A little good news!

[Ark mom]

As many of you know, I have been an active tennis player much of my adult life until this crappy disease has been chipping away at my life.  Tennis season starts in February, and a team wants me to play with them.  If one's team wins, then that team gets a bid to the state tournament.

I have sat out of the tournaments all season due to the sun factor.  I sent an email to the Arkansas Tennis Association, and they replied that with proper documentation that they will honor the request for an indoor court if and when my team is invited back to state.  I will most likely foot the entire indoor court fee, especially if anyone objects to the fee, but that is okay by me, worth it in my opinion to get to participate.

I am very happy! I thought I would never get a chance to play at state for the rest of my life, and that I would be undesirable to have on a team, knowing that I could never help carry my team at state.

I wish the USTA would cover the indoor court cost of the other team while having me pay my team's fee, but I guess nothing is perfect.

Thanks for letting me share my good news!  I have been texting all of my tennis buddies, letting them know I can play indoors now at state.  Woohoo!  All of this is moot, of course, if I don't continue to improve enough on methotrexate or other drug therapy for me to be able to play competitive tennis.  . Here's hoping!!! 

Love you guys for holding my hand the whole way!!!!

[A66eyroad]

Great news, congrats! Keep us in the loop as you play! I know we'll be hearing more good news about you!

[Katybarstool]

Ark Mum

That's fantastic news. Wishing you all the luck in the world.

Kathyx

[Ark mom]

Thanks guys for your encouragement!  I am not sure if I will be playing this season or not, as I keep having lots of flares.  I am crossing my fingers that methotrexate (or something else) is going to make me well enough to play. 

[stick gal]

Wishing you the very best and keeping fingers crossed for you

[stillinshockwithsjogrens]

That is really great news and may it continue for you!  It's always nice to hear positive news here!

[Joe S.]

If you do play out doors, could you wear sun block clothing? I do not know how much that would help you. Even with the sun block clothing I can not spend much time out doors without experiencing the symptoms of this disease. I do not know if you can play in long sleeves and pants but maybe you can create a new style? Have lots of water handy. Maybe show with clothes on first. I notice that the sun block fabric is light and drys very fast.

[Ark mom]

Joe, thanks for writing!  Those are great ideas, and I do have lots of sun protective clothing. At least right now, I am very sensitive to the sun.  Even with hats and clothes and sun block I will be sick for days after 20 minutes of sun exposure.  It has gotten a lot better now that I am on methotrexate.  Maybe it will continue to get better.

[Gayle]

That is great news and I love Joe's ideas! What a great boost this is!!!!

[slccom]

Joe, thanks for writing!  Those are great ideas, and I do have lots of sun protective clothing. At least right now, I am very sensitive to the sun.  Even with hats and clothes and sun block I will be sick for days after 20 minutes of sun exposure.  It has gotten a lot better now that I am on methotrexate.  Maybe it will continue to get better.

I'm so glad to hear the good news. I sure hope you continue to improve. I really miss my athletic days. I took them for granted. 

Sharon

[Saundra]

Ark, thanks for sharing your wonderful news.  Its so good to hear that something you thought was lost because of ss has made its way back into your life.  A positive ray of sunshine (haha) is always welcomed.


XOXO
Ldy

[Cheryl]

ArkMom, I'm excited for you, too!  I hope that you will be blessed with energy to play your best with no resulting flares.  Go for it!  (Requesting an indoor court was genius and courageous!)