A.S. Face 0799: Donna Laney

A.S. Face 0799: Donna Laney

My name is Donna Laney and I live in beautiful Murchison Texas.  I’m the proud mother of four wonderful children and 13 perfect grandchildren.
My story is so different than most, I’m 56 years old and was diagnosed 2 years ago.  I’ve had major pain most of my adult life.  It really started when I became pregnant with my first child. I broke my first rib.  Also broken ribs with my next 3 pregnancies.  Dr. said it was normal.
Being the wife of a dairy farmer, I had to just get over it and help take care of the farm.
The pain would come and go in my shoulders, lower back and hips, but I had to keep going.  Thank God I did.
I became a widow at 40.  The farm life was over.  I had 4 teenagers so off to the real world of working. I learned if I would get up extra early, I could work out all the pains.
5 years later I remarried.  He sent me to doctor after doctor.  Torn rotator cuff surgery time after time.  Ankle surgery cause the dr said it had to be broke.  Bless his heart, he was at a loss!
Then one day it got me.  I was in so much pain, I could barely walk.  I felt like I had the worst case of the flu.  Went to new dr.  She was baffled.  No fever, infection or anything.  She called the next day and said labs were normal.  Well, as sick as I am, I guess it’s all in my head.
One week later she called again and said I was positive for the HLA B27 gene and she referred me to rheumatologist .  Yep, at 54 yrs old, I got diagnosed!  My body is really going downhill fast.  He started me first on sulfur drugs.  Highly allergic.  Next was Embrel, then he added methotrexate.  Quit working after 6 months.  Now I’m on Humira.  Seems to be helping some.  I’m not happy with my rheumatologist.  I’m hoping to find another one but insurance is a little tricky.  The ones in my network all are in the same office and they won’t let me change.
I really try to stay positive and active.  I’m so thankful I found this site. I know my story is so different from everyone. I’m still trying to get as much education as I can.  Thanks so much for allowing me to tell my story.
Texas United States of America