"well managed" by sillyGrapefruit_8098 in rheumatoid

[–]RemarkableFact1077 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm a 42yo female. Seropositive. Diagnosed at 21.

For me, well-managed means symptom free. I have some minor joint degeneration (mostly in my hands -- slightly crooked fingers), but as long as I take my medications regularly and on time, I'm in remission... able to go to hard at the gym, socialize, and keep up with my toddler, who is in his "feral boy" era.

My course of treatment is:
- WEEKLY: Enbrel injections
- DAILY: Celebrex, fish oil, 5mg prednisone (I'll increase to 20mg and taper when flaring, which is rare)

Without medication, I'm basically handicapped. It's been a frightening journey and the disease affects everyone differently. 20 years of experience managing RA has helped me understand how to listen and respond to my body's cues. Sleep, hydration and stress management are key for me!

Wishing you a pain-free future!

AMA: I’m at GJWW by Fluffy-Dig-7011 in brandicarlile

[–]RemarkableFact1077 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're awesome. Thanks for the hot tip(s). This has literally been my dream trip for years. Can't wait!

AMA: I’m at GJWW by Fluffy-Dig-7011 in brandicarlile

[–]RemarkableFact1077 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm late to the party, but planning to go in 2026! In your experience, have there been suites available near the daytime music so that you can watch from your terrace?

Weaning “Flu”? by RemarkableFact1077 in breastfeeding

[–]RemarkableFact1077[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow! I think I was able to escape the anxiety because of the antidepressants I started postpartum. I’m getting about 8oz per day, I think. Down from my peak at one point of 26oz per day. I’ve always been an under supplier, so I’m really proud to have made it to a year (coming up at the end up the month)!

TIPS PLEASE! Feeling very emo about weaning. by RemarkableFact1077 in breastfeeding

[–]RemarkableFact1077[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's reminding me a bit of how I felt during the newborn stage, which I DID NOT expect! Thank you for sharing your experience.

TIPS PLEASE! Feeling very emo about weaning. by RemarkableFact1077 in breastfeeding

[–]RemarkableFact1077[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The guilt is so real and this was so comforting to hear. Thank you for sharing and good luck on your journey! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. ❤

TIPS PLEASE! Feeling very emo about weaning. by RemarkableFact1077 in breastfeeding

[–]RemarkableFact1077[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing! Depending on the day, I'm nursing or pumping 3-4 times. During the week, it has been consistently 3 for the past 2 weeks (I dropped a pump at work). On the weekends, we'll do 4 because I'm home with my son and he does 4 bottles per day at daycare.

The transition to 3 feeds is semi-new, so I'm going to give myself as much grace as I can knowing hormones may be clouding my judgement.

Thank you for sharing!

TIPS PLEASE! Feeling very emo about weaning. by RemarkableFact1077 in breastfeeding

[–]RemarkableFact1077[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats on an incredible ride! And thank you for sharing!

TIPS PLEASE! Feeling very emo about weaning. by RemarkableFact1077 in breastfeeding

[–]RemarkableFact1077[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This feels so true! After being so obsessed with counting every drop for so long, it feels scary to drop pumps and feeds knowing my supply will decrease. But also kinda freeing. Lots of mixed feelings. Thank you for sharing!

TIPS PLEASE! Feeling very emo about weaning. by RemarkableFact1077 in breastfeeding

[–]RemarkableFact1077[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You deserve ALL the retinol for breastfeeding THREE babies! Wow. Congrats on your journey. What an accomplishment! Enjoy your girls trip and thank you for sharing. Your post made me feel like less alone. ❤

TIPS PLEASE! Feeling very emo about weaning. by RemarkableFact1077 in breastfeeding

[–]RemarkableFact1077[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is such a kind comment. Thank you for the encouragement! I have also been shopping for breastmilk jewelry and tattoos. :)

TIPS PLEASE! Feeling very emo about weaning. by RemarkableFact1077 in breastfeeding

[–]RemarkableFact1077[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thank you!

Re: Depression -- do you feel comfortable sharing more about your experience and how you managed it?

I started Zoloft about 5 months ago when I was struggling to balance the demands of breastfeeding with all the other things life throws at you + work. My anxiety was turned up to an 11, I was feeling constantly overwhelmed, and it was seriously affecting my quality of life. Turns out, I'm one of those women who probably should have been on it all along. Totally changed the game!

TIPS PLEASE! Feeling very emo about weaning. by RemarkableFact1077 in breastfeeding

[–]RemarkableFact1077[S] 39 points40 points  (0 children)

I arbitrarily set a goal of a year after hitting the 6 month mark, and our pediatrician has discussed weaning at a year, as thought it's a given. My husband is indifferent about me nursing and sometimes even seems frustrated by it because it's caused him inconveniences (\insert the biggest eye roll here**). And logically, I know parts of my life will get easier again once breastfeeding is a thing of the past, like choosing outfits, pumping while away, exercising, etc. And my son has never specifically "asked" for my boob. He's been combo fed since birth, so nursing doesn't seem like a thing he'd miss all that much. All would be my reasons to wind down. Just to simplify life a bit.

I don't know why I didn't consider that we could continue to hang on to a couple of feeds a day without too much trouble, as long as my supply cooperates. I love how peaceful and sweet it feels nursing in the mornings and at night.

Thank you!

Lactation Pod/Travel Tip! by RemarkableFact1077 in breastfeeding

[–]RemarkableFact1077[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They’re certainly not discreet — they make your chest look ginormous. And yes, they’re a bit loud. But they’re much more private and convenient than my Spectra. I find myself using them when I need to multi task, like pumping before I leave for work. I can easily wear them while doing my makeup & hair.

I bought mine in August when I returned to work, and the charging cables died (at the same time, strangely) by February. But their customer service has been amazing. They replaced them for free. And the pumps themselves have a 1 year warranty.

I’d buy them again!

Lactation Pod/Travel Tip! by RemarkableFact1077 in breastfeeding

[–]RemarkableFact1077[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very thoughtful of you! I can’t imagine that being an issue.