Tale of a Fighter...
Hello my fellow readers! Trevor here again, to share our monthly tale. This is going to be all about Brenda and her inspiring story of beating the odds.
Today, she is celebrating 30 years of working at the clinic, where she is employed. This is a day according to Brenda, that she thought she would never see. In the beginning of her rheumatoid arthritis (RA) journey, things looked rather bleak. She thought her life was over, as she knew it. Brenda was not sure being able to work full-time or even at all, would be a possibility. I was not in her life yet, but things were moving quickly and it was not good.
Walking for Brenda was pure agony. Her ankles were so swollen, that it was hard to get into a comfortable pair of shoes. She was walking to and from work, using a cane, so she could stay steady. One of the physicians was kind enough to offer advice, that her cane was too tall. It was her father's, so that made sense. He was 6 feet. They were able to cut it down and it worked so much better.
Brenda has not had to use the cane recently, but it still remains by her bedside, along with another one, that was given as a gift, when she forgot to bring her other one, to a church camp, she would attend with her mother.
Brenda was about to change job duties, when her RA started cooking up. As we mentioned before, this could not have happened at a worse time. Brenda has always had the luxury of doing a variety of duties. That is what makes her a flexible person. Some say otherwise, but they are no longer a part of her work experience.
Brenda has learned a lot of things in the past 30 years and even before that. She has worked in the medical field, since 1980. That is approximately 38 years, as she started in the fall. In fact, her last 2 part-time positions, one turning into full-time were started in the fall. Interesting enough, doing the same type of work, medical transcription.
You learn a lot doing this kind of work. Medical terminology was fascinating for Brenda. She worked for an ophthalmologist, so that was primarily learning about the eyes. Her second time around, was a bit more challenging. It encompassed the whole body. Lots of terms to learn.
I think this is kind of cool. Going to brag on Brenda, here a bit. BOL She had to call some of the reports in over the phone, to some of the medical facilities. One person told her, that she should be on the radio. Looked what happened, years later! She was!
This was all on an electric typewriter, wearing earphones, that could actually start to hurt, if you wore them too long. Anyway, it was a good experience all around for Brenda.
It actually led her to her present place of employment, again doing transcription. So much keeps intersecting for Brenda. She was to only to work part-time in Radiology, but that quickly turned into full-time, when a receptionist position became available.
Brenda had been a receptionist, at her last full-time job. She loved interacting with people. This one gentleman even told her over the phone, that her voice made him, want to come and meet her. She has been told by several of her doctors, that she has a pleasant phone voice.
There was this elderly gentleman, that came into the clinic once at her last job. He said, "I want to speak to Brenda." That was a proud moment. You never know, the impact you will have on a person. Brenda learned at one of her seminars once, that smiling while you're on the phone, is a great practice.
So anyway, Brenda was going on with her life and it was pretty good. She was starting to have pain in her feet about a year before being diagnosed with RA. She was told to get good shoes. For a time, that seemed to do the trick. However, the next year 1991, things really started to change.
Brenda was experiencing more pain in her smaller joints, which is typical with RA. Brenda of course at this time, did not have a definitive diagnosis. More testing would have to be done. She had an ANA lab test, for possible lupus, which came back negative. The rheumatoid factor however, was significantly high. Still no concrete evidence of RA.
Finally in May of that same year, things got progressively worse. She now had a trigger finger in her left pinkie, which she had to actually move back to position with her other hand. Pain in her ankles and shoulders, were now joining in the process. She was told by her rheumatologist that this was going to take a little bit more time, than they had hoped. He did not even tell her, that she had a diagnosis of RA. The pamphlets she was handed by her nurse, confirmed it was RA.
She had to go back to work. She was actually sharing about this with her present supervisor, as he asked her what department she was in at the time. There have been many. Further down the line a switch was going to be made, that was not a good fit for Brenda and she fought it. Fortunately, that other person, did not want to change positions. Standing more, was not the answer. Yes, you need to keep moving, but there has to be a balance.
