Comments on: Rapid Response

By: Jules

Jules — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:46:58 +0000

Cathy- it is true that it is easier to be mellow and philosophical when we are feeling good- but it really is more of a moral victory for me when we can have those moments when we are feeling rotten.

I can be a miserable….well you know, when I am feeling rotten. My husband put up with it a lot when we first started dealing with this. Now, I try very, very hard to take a “this too shall pass” attitude when I am flaring. It makes it easier on both of us and forces me to find positives (being forced to take it easy, perhaps?) in a negative situation. I think that helps me on the road to healing as much as any of my meds.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:53:18 +0000

I too have been “hoping my RA doesn’t come back” this week. I had a fabulous July, and as much as I tried to remind myself that RA doesn’t really go away, apparently I still had that thought in the back of my mind. I’m more disappointed than I’d like to be that I’m having some problems this week. I think it’s easier for me to be all mellow and philosophical about it when I’m feeling good – maintaining that viewpoint when I’m flaring is a different story!

By: Cathy

Cathy — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:31:20 +0000

We have been learning very similar lessons this week. There is always more we can do – our superpowers are endless! Yesterday I had a discussion with my acupuncturist about the longevity of my RA. We both feel we will get it to a point that I have more good days than bad but unfortunately my joints are my Achilles heel and whenever my body is over stressed by foods not appropriate for my individual body, life stress, environmental stress, etc, that my joints will always be the first to feel the effects. Saying that out loud helped me. I need to keep reminding myself that my body is healing (I do believe that!) but it is also always going to have setbacks. I can accept that. I think our good days remind us to keep working and not give up and our bad days remind us to take a look at what is going on in our lives that may be putting extra stress on our bodies.

Thanks for mentioning my post!

By: RA Guy

RA Guy — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:15:12 +0000

Angie, I think you hit the nail right on the head. Part of the problem was willing my RA not to return. I think that this past weekend I finally leaned that my efforts were best spent thinking that when my RA returns, I will be prepared to do what is necessary and focus on what aspects are in my control. (As you say, “How do I ensure that I’m the boss today.”)

I can’t say enough about this cream – we had a discussion on creams and lotions here a few weeks back, you can read more at: http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/?p=5075

My diet goes well, everything remains “eliminated” – I haven’t gotten around to reintroducing different items to see which ones bother me more…I’m just enjoying the way things are at the moment.

One last note, yesterday Cathy at The Life and Adventures of Cateepoo also shared an encouraging story of her own experience with a return of RA this past weekend. http://thelifeandadventuresofcatepoo.blogspot.com/2009/08/pack-your-bags-rheumatoid-arthritis.html

By: Angie

Angie — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:55:12 +0000

Well, RA Guy, in my humble opinion, I don’t think any of us should use the terms “I hope my RA doesn’t come back” when we feel good. It never really goes away does it? I am in the mind-set of “How do I ensure that I’m the boss today.” I’m very glad that you figured out what will tackle it for you. And can you tell me a little more about that joint cream you mentioned? It sounds wonderful. Where can I get some? How’s the diet going? Is it working? Angie