I trained and ran the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. I was running 30 miles a week.

I’ve also made some changes in my diet, limiting red meat and eating more fruits and vegetables. I keep my weight down. My doctor tells me the reason I have been successful is because of exercising and keeping my weight down.

I also think volunteering has helped me. It takes the focus off your disease and problems. Through the Perry Seniors Association in Southport, I pick up seniors at their homes and take them to doctors’ appointments, the grocery store and pharmacies. It’s been an uplifting experience for me and has helped me manage my disease.

One way people with rheumatoid arthritis can find volunteer opportunities is on a Web site, www.hand inhandforRA.com, sponsored by the drug firm Genentech Inc. It’s a campaign to encourage people with RA to be active and give to the community. The site has tips on places to volunteer and information for people with RA.

Research says there’s a link between volunteering and good health. If you have a really positive attitude and you don’t give up, RA is manageable with the right medication and doctor, plus exercise and a good diet.

You have to take control of your life and your health. I started volunteering because I felt I’ve been really blessed. I’m able to get treatment and do things to help me live a normal life.

Topics: | Arthritis |

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