Because words alone can’t describe what it’s like to live with chronic pain.
(This image is based upon an “average” week in early April 2009.)
Stay tuned…for the next adventure of Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy!
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Trapped In A Box, No Longer
Last night, I had one of my longest cries in a long time. On Monday of this week, I called my doctor because my rheumatoid arthritis continues to worsen, even though two weeks ago we upped all of my medications and added a one-month Prednisone boost. One of the worst feelings in the world--even though I know that these meds often ...Knock Me Down, Pick Me Up
After a couple of relatively symptom-free weeks, my rhuematoid arthritis is once again knocking me down. Today I didn't get out of bed until around 1:00 p.m. Even then, I did't much get past first gear...although I am proud to say that even as my day passed by in slow-motion, I was able to make it into the kitchen to ...Cheers To Quality Of Life!
"Quality of Life (QoL) is a phrase used to refer to an individual’s total wellbeing. This includes all emotional, social, and physical aspects of the individual’s life. However, when the phrase is used in reference to medicine and healthcare as Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), it refers to how the individual’s wellbeing may be impacted over time by a ...How My Pain And Disability Improved My Life
Nine years ago tomorrow--on the day that I turned 30--I submitted a letter of resignation to my manager. My roaring twenties were over, and I could not be happier. By all practical purposes, the previous decade had been filled with many different successes: I graduated from Columbia, I graduated from Harvard, and only a few years later, I was earning ...Through The Looking Glass
I used to think that accepting the reality of my rheumatoid arthritis meant that I would be giving in to this disease. As long as I grabbed on to the life that I wanted (thus avoiding what was obviously becoming the life that I had), I figured that I would be okay. For a while this actually seemed to work, and ...My Own Personal Serenity Prayer
I had big plans for this morning. First, I was supposed to wake up early to take my dog Alva to the vet, so that we could check her blood sugar levels. Then, later in the morning we were going to do some shopping, followed by lunch at whatever restaurant happened to be in the vicinity of wherever we found ...The Importance Of Having Confidence In Our Decisions
Many readers know that, for almost the past year, I have been treating my rheumatoid arthritis without medications. Some people have interpreted this as me saying that I'm not doing anything for my RA, something which could not be further from the truth. During this past year, I attended physical therapy on a 2x or 3x weekly basis, I successfully incorporated ...Cleanup In Aisle 7, Please
Yesterday morning, I started my Friday in my usual way: I left my house at 10:00 am, in order to go to physical therapy. (I rarely ever make commitments before lunchtime, but I will make an exception for PT.) During my session, we did some of our regular therapies: heat, ultrasound, and electrotherapy. I was a little surprised that toward the ...What Is A Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare?
This is a rheumatoid arthritis flare: January 16, 2011 I woke up crying today. It used to be that I could alleviate some of the pain by staying still…but today, the exact opposite seems to hold true. It hurts to sit down. It hurts to stand up. It hurts to lay down. Pressing my forearms down on a tabletop, placing all of my weight ...Rheumatoid Arthritis And Physical Therapy
"Physical therapists, also known as physiotherapists, comprehensively assess RA patients in an ongoing manner. The evaluation of each patient includes an examination of affected joint flexibility, bony alignment/joint deformity, muscle strength, endurance, mobility, ambulatory status, and the ability to perform activities of daily living. It can be a delicate balance to enhance mobility and strength without fatiguing the patient or ...
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What Others Are Saying
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The Girl With Arthritis
Pain in the Neck
You Don't Look Sick - Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
A LOT MORE REAL ESTATE
Penny's Points
There's a hole in my bucket.
Not Standing Still's Disease
On the DL: My two days listening to the Dalai Lama
On the Ground
I got video...
A Rheumful of Tips
#454 – Nearing Hearing Loss?
Porcelain Doll - A Young Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferer
Metoject take two!
The Seated View
It's Heeeere...
My Rheumatoid Arthritis Journey
Useful Tips to Alleviate Joint Pain in RA
A Steadfast Love
A Thing Called Pride
Rannygahoots
Bedtime Stories
Living With Rheumatoid Arthtitis
Biosimilars – “Generics” for Biological Treatments for RA
Cooking with Arthur
Arthritis Friendly Recipe: Parmesan-crusted Chicken
Dual Sport Life
Devastating Week
Living Life As I See Fit
Blocked
From This Point. Forward.
Purses With Power!
Peace Love Wool
there is a crack in everything. that's how the light gets in.
Katie Stewart Vents About RA
Just Arthritis – NOT
Carla's Corner
The way we were
RAthlete: An Optimist Blogger
Chasing Curiosity
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Copyright © Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy, 2009-2013. Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy™. 60-Second Guide to RA™. Real Profiles of RA™. All rights reserved.
Neat idea, it’s like a pain journal with pictures…
I’m looking for the color key and I can’t find it. Darker colors for stronger pain, lighter for less?
Melissa, this was actually part of a pain journal I kept for a while – the front of the page had the picture and the back of the page had my writing.
Doreen, forgot the color key – thank for asking. Yes darker means stronger pain, lighter means less pain.
Complete sympathy from me. So on day 1, when the whole body is coloured blue, do you get prodromal muscles aches all over?
I’ve been following your blog for some time and I just want to thank you for your creativity and insight. I look forward to reading it every morning. Great way to start the day. The pain journal is a fabulous idea- I’m starting mine today!
Thank you!!!