Comments on: Opening Doors

By: Celeste

Celeste — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:04:45 +0000

RA Guy–I’m just now discovering your blog and haven’t had a chance to read many of your posts. However, as someone said above, you have definitely made lemonade from the lemons you were dealt. And I’m impressed.
That said, I imagine you realize how lucky you are to be in the position to be able to work from home. Unfortunately many of us are not, myself included. Not that I couldn’t do a good portion of my job from home, but that my “big boss” (a dean–I work on a major university campus) doesn’t allow it. Many people still don’t see RA as a debilitating disease or think that b/c you may look fine then you must feel fine. It’s very frustrating as I’m sure you’re aware!
You give me the courage the try to think outside of MY own box and maybe find, or even create my own, alternatives.
As much as I tend to complain about my job, if I didn’t have it I honestly think I would go insane. We all need something to make us feel needed, like a valuable part of society, even in the smallest of ways.
Your tutoring kids is phenomenal. While you’re at it, can you teach them how to spell??? : )

Please keep blogging and if you have a few minutes, head over to mine: http://iamnotmyselves.blogspot.com/

I’m a newbie but have found that it’s great therapy…even if no one else reads it!

By: Peter

Peter — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:20:13 +0000

Good for you. I think we have to be thinking of how we can shape our own lives and careers as we cope with chronic illness. You future sounds extremely satisfying and happiness is what is really is all about in the end.

By: kylie

kylie — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 03:18:29 +0000

Hi. I’m a 59 year old woman who has severe RA. I almost died from it this past year. I am considerably better now however I spend 95% of my time in bed and I have 2 caregivers who take care
of me. I can barely walk with a walker and I’ll do just about anything to try and not have to use my electric wheelchair.
I was a bank manager for many years and I had my Real Estate license for 20 years. I have been on many Boards of Directors and
have been a community leader for over 30 years.
RA is a brutal disease. My hands are frozen in fists and my toes
project off to the side. I type with 1 finger.
The hardest thing about this disease is keeping motivated in a positive direction.
I am currently working with our local fire department to develop
a FEMA emergency plan. This allows me to continue to be active
in my community.
I practice Buddhism as it helps me focus on being the best person I can be.
I am interested in communicating with people with RA who are
still trying to live purposeful lives. I’m not looking for a pity party. I need to hear from people such as yourself who are inspirational.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 19:58:49 +0000

Have you considered teaching via the internet? Many universities are opening up that area of education, and you just might find one that really “fits” your needs! Money coming in is NOT to be sneezed at. Another positive thing, you can teach all over the world from your snug little office (or living room, or even bedroom) – you don’t have to live in the same country, much less state or city as the university.
Wishing you Adaptation, Improvising and Overcoming!
Cheerio!
Elizabeth
http://handicapaccomodations.wordpress.com
and several other blogs where I post occasionally

By: Carla

Carla — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:20:44 +0000

Love how you’ve made a truly delicious lemonade out of the lemons you were dealt.