My Life with Polymyositis – Sandra
LaRosa
Written by: Sandra LaRosa
After a martial arts session in
August 2013, one of my students, Michelle came to me and told me, “Sandra, you
are so strong!” Now when I think, her words make me wonder what everyone will
say if they knew what really happened… Thank You Michelle, for making me tell
this story.
April
2008: How it All Started…
From my teenage, I was attracted
to martial arts. In my 20s, I started learning it, and by the age of 30, I had
become a martial art practitioner and a bodybuilder. I gave up my career in
restaurant management to become the director and teacher at a martial arts
academy.
When it all started, I was 42,
quite healthy for a woman of my age. Suddenly, I started feeling something
wrong with my health. I was feeling more tired than usual, and my muscles were
becoming stiff. I associated it with normal ageing problems that most
post-forty year old women face. Even when the tiredness started hampering my
classes, I said to myself again and again that it’s because of my overwork.
Finally, I decided to seek
medical help. My doctor tested my blood, and ruled out the possibility of any
serious disease. However, my thyroid level showed some difference, and this was
pointed out as the possible reason for tiredness. I was given some medicines.
After a few sittings, I made an
appointment with an orthopedic who insisted that I should consult a neurologist
for an expert opinion. Exhausting blood tests and muscle tests showed that my
CPK count was above 8000 (the normal is below 200). A biopsy finally revealed
the truth: I had a serious muscle disease, Polymyositis.
The
Beginning of a New Journey…
The news destroyed me. All the
scans, bone tests, blood tests and constant visits to the doctor made it one of
the most difficult times of my life. My greatest support during these tiring
times was my best friend and partner, Bruce. Though the journey was tough, he
had a great role in making it a success. In the beginning, I was constantly
seeking and searching for answers, always frustrated – but finally, I took a
decision: to switch off my computer and move on.
It was already December 2008,
and things had changed. I found it difficult to walk long distances; I needed
the support of the railing while climbing stairs. I couldn't raise my arms
above my head and had difficulties in digestion. My CPK count remained above
8500. I was confused and at times, sorry for myself. I was not always positive,
though I tried to be. There were some who even wished that I wouldn't recover,
but the positive presence of my supportive friends always guided me through.
Getting
to Know My Disease…
What exactly causes Polymyositis
is still a mystery to doctors. It attacks the immune system by destroying body
tissues. It is supposed to cause pain and tiredness. From what I have known,
the severity of symptoms differ for different persons.
Striding
Through the Tough Times: Medicines and Support…
I had taken a decision: I will
not give up anything. I embraced life, both work and play alike, and my
stubbornness led my way. My life became a lot like a Rubik’s Cube, trying to
juggle the pieces – work, martial art classes, doctor’s appointments, blood
test, infusions – into their slots.
Though the side effects of the
medicines tried to scare me, in the end, it was not as bad as I expected. My
lifestyle choice rested on a trio - diet, workout and medicines. Prednisone, a
drug used to treat body inflammation, is what I would call the Miracle Drug.
Though the 60mg dose made me look puffy, I didn't really gain weight. My
stomach got upset on another drug named Methotrexate, an anti-rheumatic
medicine. What really handed me my life back was a drug called Rituxan, though
I was allergic to it initially. Also known as Rituximab, it is an immuno-suppressant,
used to cure b-cell leukemia and b-cell non-hodgkin lymphona.
I should thank my support
team. The MDA (Muscular Dystrophy
Association) who helped me back to life. The staff gave me their full support,
and was there for me whenever I needed anything. Though I was initially treated
by a single doctor, I soon had an entire team looking after my health. Dr.
Amato, an experienced neurologist from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston took
the helm of my treatment. His knowledge and treatment methods assured me that I
was in safe hands. Another great doctor was Dr. Beauprea, the rheumatologist from Harvard Vanquard in Peabody MA.
Frequent visits to Dr. Beauprea
kept me up to date on tests in-between my trips to Boston MA with Dr Amato. Whenever I was
sad and confused, Dr. Haley and her nurse Joanne from Harvard Vanquard were
there for me as great pillars of support.
Winning
the Battle through Martial Arts…
My disease required
physiotherapy. However, my doctors opined that my martial arts practice would
be a great alternative. In fact, it was martial arts that kept my muscles from
getting weakened further. Practicing Kickboxing helped me to remain strong. My
balance, speed and coordination improved as a result of Taekwondo sessions. The
stretching moves helped me to get rid of stiffness and made by body flexible.
The breathing exercises that I practiced as a part of Tai Chi and Qui Gong did
the benefit of a meditation. In short, martial arts were what kept me
stress-free even during the hours of difficulty.
Back
to Present…
My life goes on as if nothing
has happened. I teach martial arts and concentrate on the positive things in
life. At times, I hear an inner voice speaking: “the disease can be treated,
but not cured”. However, I am resolved to fight. The days when I feel unwell
are getting fewer and fewer nowadays, and I’m sure there will be even fewer of
them in future.
Sandra can be contacted at info@brucemccorrys.com
Obesity and Consequences A study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that 18% of the American children in 6-11 age group were obese. The modern lifestyle with its fast-food culture and absence of physical activities has made obesity a common word. Almost 70% of the obese kids have at least one risk factor that leads to heart diseases. They develop pre-diabetes, a condition that indicates the possibility of diabetes in future. Joint pain and apnea follow. Psychological effects like poor self-worth and inferiority complex also accompany obesity.
Type-2 Diabetes: The Villainous Friend of Obesity Obesity is referred to as the hallmark of the more dreaded Type-2 diabetes. Type-2 diabetes is a complex disease because it is insulin-resistant. Traditionally, the genetic background was considered as the cause for this disease. Recent increase in the number of affected children indicates that lifestyle has an equally important role. Type-2 diabetes may lead to later complications such as kidney problems, increased blood pressure, cholesterol, acanthosis nigricans and Poly-cystic Ovary Disease. Battling Obesity and Diabetes Prevention of obesity focuses on two aspects: diet and physical activities. The diet should include healthy food such as vegetables, fruits and oatmeal. Fatty and rich diet shall be avoided. Sugary and sweet food is a big no-no, especially the artificial ones like soft drinks. Physical activities such as working out on a daily basis and participating in outdoor activities like sports and games should be encouraged.
Insulin resistance makes Type-2 diabetes a hard nut to crack. Still, the blood sugar level can be kept normal through proper meal planning and exercise. An effective meal plan devised by a dietitian can work wonders with this disease. The key to prevention lies in total abstention from sugar consumption and in a nutrient-rich diet. Outdoor activities and physical exercises add to these. Martial Arts to Prevent Obesity and Diabetes Martial arts combine the advantages of meditation with that of workout. The physical moves in martial arts tone the body by burning excess calories. It helps your kid to remain fit. Body flexibility, lung capacity and stamina increase. Fat gets distributed in the body equally. Obese kids experience considerable weight loss within a few weeks of martial arts.
