Once we got married, I was able to get the insurance coverage and I was able to get the medication that I needed to treat my RA. The medications that the doctor prescribed for my RA were Plaquenil, Prednisone, and Methotrexate. Being on these medications had some side effects. I gained weight, loss hair, and had bouts of infrequent nausea, just to name a few. You might wonder why I would take medication that had such undesirable side effects. Well, it made the pain that I was experiencing more manageable and my mobility improved. The cartilage in my knees had been deteriorating which caused the pain and the decreased mobility. I was in my mid-twenties and before I began taking the medication that was prescribed, I had the mobility of someone three times my age. I was finally able to enjoy life a little without concentrating on the pain.
I continued to take the medication for 10 years. During this period of my life, we wanted to start a family. I had to stop taking the medication, because of the negative effects it could have on conceiving. We tried for three years. and finally we conceived. During my pregnancy, I went into what felt like remission. The pain was minimal and I had more energy at times. Which was weird, because when you hear some pregnancy stories, you hear about the lethargy and sickness. Being pregnant was truly a great experience. On March 5, 2011, Todd Gruden II (T.J.) was born. It was one of the best days of my life. He gives us so much joy in are lives. He is truly a miracle from God and I am so thankful for him. Having him began the next part of my journey- motherhood.