Being disabled doesn't mean you can't have dreams and you can't make your dreams come true. My advice......grab them with both arthritic hands and don't look back, don't let people tell you your dreams are stupid and don't let people tell you "you can't do it." Because You CAN!
Having rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis with a side helping of fibromyalgia (it's quite a list isn't it) causes such challenges, pain, fatigue, limited mobility etc etc....the list is endless so I won't bore you that I thought I would be stuck in my wheelchair...crutches on a good day, watching from the side lines as the world carried on regardless around me. People living their lives and reaching for their dreams. I never thought I would be able to have the exhilarating experience that I have had today.
For a long time I have wanted to fly, to feel the liberation and exhilaration of flight. But having legs that don't work, painful body and being stuck in a wheelchair or only being able to get around with the use of crutches I figured that I would only be able to fly on commercial airlines when going on holiday. Last year I was directed to Flying Scholarships for Disabled People and I have finally plucked up the courage...yes courage is the word, to apply. I am waiting for my GP to give the final sign off then its a waiting game for next years selection process.
My gorgeous hubby,my rock Paul bought me a half hour flight in a Steerman Bi-Plane. Tony the pilot at Aerobatic Tactics was very helpful. He was very much aware of my challenges of mobility. He explained everything, had a stool and steps ready to help me into the plane and guided me. In a Bi-plane the pilot sits at the back and I had the most amazing view sitting at the front. As the plane can the flown from both seats I had all the instruments in my little pod including the joystick which looked like a broom handle.....literally! I had a flying hat on with a headset so that Tony could talk to me and I could talk to him. I'm strapped in so there is no chance of falling out.....if you saw how hard it was for me to get in thought of falling out is really quite comical.
I had a half hour flight over the Essex and Kent countryside. The feeling was exhilarating and I still can't stop smiling. It has spurred me on to keep following my dreams. The wind blowing across my face, the view, the sheer feeling of flight. Up there I wasn't Catherine with arthritis, or disabled Catherine, or Catherine in the wheelchair. I was Catherine living a dream.
I've tried several times to upload a couple of pictures but have been unsuccessful....I will keep trying xx
I have had many comments, messages and emails telling me I am an inspiration and that I have helped people just by telling my story. I am so pleased I have had the opportunity to do so. I had a wonderful meeting with Arthritis Research UK last week about talking about Living With Arthritis at their Corporate Induction Days. Of course I said yes. Raising awareness about the challenges and struggles can only be a good thing. I have now started methotrexate which is a DMARD, the side effects are not nice but I am hoping it will get the RA and PsA under control. I could be upset and angry that these diseases have been misdiagnosed for so long but I have just happy I have started treatment. I'm not going to get back to how I was a few years ago but with a bit of luck I will be able to get some sort of normality into my life and the lives of my children.
I have met many wonderful and inspirational people due to having these illnesses. I am signed off work on no pay as I am no physically able to hold down a full time job and all it entails. I am going through the formal process which in essence is a disciplinary for my sickness leave, I may or may not lose my job but I refuse to let arthritis put a dampener on my spirit. They say "as one door closes, another door opens" I wonder what door is opening next.
Gentle Hugs
Catherine.....still smiling xxxx
