Welcome to RA Diabetes

Welcome to RADiabetes (RAD). RAD is a personal web site developed by Rick Phillips to share general information as well as my personal story of living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Type 1 Diabetes. I also like to poke fun at the diseases, discuss a social issue or two and occasionally tell others about my family life. Even though I am the only person with these diseases, in my family we all live with the consequences and humor that having one or both of these diseases bring. I hope as you visit the site you will find meaning, inspiration and a good laugh now and then.

Rick’s Story

In 1974 I was a typical guy; I loved the outdoors, riding bicycles, cars and of course I had an interest in girls. My diagnosis was not at all unexpected. My mother had type 1 diabetes as did her sister who unfortunately died when Mom and she were children. But the truth is; I had lived with diabetes my entire life, first in vitro as my mother had gestational diabetes and then as a child when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Then while visiting Disneyworld, I became very ill, was rushed home to Indiana and admitted to the hospital. I had my first insulin injection even before I was admitted. I was released from the hospital on my 17th birthday. I learned two things that week. Illness can happen any time and Disneyworld is not always the happiest place on earth.

For the next 26 years I was reasonably self-sufficient. There were no major illnesses or issues. But then I started to feel awful all of the time and I was having difficulty moving, walking or even sitting. That was when I was introduced to the new world of Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was in the middle of my career and having RA was not a part of my plan.

I worked for 12 more years after diagnosis with RA until I was unable to keep pace and had to find a different purpose in life. So in 2008 I accepted (with great reluctance) disability retirement from my employer.

The truth is often forgotten however. I am first and foremost a husband (Sheryl and I have been married since 1977), a father (2 wonderful sons), and grandfather to 3 of the most charming, intelligent, and awesome grandchildren (I know opinions may vary).

But through it all I still love bicycles, collecting things, laughing a lot (mostly at me), sarcasm, and most importantly having a good time. I hope you will join me on that journey.