Comments on: Pacifism

By: Phil

Phil — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:41:14 +0000

I still wish it would just leave me, but like you , when I fight it I am fighting me. I lay down and do my deep breathing exercises to relax my whole body and then imagine my painful areas as pebbles or piles of leaves that are clogging up a stream and that my energy flow with each breath,just like rising water, can wash the pebbles and leaves out of the way and widen my stream of energy. Sounds silly but sometimes it works to get me through a tough day.
Hang in there.
Rooting for you on this end.
Three cheers for the RA guys positive vibes.
Phil

By: Lynda

Lynda — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:38:09 +0000

After 29 years since my initial diagnosis, I’ve come to have to accept that not only is it more helpful to accept and minimize than to fight against the disease… but that acceptance itself is cyclical. Right about the time I have a really calm outlook and think ‘finally, I’ve gotten here!’ then something tosses me out of that calm, and its time to fight a bit more, or mutter ‘why me’ some more.

So, then there is the need to accept the ethereal nature of acceptance..hah. Ah well, something to muse on when you’re too stiff to get out of bed.

By: Wren

Wren — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:50:09 +0000

I admire all of your for regarding — or trying to, at least — your RA as a part of you. I’m trying to do that, but even after all these years, I’m still struggling with even calling my particular dose of RA “mine.” To me, it’s always been a foreign invader. And because of that, while I do what I can to treat the disease and take care of myself because of (or in spite of) it, I still resent it as an unwanted and not-at-all-benevolent occupier. I have to live with it, but I must also do all I can to subvert it and, ultimately, drive it away.

Thanks, everyone, for getting me thinking again. Perhaps I’ll get to the point, one of these days, when I can tolerate the RA in my body rather than feel as if I’m constantly beset by a vicious invader.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:08:20 +0000

I absolutely agree. I view my pain and fatigue as my body asking for help. I give it what it needs – rest, kindness, and comfort. Despite the risks and side effects, I view my Humira not as something toxic, but as something soothing and healing. While I don’t necessarily feel better physically, it’s a much more peaceful way to live. Everyone gets there in their own time.

By: Helen

Helen — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:17:53 +0000

Thanks, RA Guy.

Your post has helped me think this through some more, too. I really do feel like RA is just a part of me like anything else, and I need to take care of it instead of fighting it, just like I take care of other parts of my body.

Of course it’s different with acute illnesses like cancer, but those of us with chronic, lifelong illness really do need to find a way to live harmoniously with them. That doesn’t mean we don’t treat them and try to feel better. It just means we conceptualize treatment differently.

I’m glad you’re feeling this way.