I joined this site not long after being diagnosed with RA in April of 2009.  I tended to "lurk"; checked the site daily and read posts, but didn't really start posting or commenting until February of this year.  I have been off work due to a bad RA flare since 8/27.  I have had a lot of time to read posts and comments on this site- and I can't tell you how much support this site and its members have provided me over these past two weeks!

Since joining I've realized there is a great resource in this site.  There is always great advice to be had- and information abounds! I can be having the absolute WORST day possible- but if I come here and read one or two posts/comments, I immediately start to feel better! And once my attitude is improved, I feel somewhat more empowered to deal with my RA and its ever present symptoms.

Many of you I don't know personally. Some of you I've gotten to "know" through reading share posts and comments. Some of you I've become friendly with through the back and forth banter of comments and emails.  I never realized the "power" this site holds for me- until now.  If you're not sure if you should post something, just know this. You may not be aware of the lives you touch with your posts/comments.  Holding back, like I did initially, means depriving someone lurking out there a much needed spirit lift or a key piece of advice they may have been searching for! Please don't hesitate to share yourself here.  The impact you have may be HUGE in someone's life. Like mine.

So I wanted to say a big thank you to all of you who post here! The support and good feeling I get from this group means so much to me! And has, on many occasions, helped me pull myself up by my boot straps and go on with my day!

So please, all, continue to post. Continue to write your share posts and comments- you may be commenting or posting directly to someone you know, but you never know who you may be helping indirectly along the way!

Thanks you guys!

'Shine