Comments on: Rebecca Fleming

By: Legal user

Legal user — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 06:11:11 +0000

I have RA since I can remember. Always thought it was normal to have pain in the joints. Everyone thought I was a well behave kid because I never run around. I was finally diagnosed when I was 16. I was hospitalized for 3 months. Pumped full of aspirin, the only NSAID available for pediatric use. I am 59 now. Had tried everything there is. Had my hips and wrists replaced when I was 40. Humira lowered my immunity enough to cause cellulitis and systemic infection that put me on iv vancomycin, celhalosporin and clindamycin for a month. I have since then stay away from it. Prednisone and mtx seems to work well. But the side effects are pretty scary.
I have learn to hide my pain pretty well after dealing with it all my life. Like how to lean on tables and chairs to get up without being noticed. Walking slowly as if you are just just not in a rush. Taking a break on you way to your car in the parking and act as if you were looking for your vehicle. Able to use different hand when the other is out of commission. I refused to let RA put me down. But is only so much you can deny and hide. Deep down I accepted it for what it is and try to work with it the best I can. Exercise when ever possible. Making a conscious effort to fight it when ever I can. My doctor and I work on pain management to facilitate my mobility. I know that opiate is not indicated for arthritic pain, but high doses during acute painful flair up enables me to keep moving. They say rest is need during inflammatory stage, but I find that continued motion helps me to avoid the stiffness that comes after immobilization for any length of time. Fifty some years had thought me how to deal with pain. Every once in a while I would breakdown and cry. But I always continue fighting, there is no other option. Suicide is illegal, and I don’t want to have a record.

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:25:36 +0000

Thank you for sharing!! Rock On!

By: nan

nan — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:06:56 +0000

Loved your upbeat attitude! I think that it is so important to staying mentally ahead of RA! All the best, Nan

By: BethM

BethM — Mon, 16 May 2011 21:38:34 +0000

Wow, It’s so nice in (a sad) kinda way.. that someone else feels the way I do !
I struggle with fatigue on a dialy basis. Especially since I have a two year old. I’ve tried to go without rest days and it NEVER is good. I get emotional along with being tired. Those are horrible days. I always feel like a bad mom on the days when we don’t do anything. So, Thank you. Thanks for the cheer up.
Ps- I saw your hands, Poor girl ! I’m 27 and I was diagnosed when I was 8.
Beth

By: valentine K.

valentine K. — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:16:43 +0000

Rebecca, thank you for sharing your story You are a strong woman! I think its great you still celebrate the great things in your life…
i got RA at 16 and i had never met anyone who got RA younger than i did…..i am pleased to meet you
soldier on!