Most of you know that I've been determined to be inflammation-free and pain-free without meds. Lately I've been having those moments where I think, "Wow, last year I wasn't able to do this," or, "Hmm, my wrist hurts bad, it hasn't hurt like this in almost a year...last year it was hurting like this almost every other day!" Progress!! So I just wanted to take a second a list all the progress that I've made since last fall. It helps me stay on track if I remind myself of these things.

I've been waking up at 7am every morning, refreshed, WITHOUT an alarm clock!

When I wake up in the morning, I don't have those aches that I used to have in the a.m.

I used to get severe sharp pains in my wrist that would have me laying in bed with my eyes shut and tears swelling up. I can't remember the last time that happened. Now when my wrists hurt it is only every other week or so, the pain is so little that I am still functional, and it is alleviated by self-massage in my shoulders, arms and wrists.

I can walk down the stairs now without turning sideways and grasping the rail. I walk normally down the stairs with my body facing forward and I can even do it without the railing!

On the same note, my knees are less swollen and they only flare about once every two weeks for about a day and a half. Then they go back to being more normal again.

My fingers are visibly smaller and more normal colored. Even acquaintances who only see me only occasionally have noticed this!

I haven't had an emotional breakdown since I was in the hospital about 3 months ago. I used to have a breakdown every other week!

Depression, anger, frustration, etc is completely gone...I feel so happy all the time now. This was gradual, but it started about 6 months ago.

And people ask me if giving up sugar and alcohol and bread and dairy is hard (among other things). Sheesh! It was the best thing I've ever done. :)