Don't forget to pack your RA

Sara Nash Living With It Young, single professional in New York City At the beginning of my 29th year, my immune system, in an act of... Send Message Subscribe: Sara Nash

Tuesday, November 04, 2008
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Times like this, I’m so over having a high maintenance disease. About a week ago, I was, all excited to jet out to San Francisco for my sister’s wedding, and the list of tasks I had to do as Manager of my RA was annoyingly long: • Check all 8 million prescriptions ...

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MBB
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 at 04:07 PM

Oh, you're still able to travel?

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Sara Nash
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 at 09:11 PM

yep-it takes its wear and tear on me, but given my family is spread out all over, and it is one of my favorite things, I will fight giving that up tooth and nail.

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MBB
Saturday, January 03, 2009 at 10:43 PM

Hey Sara, I have decided that I will buy a wheelchair in 2009, instead of staying at home! Over the last ten+ years that I have had RA I realize that I have become a bit of a recluse (which is antithetical to my normal behavior). So keep traveling for as long as you can!!! Michele

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Sara Nash
Saturday, January 03, 2009 at 10:49 PM

That's awesome! I think reclaiming anything we can, in whatever way we can do it is vital. Here's to some adventures in 2009!

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Lene Andersen
Thursday, November 06, 2008 at 11:43 AM

It an especially sharp irony that the people with fatigue end up having all this work piled on top of them. I need a personal assistant to manage the extras, so I can back to my life...

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Sara Nash
Friday, November 07, 2008 at 12:35 AM

no kidding! in fact, i just wrote something to that effect....

Travel
Audrey Novak
Thursday, November 06, 2008 at 02:19 PM

I loved your email. I to love to travel. I like to drive, my husband and I find it relaxing. Just two months ago we drove from Dallas to New Orleans, one of many times. Like you packing is difficult, driving I need to make more stops to excercize my legs and knees, they both swell and start to get uncomfortable, but it is worth it. I no longer can make the hike from our hotel into the French Quarter, we take a Taxi and then walk around and make frequent stops, my husband is ill as well so the both of us rest up more on our trips. I have to know that after I take the Meth I have a couple of days that I plan the less strenuous things and the last time just ordered room service the day after the meds and hung out in the room most of the day. No children, no barking dogs, no phone and a beautiful view of the river, not such a bad thing.

We have to find ways as you said to not let this get the best of us and fight it all the way. I get a bit down sometimes and I don't like that when I baby sit my grandchildren that it hurts to pick them up and down but again it is worth it. We just have to plan better and work around the pain as best we can.

Have a great trip(s) and I applaud your way of looking at this horrible thing we suffer from. Keep smiling, take care of you. Peace and Grace, Audrey

re: Travel
Sara Nash
Friday, November 07, 2008 at 12:38 AM

thank you SO much for this comment-it was great to get on a rough day like today! I wholeheartedly agree with you- even though it is a pain and I sometimes (often times....) resent having to plan more and do more to accomplish something, for me, it has been really important not to succumb without a fight! That's great that you all still travel and get out there and do what is important to you- one way or another-thanks again.

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Rena
Friday, November 07, 2008 at 02:57 PM

     I really enjoyed reading your post! I myself, love to travel!!! But,...like you, I have to do almost all the same things that your post mentioned. It does take a lot more planning and time! I always feel completely drained by the time I get all packed up and ready to go. I feel nervous when going thru security too. On occasion I get picked for the baggage search and I feel like everyone is looking when the security officer pulles out my rather large bag of medications. I'm almost sure that everyone is thinking, Holy Macaroni, this chic is a prescription druggie or a hypocondriac! I hate that!

     I fidget constantly on the planes because my legs and feet bother me a lot. I've never heard of "high altitude socks"?!?!?!? Do they really help with the aching??? Where did you purchase the socks??? If they work, I must have some!

     Thanks again for the post! Have a wonderful trip and fly safe!

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Sara Nash
Saturday, November 08, 2008 at 08:37 PM

Hey Rena,

Yes-i love the high altitude socks (not sure that is there official name). They are basically really tight socks that you can get at brookstones or anywhere that sells travel stuff. I got them pre-RA because my ankles would swell up when I flew, and now with the RA, i find they help my legs and feet stay much more comfortable and adjust to the changes in pressure. They might be called high pressure socks-i'm sure if you google them or check brookstone's you can find them-or certainly at an airport the next time you fly. Hope they help!

Sara

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mckenzie
Friday, November 07, 2008 at 07:56 PM

Sara, I love ur share posts! What u said is so true. Having RA is a drag!! Life is not fair! But what can we do more than try to cope with it! Keep good

lisa

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Sara Nash
Saturday, November 08, 2008 at 08:38 PM

Thanks, Lisa! It's true-we just have to keep on going, one way or another. grrrrr.

Sara

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Debi
Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 12:42 PM

I love to travel and have had severe arthritis for 26 years and had have 7 joint replacement. I don't let it get me down ever. I keep a bag packed for overnight, I pace my self to get things done right.

I make sure they meet me with a wheel chair on the other end.

I also keep a list of medications on me. There are so many good people out there that can will help. I never asked for help but I do now and it is alot easier.

debi