|
I was diagnosed with Paget's disease 20 years ago. I had never even heard of it. My mother broke her leg and wrist, so I used to worry about something like that happening to me. But Paget's disease? Maybe it's something in my genes!
I have Paget's disease in my right hip. I first noticed something was wrong when I was gardening — something I used to be able to do for hours on end. But I started to get so tired and achy, I could hardly get through weeding. I told my doctor and we tried different things. Then, after some tests, he told me I had Paget's disease.
Since I was diagnosed, I've been on and off different daily medicines. I don't like having to take medicine every day — it reminds me of my condition — and who needs that? But I feel like I don't have a choice.
I'm a widow and live alone. I also take care of my 8-year-old grandson after school, so I can't afford to have Paget's disease keep me down. I'm a high-energy person. Between my chores and grandson, I stay pretty busy. As my exercise routine, I swim three times a week. That helps a lot.
Sure, I have achy days. When I do, my daughter and grandson give me a hand with shopping and laundry. You'd be surprised how well an 8-year-old boy can fold towels! Gardening they leave to me. It takes me longer than it used to, but I'm the one with the green thumb.
*Polly is a fictional patient. The content of this article is based on actual interviews with Paget's patients and their collective experiences. Individual experiences may vary.
| 
