July 10, 2004

Please, Don't Pass the Potatoes

People often ask me how R.A. has changed my life. I sigh. Where to begin?

Here's one of those little things that I've changed in my life. I don't eat potatoes. Yep, that's right. Now I've only lived a spud-free existence for a couple of months. Why have I suddenly turned my back on the pomme de terre? Simple- when I eat them, my joints swell up.

RA has been linked to food allergies, and for me this includes potatoes. I thought giving up the spud would be quite a task. Who can say no to golden, delicious fries? A round of 'tater skins for appetizers? Hash browns with that perfect omelet? And chips!?! Who can live without chips?

Me.

I think it was discipline to begin with, but as I started to feel better, I didn't miss the chips, hash browns, fries and the rest. I happily substitute onion rings.

It seems to me that most people with a condition like R.A. are looking for one big sacrifice or huge thing they do once to help them. But it's the hundred of little things you do each day that make the big difference. That's not what people want to hear, but it's true.

Others say, "You're just a strong person," or "Discipline comes easily to you." I find these statements a little discouraging... I'm sometimes a strong person, but have my share of doubts and fears, failure or fatigue. I cry sometimes, I laugh other times. And discipline is never easy, but it's a choice. Not really easy, but a choice, something I have control over.

The choice for me is this: discipline is difficult, but it sure beats the alternative of feeling miserable day after day. (And just wait until I write about exercise!)

So, friends, family, please don't be offended when I say, "Please don't pass the potatoes."

Posted by renee | Filed under:

Comments

Post a comment




Remember Me?


Trackback Pings

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.healthdiaries.com/scgi-bin/mt33/mt-tb.cgi/213