There was talk in the begininng of having Brenda go part-time. That was not going to happen. Brenda was sole breadwinner. There was no husband to speak of, even though her rheumy told her to go on disability and have her husband take care of her. Imagine hearing that? She told him, she would keep working, until she no longer could. BOOM! BOL
This is where Brenda's fighting spirit soars! She did her research and even contacted an advocate for legal purposes. She wanted to know what her rights were.
Brenda had a wonderful primary care physician, who told Brenda's mother once, that she tries so hard. He knew she wasn't about to give up or give in.
He unfortunately passed away, after a short illness. Brenda would have to find a new PCP. She was not seeing a rheumatologist on a regular basis, as she got tired of hearing she would get worse. So much has changed since then, her last two rheumatologists have never said that to Brenda. In fact, they both have told her how knowledgeable, Brenda is about her RA. Many others in her medical team have as well.
When you work in the medical field as long as Brenda has, you gain knowledge. Knowledge is power!
Going on with this inspiring story. Brenda never gave up. Her last PCP asked Brenda, during the first initial visit, if she would ever consider going on a biologic. All she could think about, was that the insurance would not cover it. At that time, that would have probably been the case, as it was not the greatest insurance plan. Her clinic changed to a different plan, so now there was a chance, that it would be covered.
Brenda did a lot of research before going forward, with even considering a biologic. It's your body after all, that is involved. Brenda wanted to be sure, she would know what she was up against. Remember, Brenda was not told outright, that she had RA. She doesn't like surprises.
After much research and thought, she approached her PCP and told him, she was ready to consider a biologic. The one he wanted to put her on, was the first FDA approved in 1998, so it was popular. This meant you had to sign up to be considered.
One of the things she would have to do was to go back to her original rheumatologist. Sadly, his attitude hadn't changed much. He didn't believe that Brenda would get on the biologic that quickly, so he wrote her a prescription for another medication. Brenda had done her research on this one, and never got it filled. She didn't have to. Within weeks of that visit, Brenda was offered her chance to try that biologic. That was on Friday, April 13, 2001. Note that date, folks! BOL I'm a dog but, some consider that day and date bad luck. BOL Not so for Brenda. It was also Good Friday, so there you have it.
The next Friday, April 20th, was Brenda's first injection with that biologic. It turned out to be Enbrel... and she has been administering it herself, for over 17 years. Another fact that she is a fighter. She wanted to be in control of something, regarding her living with RA.
Brenda truly believes this is what has kept her able to continue her full-time employment. It truly changed her life. She never gave up trying to find her answer. Attitude has a lot to do with it. She wanted it to work and was willing to do whatever it took, to make that happen. Her rheumatologist even told her, he applauded her, on how well she has been doing on it. He finally came around.
Brenda has faced many challenges in these past 30 years. More surgeries and procedures, than she cares to remember. She faced another challenge in 2008, which involved a tenant who hadn't paid rent for at least 20 years. She is referring to her brain tumor, a nonmalignant right frontal lobe meningioma, which was evicted on September 8, 2008. Yes, we have another celebration coming up in September of 10 years; "The Eviction of Mini" for mini golf. The name was her mother's idea. You see, where Brenda gets her sense of humor from. BOL
Her biologic has also given her opportunities to use her own voice for good. She became a true RA patient advocate on April 20, 2012, after she took a chance, that turned out to be a wonderful experience. It led to another opportunity again, using her voice at the ND State Capitol and sharing her story of taking her biologic. There is nothing more powerful, than the patient's voice. It was a great experience for Brenda.
All of this has been worth it. Brenda has found her voice and purpose, in helping others. That is something she has wanted to do, her whole life. She is a fighter and good old Trevor here, couldn't be prouder. BOL
We hope you enjoyed this tale. It was a pleasure sharing with you. HAPPY 30TH WORK ANNIVERSARY TO BRENDA!!!
