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I work at a women's dress shop and I'm on my feet a lot. Several years ago — right before I was diagnosed with Paget's disease — I noticed that it wasn't just my feet that hurt after standing all day.
My husband convinced me to go see a doctor. I did, and after some blood tests and an x-ray, she told me I had Paget's disease. I was so depressed. I love ballroom dancing, and my first thought was my dancing days are over.
I remember seeing a picture of a little girl and a butterfly — and to a degree, that's how I treat myself. Like I'm fragile. Yet, I don't want to give up things I like to do.
I don't let Paget's disease run my life, but I've made some adjustments. I changed my schedule at work. I'm now doing part bookkeeping, part sales to give myself a break from all that standing.
I try to be a good patient and follow my doctor's orders. Working my medicine into my mornings can be difficult. And confusing — there are so many things to remember about taking it. Since I know I have to do it, I try to make the best of it. I also take calcium and vitamin D like my doctor recommended.
Actually, I do a lot of walking with my dog. That's my main exercise. And my husband and I still go dancing once in awhile. If I'm tired or achy, I sit down, but I'm usually good for one last dance.
*Alice 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.
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