Skip to content

Share

Cindy Goyette

Mystery Author

  • Home
  • Books
  • Cindy
  • Dogs
  • Blog
  • Contact
Menu
  • Home
  • Books
  • Cindy
  • Dogs
  • Blog
  • Contact

   My RA Diagnosis

  • January 31, 2022
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

The week before Christmas 2019, I woke up in the middle of the night with intense pain in my right hand. When I got up, I noticed the knuckles were swollen and sore. They were about double their normal size. I figured I’d been bit by a spider because it came on so quickly. I didn’t really think about arthritis because I already had arthritis and it never felt like this.

Brushing my teeth, cutting my food, or opening a bottle was extremely painful. I waited for the swelling to go down, for the pain to go away, but it didn’t happen. 

By mid-January, I couldn’t handle it anymore and I went to the doctor. He put me on steroids and referred me to a rheumatologist even though bloodwork showed I did not test positive for the disease. I only lasted on the steroids for a few days because they made me feel weird.

At first the rheumatologist took a wait-and-see approach. She said that although it looked like RA, that was usually bilateral, and she would have to see if it happened in the other hand. Within a week, I got a swollen pocket in the same spot on my left hand. Although it wasn’t as painful, it was enough for her to diagnose it as RA. She prescribed medication and said it was best to be aggressive in treatment as it was the only way to stop joint damage.

 

At first, I was happy to know that what I had had a name, thinking it was just a severe form of arthritis. But as I learned more, I knew it was going to change my life. 

Like the main character in my cozy mystery, Charlie, I was in law enforcement at the time of my diagnosis. Although, I’m one of the lucky ones, the disease still made it difficult to do my job. My fine motor skills were shot. I worried about being able to handcuff someone should the need arise. I was lucky that COVID hit, and I got to work from home. I feared a situation would arise at work that I couldn’t handle, and I would let my coworkers down. Luckily, I was able to retire and concentrate on writing.

I realize I’ve been fortunate. The disease is different for everyone, and my level of functioning remains pretty high, as it does for the character in my book. Her journey reflects my journey and in no way is meant to negate how debilitating RA can be.

NextGetting Ready for GoodbyeNext

Sign up for blog updates and new release
notifications

Privacy Policy

Find Cindy Goyette:

Facebook-f Twitter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Policy
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. This site includes Amazon and other affiliate links.  If you buy a book through these links, I’ll earn a small commission. This does not affect your purchase price. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.  Manage cookies.
© 2023  
Cindy Goyette
Website by GoCreate.me
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We dot NOT sell your information. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage cookies.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement."
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Our site uses a Facebook Pixel so our advertising cookies would only be used if we decide to advertise on Facebook one day.
SAVE & ACCEPT