~T Man~
Today, she is celebrating 30 years of working at the clinic, where she is employed. This is a day according to Brenda, that she thought she would never see. In the beginning of her rheumatoid arthritis (RA) journey, things looked rather bleak. She thought her life was over, as she knew it. Brenda was not sure being able to work full-time or even at all, would be a possibility. I was not in her life yet, but things were moving quickly and it was not good.
Walking for Brenda was pure agony. Her ankles were so swollen, that it was hard to get into a comfortable pair of shoes. She was walking to and from work, using a cane, so she could stay steady. One of the physicians was kind enough to offer advice, that her cane was too tall. It was her father's, so that made sense. He was 6 feet. They were able to cut it down and it worked so much better.
Brenda has not had to use the cane recently, but it still remains by her bedside, along with another one, that was given as a gift, when she forgot to bring her other one, to a church camp, she would attend with her mother.
Brenda was about to change job duties, when her RA started cooking up. As we mentioned before, this could not have happened at a worse time. Brenda has always had the luxury of doing a variety of duties. That is what makes her a flexible person. Some say otherwise, but they are no longer a part of her work experience.
Brenda has learned a lot of things in the past 30 years and even before that. She has worked in the medical field, since 1980. That is approximately 38 years, as she started in the fall. In fact, her last 2 part-time positions, one turning into full-time were started in the fall. Interesting enough, doing the same type of work, medical transcription.
You learn a lot doing this kind of work. Medical terminology was fascinating for Brenda. She worked for an ophthalmologist, so that was primarily learning about the eyes. Her second time around, was a bit more challenging. It encompassed the whole body. Lots of terms to learn.
I think this is kind of cool. Going to brag on Brenda, here a bit. BOL She had to call some of the reports in over the phone, to some of the medical facilities. One person told her, that she should be on the radio. Looked what happened, years later! She was!
This was all on an electric typewriter, wearing earphones, that could actually start to hurt, if you wore them too long. Anyway, it was a good experience all around for Brenda.
It actually led her to her present place of employment, again doing transcription. So much keeps intersecting for Brenda. She was to only to work part-time in Radiology, but that quickly turned into full-time, when a receptionist position became available.
Brenda had been a receptionist, at her last full-time job. She loved interacting with people. This one gentleman even told her over the phone, that her voice made him, want to come and meet her. She has been told by several of her doctors, that she has a pleasant phone voice.
There was this elderly gentleman, that came into the clinic once at her last job. He said, "I want to speak to Brenda." That was a proud moment. You never know, the impact you will have on a person. Brenda learned at one of her seminars once, that smiling while you're on the phone, is a great practice.
So anyway, Brenda was going on with her life and it was pretty good. She was starting to have pain in her feet about a year before being diagnosed with RA. She was told to get good shoes. For a time, that seemed to do the trick. However, the next year 1991, things really started to change.
Brenda was experiencing more pain in her smaller joints, which is typical with RA. Brenda of course at this time, did not have a definitive diagnosis. More testing would have to be done. She had an ANA lab test, for possible lupus, which came back negative. The rheumatoid factor however, was significantly high. Still no concrete evidence of RA.
Finally in May of that same year, things got progressively worse. She now had a trigger finger in her left pinkie, which she had to actually move back to position with her other hand. Pain in her ankles and shoulders, were now joining in the process. She was told by her rheumatologist that this was going to take a little bit more time, than they had hoped. He did not even tell her, that she had a diagnosis of RA. The pamphlets she was handed by her nurse, confirmed it was RA.
She had to go back to work. She was actually sharing about this with her present supervisor, as he asked her what department she was in at the time. There have been many. Further down the line a switch was going to be made, that was not a good fit for Brenda and she fought it. Fortunately, that other person, did not want to change positions. Standing more, was not the answer. Yes, you need to keep moving, but there has to be a balance.
