Comments on: A Healing Relationship With Your Pain

By: Margaret

Margaret — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 11:06:38 +0000

I go to bed each night in thankfulness that I am still able to do some things I love…I care for my puppy, babysit a 7 y/o and an 18 month old when needed…and cook, I love to cook. I have wonderful family and friends. And even though I have lots of pain…I am blessed to have my life.

By: Bahrsmom

Bahrsmom — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 19:50:07 +0000

Oh forgot to mention, I still have really rotten days. It gets easier with time but you have to listen to your body. For the most part I’ve not had a serious flare up in years. Once you get your mind to cooperate the body kinda follows. If that makes sense. When the flare is over, dance like nobody’s watching, play ball. . . Live. And most of all don’t mind the ill comments. Ive been accused of sick leave abuse more times than I can count. The only people that really came close to understanding what it’s like living w/RA were the people that lived with me. And even they sometimes were insensitive. But it doesn’t bother me any more. I am who I am and I got things do to, I’m on a mission to wellness and rescuing my grandchildren from foster care. Even CPS has put an expiration on my ability to grand parent because of the RA they do not understand. Family members, co-workers & employers should be encouraged to read these articles also. I’m glad this site is here.

By: Bahrsmom

Bahrsmom — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 18:47:20 +0000

I’ve been living w RA since childhood along w Fibromyalgia and I’ve found that making peace with your pain certainly eases things and checks your attitude. Most of the time I simply refuse to acknowledge it. Deep breathing exercises, walking, walking, walking, does as much for your head as it does for circulation. Meditation and a deep seated goal or task you must complete before you allow your body to succumb to anything. I also take pharmacuetical grade liquid vitamins and strength train using rubber bands and cuffs. Most of the time people notice my back and arms before they notice the crooked hands, knobby feet n shoulders. I’m 54 yrs old and I can still turn heads when I walk into a room. my motto: What doesn’t kill m only makes me stronger and a little wiser. My long term goal (which has no room in it for RA or the likes of it) to rescue my grandchildren from foster care. The odds they say are against me. But that’s what THEY say. THEY said Id be a cripple, HA! THEY were wrong. Start and end each day w a positive statement and stop n smell the roses. Thank our creator and or the universe for all the things you are truly grateful for, and for all the things that have been and are great in our lives. I sincerely hope I’ve been a good cheerleader. Good luck! Good days and good life.

By: Tina Bone

Tina Bone — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 02:38:46 +0000

Thank you for sharing your personal experiences. I’ve had RA for 4 years. I’m not at that comfortable place yet. I know what you meant and at one time I thought I was there but lately I seem to be grasping at straws. I’m thinking of changing rheumatologists. I want a doctor to exhaust all tests trying to figure out why this has attacked me. No one in my family has ever had it or anything similar to it. I also want a doctor to help me with trying different things such as diet changes or hormone stuff or antibiotics. I want to be in on clinical trials. I guess in other words I want a research doctor and a clinical doctor. I know there isn’t a cure but to be sure there’s something besides biologics and prednisone that can help. I’m worn out, tired, angry, exhausted, frustrated etc. we can take a human heart out of a person, sit it on a table and repair it, put it back in a person but we cannot figure out why RA or find a cure…..give me a break!

By: Linda Basta

Linda Basta — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 01:11:12 +0000

I’m not there yet… even after 15 yrs.
I guess I need to read (or listen to the book).
Thanks…
You DO give us hope.

Linda
http://MyRheumatoidArthritisCenter.com