We are all riding the rolller coaster of ra and you are on the smoother part of the ride. I hope it keeps on forever for you. As with all things, each experience with ra is so different and even our own experiences can vary (and do) from day to day, hour to hour, etc. Enjoy your new found freedom and DO scream it from the rooftops. We all need to get our voices out there about ra and chronic illness in general. Some do OK with it, some thrive with it and some struggle. But...all our voice do and should be heard. Together we make a well rounded community. I am sooo happy for you!
Do I feel jealous? Hell yes! Do I wish that you weren't in remission? Hell no! When I struggle it is hard for me to see anyone having success and not wonder why I can't have the same.
But not once have I ever thought "gee, I wish Cathy wasn't having 'such an easy time'."
Cathy, I have followed your blog for some time. I have even eaten lunch with you. When I read that you were trying Enbrel I think quite possibly I was more excited for you then you were for yourself. You are a success story. We all need to hear and believe that there is some kind of a chance of it happening for us.
You have been so blessed while struggling so hard to help make yourself well. How could we possibly think you were bragging? Sharing good news is good for everyone. Just think someday it maybe one of us sharing good news...(can I get a date on that?)
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Please keep "bragging" Sister!
You aren't bragging, you are spreading hope and vicarious success. You are letting people know that RA can be hammered into a corner -- that is very important on dark days, believe me. Also, your story (and that of others) gives people ideas of what to talk to their own rheumies about -- what to try next, etc.
This is how I look at it. As a person with Sjogren's Syndrome, I love to read about people doing really well because it gives me hope. That being said, I do understand where you are coming from about sharing how well you are doing because a lot of times people cannot see past their own pain and suffering. Because of this, I am also hesitant to share my health successes on my blog and/or Facebook page but I do anyways. It's important to do that. If someone cannot handle it for any reason, they have the option to not read anymore, like you did. Thank you for sharing your success!
Keep on sharing. You give me hope that one day I can get there too. I think everyday with RA should be shared. The good, the bad and yes, even the ugly. We can learn from each other. Through sharing our days however they may be with RA uplift each other, we can encourage, support and give hope to each other.
Keep on sharing. You give me hope that one day I can get there too. I think everyday with RA should be shared. The good, the bad and yes, even the ugly. We can learn from each other. Through sharing our days however they may be with RA we can uplift each other, we can encourage, support and give hope to each other.
I agree with the ladies before me- you are not bragging- you are giving hope!
Quite honestly, when I see a blog that is ALWAYS about the bad days and NEVER about the good, I lose interest fast. I want to see the bright side of this illness we have been handed. I want to see what's working for other folks. I want to see that at some point I have the possibility of remission myself.
It's hard- I know- to know that your friends are having a tough time and your treatment is working for you. I don't feel that anyone who has any of the chronic illnesses would feel that one of us is bragging about remission. If it works for you- great! If we felt that way, no one would subscribe to Arthritis Today because they always highlight the success stories. We wouldn't read the positive blogs, we wouldn't work so hard to find what will bring that for us. Rather, we would just crawl inside ourselves and hibernate. What you (and those like you) bring to the table is a light at the end of the pain tunnel.
Be well and stay well!
Thanks for all the wonderful comments. It has encouraged me to share more!
Cathy,
I am so glad that I found your blog and, from it, these articles. When I was first diagnosed I thought things would never get better and, like you, only saw stories of pain and inflammation online. I read about "flares" but wondered what life was like when you weren't in "flare". I have been on Humira since August 24, 2012, and it has been a wonder drug for me. I get excited now by everything I can do and am so happy that my life is once again one of possibility. There is definitely a new appreciation! I am so glad that I can finally play with my kids (they are 2 and 4)and, although I still need to get to bed by 9, I know that the sleep is restorative and keeps me going through the day! I also read your post about "going primal". I am also following that route (6 weeks in) and the positive impact on my mood and energy makes it completely worthwhile, whether or not it ever allows me to reduce my dependency on DMARDs, etc. Last year I was in the deepest pit of depression and self-pity, and this year I am smiling, laughing, and testing my limits!
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it really is amazing, isn't it? I was especially struck by the story of your husband asking you to slow down. It's one of those moments where you just laugh and laugh with the giddy joy of it all.
Like you, I still share the changes. It's been longer for me - I'm on year 7 and there are still moments where the miracle of it all brings me to tears and laughter at the same time. And also like you, I believe that sharing the good can play an important role in bringing hope to people who are going through a rough time. Obviously, you have to temper it with an awareness of how difficult it can be to hear about somebody for whom the meds worked when you can't find one that kicks butt for you, but... without hope, the fight is impossible. Knowing that others out there found their answer can bolster your ability to hope and cope. Sometimes, it's as small (and huge) as helping someone go back to their rheumatologist and ask for help. Or get a new rheumatologist who knows more.
I am so very happy for you.