There was talk in the begininng of having Brenda go part-time. That was not going to happen. Brenda was sole breadwinner. There was no husband to speak of, even though her rheumy told her to go on disability and have her husband take care of her. Imagine hearing that? She told him, she would keep working, until she no longer could. BOOM! BOL
This is where Brenda's fighting spirit soars! She did her research and even contacted an advocate for legal purposes. She wanted to know what her rights were.
Brenda had a wonderful primary care physician, who told Brenda's mother once, that she tries so hard. He knew she wasn't about to give up or give in.
He unfortunately passed away, after a short illness. Brenda would have to find a new PCP. She was not seeing a rheumatologist on a regular basis, as she got tired of hearing she would get worse. So much has changed since then, her last two rheumatologists have never said that to Brenda. In fact, they both have told her how knowledgeable, Brenda is about her RA. Many others in her medical team have as well.
When you work in the medical field as long as Brenda has, you gain knowledge. Knowledge is power!
Going on with this inspiring story. Brenda never gave up. Her last PCP asked Brenda, during the first initial visit, if she would ever consider going on a biologic. All she could think about, was that the insurance would not cover it. At that time, that would have probably been the case, as it was not the greatest insurance plan. Her clinic changed to a different plan, so now there was a chance, that it would be covered.
Brenda did a lot of research before going forward, with even considering a biologic. It's your body after all, that is involved. Brenda wanted to be sure, she would know what she was up against. Remember, Brenda was not told outright, that she had RA. She doesn't like surprises.
After much research and thought, she approached her PCP and told him, she was ready to consider a biologic. The one he wanted to put her on, was the first FDA approved in 1998, so it was popular. This meant you had to sign up to be considered.
One of the things she would have to do was to go back to her original rheumatologist. Sadly, his attitude hadn't changed much. He didn't believe that Brenda would get on the biologic that quickly, so he wrote her a prescription for another medication. Brenda had done her research on this one, and never got it filled. She didn't have to. Within weeks of that visit, Brenda was offered her chance to try that biologic. That was on Friday, April 13, 2001. Note that date, folks! BOL I'm a dog but, some consider that day and date bad luck. BOL Not so for Brenda. It was also Good Friday, so there you have it.
The next Friday, April 20th, was Brenda's first injection with that biologic. It turned out to be Enbrel... and she has been administering it herself, for over 17 years. Another fact that she is a fighter. She wanted to be in control of something, regarding her living with RA.
Brenda truly believes this is what has kept her able to continue her full-time employment. It truly changed her life. She never gave up trying to find her answer. Attitude has a lot to do with it. She wanted it to work and was willing to do whatever it took, to make that happen. Her rheumatologist even told her, he applauded her, on how well she has been doing on it. He finally came around.
Brenda has faced many challenges in these past 30 years. More surgeries and procedures, than she cares to remember. She faced another challenge in 2008, which involved a tenant who hadn't paid rent for at least 20 years. She is referring to her brain tumor, a nonmalignant right frontal lobe meningioma, which was evicted on September 8, 2008. Yes, we have another celebration coming up in September of 10 years; "The Eviction of Mini" for mini golf. The name was her mother's idea. You see, where Brenda gets her sense of humor from. BOL
Her biologic has also given her opportunities to use her own voice for good. She became a true RA patient advocate on April 20, 2012, after she took a chance, that turned out to be a wonderful experience. It led to another opportunity again, using her voice at the ND State Capitol and sharing her story of taking her biologic. There is nothing more powerful, than the patient's voice. It was a great experience for Brenda.
All of this has been worth it. Brenda has found her voice and purpose, in helping others. That is something she has wanted to do, her whole life. She is a fighter and good old Trevor here, couldn't be prouder. BOL
We hope you enjoyed this tale. It was a pleasure sharing with you. HAPPY 30TH WORK ANNIVERSARY TO BRENDA!!!
~T Man~
This is a very encouraging post and I am sure that many that read it have been blessed by what you had to say. You are a fighter and I know you won’t give up. Love and prayers.Iris
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that so much, Iris! ❤️💛
Delete