I have PsA (psoriatic arthritis) and spend a great deal of my time blogging about the challenges faced by those of us with this auto-immune disease. When you have PsA, your life changes day-to-day, and even minute-by-minute. You never know in advance what you will be able to do. You have to learn to be very flexible in life, and to “go with the flow.”

I am “mobility-enhanced” — meaning I use assistive devices to get around. Doesn’t that sound better than saying I use an upright rollator, dual canes, or electric scooter to get around? After 19 reconstructive surgeries on my hips and legs, I have many “battle scars” that I consider to be reminders of determination and perseverance my life has required. These scars are a symbol that I can meet the challenges that life inevitably places in our way.

Most recently, I’ve battled with cancer and chronic radiation enteritis, which is when radiation treatments destroy a section of your intestines/bowels, and burn them beyond viability. During the past year, I’ve had a radical hysterectomy, radiation treatments, chemotherapy and brachytherapy (which is internal radiation.)

After multiple hospitalizations over eight months for life-threatening bowel obstructions, which included a five-month stint on Hospice, and then two more bowel obstructions, a wonderful surgeon stepped in, and removed one third of my lower intestine/bowel; a surgery that saved my life. I now have five more “battle scars” but that seems a small price to pay for saving my life.

I’m facing the future with hopeful anticipation. Who knows what the future holds? I can’t wait to find out!