rheumatism

this entry is dedicated to a person very dear to me, and hopefully it would help those others who can relate.

Rheumatism... the first time i heard the word was about three years back.  at that time, this dear person was trying his best to keep it at bay. all this while, all i know about dangerous illness are the like of cancer, leukemia or AIDS. then there is this...  

rheumatism is actually a kind of nerve disorders, affecting nerve system, bones and joint's in our body.  It refers to an acute or chronic illness which is characterized by pain and swelling of the muscles, ligaments and tendons, or the joints. The medical terminology for rheumatism arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatism arthritis is a chronic and painful disorder which can attack the joints on your arms and legs leaving them inflamed and swollen. 

The onset of the acute variety of rheumatism is characterized by fever, intense soreness, and pain. In the acute muscular type, the area becomes so sensitive that even the weight of bed clothing aggravates the pain. The symptoms of chronic muscular rheumatism are pain and stiffness of the affected muscles. In the case of chronic articular rheumatism (pain in the joints), pain and stiffness are felt in one or more joints of the body, with swelling in most cases. for these three years, i've been watching that dear person of mine exhibiting these symptoms.  sometimes it got so bad, his hands, palms and fingers seems to swollen so much until the skin looked very tight. and most of the times his legs needs to be massage to reduce the pain and swollen.  

While there is no definite cure for rheumatism arthritis, early diagnosis of rheumatism symptoms could help individuals to stop permanent damage. This could be done with the help of oral medication, physical therapy and in severe cases, surgery. the dear person have gone through all three types of treatment. and there's this herds he took, which help a lot at that time. he underwent surgery for both of his hand about a year ago, to separate his inter wining nerve. and the result seems to be positive for some time. however, the disease seems to at rage recently. the swollen are more rapid these days, and the pain worsen. and somehow, i believe not this illness is affecting him physically, but it also attacking him emotionally and mentally.  somehow, i can't help but to think that deep down inside he is scare [[scare about how his future, and how this illness will turn him into]].

to my dear person, 

i am sorry i can't do anything to help you to ease the pain you had to endure all these time.  and i am sorry i can't be there for you when you need me the most. all i have for you are my prayers and love.  i hope that you will keep on fighting because your courage is my inspiration, it's what give me strength to move forward. dad, keep your faith alive and i know you will make through.  

lots of love,

bie