Comments on: Some Say Freefall, I Say Soar

By: RA Guy

RA Guy — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:16:27 +0000

Mallen, I think I’ve made great strides in dealing with bad pain and really bad pain. When it gets to really really bad pain, as at the moment, it still gets the best of me at times. If there’s anything good, it makes regular pain seem like a walk in the park.

Kelly, yes I meditate regularly to varying degrees, and it helps me greatly. Sometimes, just taking a few deep breathes and telling myself that everything is going to be okay gives me an extra little boost to keep moving forward.

Amanda, I started with just one class 3x a week. I knew that some days would be more difficult than others, but I have on regrets in taking the class. Once I’m into the lecture/lesson, my mind is distracted from the pain.

Lana, you’ve got a troll too?? hehe. Yes, I too have a little bit of anger still about how long it took for me to receive a diagnosis, but all I can hope is that all of us who are writing and blogging about our stories can help other individuals get a more speedy DX.

By: Lana

Lana — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:40:17 +0000

That troll’s brother lives under my bed. Arthritis is a naive condition. Like Fibromyaliga, there are many in the medical professional that actually wonder whether RA exists. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, an estimated 46 million adults in the United States reported being told by a doctor that they have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Additionally, an estimated 1.3 million adults were affected by rheumatoid arthritis in 2005. Also, an estimated 5.0 million adults had fibromyalgia in 2005.

Seriously,a can of whoopass is appropirate when it comes to such ignorance. Ten years – it took for me to be diagnosed. I was only 22 when I started having symptoms that no one could explain, and I remember those days of either being told to take some Advil, rest, or hey, maybe you need some anti-anixety meds. (Paxil only makes you sicker.) And this by the medical profession. What about the number of people who keep telling you that I should do this or that to “cure” your condition?

Sometimes, the ignorance angers me, but other times, I am grateful for everything I have been given. Life’s a test, and our time here on earth is short-lived. All we can do is be patient, and allow our faith to guide us.

And I love the cape analogy. It is a good one to visualize on those bad days.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:34:38 +0000

Time also seems to fly when you’re NOT having fun, right? Just out of curiosity, how do you balance classes with RA? I’m considering taking some and that has been part of my hesitation. Feel better!!!!!

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:32:30 +0000

Hi RA guy!

I was wondering if you have ever explored meditation? I went to a holistic practice in Philadelphia and my doctor recommended their course which was pretty intense. I have to say that meditation has been a great help is pushing the pain to a place where I can just be. It doesn’t take the pain away…..but does help me feel more centered and relaxed which does help me cope with the pain. I refused a long time ago to let this pain keep me in bed and meditation is one of the keys that helps me get up and out.

I’m sorry your having such bad pain. My weekend was pretty pain filled, too.

By: Mallen

Mallen — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:08:12 +0000

This is the same attitude that I try to have as well. I, too, would easily never leave my house. But usually once I’m out I enjoy myself and am glad I came.

I was quite young when I started to have pain. I just rationalized it as normal when it really wasn’t. It’s funny how we do this to ourselves, especially when doctors don’t take us seriously. Really looking back, I’ve been fighting this RA way longer than the five years I’ve been diagnoised.

Sorry about your feet.