Real Profiles of Rheumatoid Arthritis
ANDREW LUMPE
Photos © Andrew Lumpe
Name?
Andrew LumpeAge?
48Location?
Seattle, Washington, United StatesHow long have you lived with RA?
5 years.What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with RA?
Be your own best advocate. Find a good rheumatologist. Get on disease modifying drugs as soon as possible. Be prepared to experiment with multiple medications. Ask lots of questions and read everything (but be a wise consumer of internet information). Create a multifaceted support network that includes family, friends, and others with RA.Do you use any mobility aids?
I use a cane if my knees are really bothering me. I can’t use the track pad on my laptop for very long so I use an ergonomically designed wireless mouse.How has living with RA helped to improve your life?
I’m a type-A personality. RA gave me perspective on life and caused me to slow down focusing on more important things.Do you have any visible signs of RA?
I have surgery scars on both ankles, my fingers are starting to bend, and my walk is affected some days.Can you please describe some of your favorite coping strategies for living with RA?
Every day with RA brings a new adventure. I regularly ask friends for hands-on prayer. Taking time to rest and slow down helps bring healing. I regularly talk with friends and family and write about my experiences. I find that there is a slow grieving process involved in having a long-term, debilitating disease.Can you please describe your current medical (traditional and alternative) treatments?
· Current Medications: Cimzia, Meloxicam, Citalopram, Zolpidem (as needed), Methylprednisolone (as needed)
· Former Medications: Sulphasalazine, Methotrexate, Enbrel
· Supplements: Calcium, Vitamin D, Fish Oil, Flax Seed
· PrayerIs there anything else about yourself that you would like to share?
My wife of 24 years and my four children are the most amazing gift from God. I love outdoor activities including fishing, snow skiing (who knows if that will happen in the future), and growing bonsai trees. We moved to Seattle in 2004 to help a group of friends plant a new church. I write a blog about my experiences and issues related to RA. http://livingwithra.wordpress.com/
Andrew delivers some of the easiest-to-understand explanations of scientific topics related to rheumatoid arthritis, that I have found to date. He is currently in the middle of writing a new series: Weapons in the War Against RA Inflammation. If you have not already taken a look, please do!
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Andrew, Type A personality, huh? Me too, so I can relate to your statement: “RA gave me perspective on life and caused me to slow down focusing on more important things.” I am trying not to slow down, but I don’t always have a choice.
Andrew, thanks for sharing your story. I am always moved by the love of others that comes from this illness.
Keep up the good fight, Andrew. And thanks for writing your blog. It’s a great mixture of personal warmth and valuable information about RA. Here’s hoping that your current meds will help you get out on the slopes this winter!
Andrew, thank you for sharing your story on RA Guy’s blog. I really, really look forward to reading the real life profiles when they appear. I find it interesting that so many of us are Type A personalities! I will soon look up your blog–it sounds real interesting. God bless you and your loved ones. RA Guy’s Mom