Comments on: Staying Positive And Moving Forward

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:33:00 +0000

In my case, the depression came first – but it had been there since I was in my mid-teens. Although I now know why the depression set it, it’s been a rough row to hoe all along with more “stuff” coming out the older I get, but that’s a good thing – at long last. OA came next, then knee replacement #1, then RA, then Shingles, then knee replacement #2, more OA spreading itself out along with the RA. Today I got the cherry on top with the results of the newest x-rays – spine, neck and pelvis. OA in neck, degenerative disc disease in spine – and NOTHING in hips or pelvis! Is that amazing or what?!? Now I can say with all confidence there is not one thing wrong with my hips or pelvis! YAY! Yesterday I was a down as down can be – today, not so much. Why? I got out of the house for a change, even if it was to see the Rheumy. He is a nice guy, after all.

By: Shan

Shan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:07:10 +0000

I think my life with Art is much easier than most because I was diagnosed at 2 years of age. I’m now 35 and know no different. This is my life. This is my daily grind – always has been – and always will be. I think it would be much more difficult and much more heartbreaking for someone who knows what life is like without Art.

By: Deb aka abcsofra

Deb aka abcsofra — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:02:28 +0000

As always you say it straight and right on target. Getting help is a big step and knowing one needs it is actually the hardest part. And when seeking professional help, do be sure they have experience with chronic illness. These experts get it! They really do. And do get the proper pain management plan in place and this include real pain meds if the need be including narcotic ones. I wish someone out there would do a study on ra and determine which comes first…the pain and then the depression or the depression and then the pain. I am sooo hoping by now you like saying DUH….of course the pain comes first and then the depression. We know this, we get this and so why not the doctors treating us and in particular our rheumatologists. This is a very very sore topic of mine. I truly believe that ra pain is way undertreated and thus causes depression in many people. But getting a great therapist really and truly does help. And Ra guy you don’t want to get me started on Dr. X. We have all had them and usually a multitude of them….sadly.

By: Iris

Iris — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:30:50 +0000

I can’t tell you what a relief it was to discover my new psychologist was living with a chronic illness herself – it makes a world of difference when you can just tell them what’s going on, and don’t have to explain all the stuff that people struggling with this already know.