Andy Pendergrass grew up in rural Louisiana as an especially lively and athletic child. However at all times looming behind his thoughts was the truth that each his mom and maternal grandmother had rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Pendergrass knew that his household historical past meant his possibilities of having the autoimmune disease had been larger than common, however he disregarded the chance.
“I performed soccer in highschool, so one thing at all times damage,” Pendergrass, 33, says. Even when he had had an inkling that it is likely to be RA, “I might have simply mentioned ‘I’m a man. Guys don’t get it…’ and simply form of generalized it like that.”
At age 23, Pendergrass lastly realized that he, too, had RA. However the highway to his analysis was hardly easy or easy. Coming to phrases together with his situation wasn’t simple, both.
Pendergrass now suspects his RA signs cropped up a lot earlier, in highschool. That’s when he seen pain that appeared “odd.” Nonetheless, he chalked up the signs to plantar fasciitis, a type of heel ache widespread amongst those that play intense sports activities.
It wasn’t till Pendergrass went to see his physician with a extreme sinus infection that he sought medical consideration for his foot pain. The physician, Pendergrass says, agreed it is likely to be plantar fasciitis, “’til I discussed that it was actually dangerous in my toes.”
Conscious that RA ran in Pendergrass’s household, the physician ordered blood checks. A few days later, the physician known as to substantiate a analysis for RA and referred Pendergrass to a rheumatologist.
The rheumatologist, nonetheless, informed Pendergrass that his signs didn’t stem from RA however from flat toes.
The brand new verdict left Pendergrass deeply confused. “I’ve actually large arches in my feet, so it was weird,” he says.
On the time, Pendergrass was on the point of transfer to Alaska together with his new spouse, Polly. He didn’t have time to type by way of the conflicting diagnoses. “I made a decision to not trouble with the ache and put it off.”
It was solely later when Pendergrass moved to Missouri, and as his joint pain continued, that he determined to get a second opinion. A brand new rheumatologist confirmed that Pendergrass certainly had RA.
The information took a psychological and emotional toll on Pendergrass, a younger man who prized being bodily lively.
“On the time, the most important query on my thoughts was what the remainder of my life was going to appear to be,” he says.
Acceptance of his lifelong situation got here after time, analysis, and assist, particularly from Pendergrass’s mom.
“It’s arduous for individuals who don’t have the illness to grasp. As a result of you may’t take a look at me and say after I’m having flare-ups,” he says. “That’s one of many issues she understands.”
Within the decade since his analysis, Pendergrass has managed to maintain his athletic goals alive, even when he can’t precisely take up any sport with out hesitation, as he as soon as envisioned. Within the final couple of years, he has additionally gotten into CrossFit — a type of high-intensity interval coaching workout routines that contain squats, pulling, and pushing with adjustable weights — and enjoys enjoying golf. He credit CrossFit exercises with strengthening his muscle groups and easing stress on his joints.
That kind of exercise is probably not your best option for some individuals with RA who’ve unstable joints. Test along with your physician in case you have RA earlier than beginning a brand new train plan to make sure it’s OK for you.
“I wish to maximize the time that I get to be an athlete. It’s my ardour; it’s the place I get my frustration out, and I be at liberty,” he says. “And I don’t need RA to mess with that. If meaning I have to eat clear, keep away from inflammatory meals, and stretch extra, then so be it.”
Pendergrass moved again to his residence state of Louisiana a few years in the past. Residing with a persistent illness could be isolating, notably for individuals who dwell outdoors main cities. However social media has given Pendergrass an avenue to seek out assist and to hyperlink with others.
Lately, he arrange an Instagram account @rheumadad to share his journey.
“Truthfully, if there are any younger guys on the market, I wish to actually join with them. As a result of I feel we lack a group of younger guys with arthritis to have the ability to commiserate with, to share concepts with, and to only really feel like I belong,” he says.
Pendergrass has two younger sons now. The thought that his youngsters may grow to be the fourth technology with RA has crossed his thoughts. However Pendergrass refuses to dwell on it.
“I don’t permit these ideas to actually take root in my thoughts. I do know it’s attainable. I’m not going to place my head within the sand. And so, if it occurs, we are going to take care of it. It would break my coronary heart.
“The remainder of your life shouldn’t be going to be consumed with having RA. You possibly can let it … however you should not. Life is about far more than having RA.”
