Sources of Information

bj in pain everyday Living With It I am a married, 38, mother of 2 teenage boys. Send Message Subscribe: bj in pain everyday

Wednesday, April 08, 2009
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Why is all of the RA sources of information geared toward the 50 and older crowed? I am frustrated that I can't find any helpful information on how to live with this illness and work full time and raise teens. Everything I read includes a statement like "you might want to take a leave from work ...

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tessie
Wednesday, April 08, 2009 at 07:35 PM

Well, you will find many on here that are working and plugging along with kids and jobs. The sites (informational) might be like you say, but the people on community boards come from a wide range of situations. I think really that the focus of sites needs to change more with the times...reflect that meds are allowing people to work for longer and longer, and that people of all walks and capabilities from RA are hitting the internet for info, encouragement, and support.

I do read a blog about work and chronic illness:

Rosalind Joffe

I hear ya about not being able to entertain the option of not working. I am NOT working, haven't for about 8 months, but I know that most people try to keep going as long as possible...and as necessary.

My youngest of 3 just turned 17 yesterday. Being a boy, I'm pretty sure he's kinda "over" mom right now! He graduated at 16 from HS, and has been busy ever since. I hate to admit it, but it's like he's on autopilot, getting ready to launch himself on his path. My other son, 19, and he actually live together. It is such a blessing that they are good boys and love each other tremendously. My 21 year old daughter lives out of town and I MISS HER so much.

My frustration is that their dad is acting like a teen, basically homeless but he would call it "exploring options." Well, dang-it, HE's needed while HIS KIDS explore THEIR options and their mom is basically flat on her back 80% of the time!! Thank all that is right and true in the world that I have my husband. But yeah...teens need so much in such a different way as they prepare to make their way. I'm glad that it seems to be (for me at least) more relational stuff than carpooling or birthday parties or diapers!! But even though what they need from me doesn't require out-and-out activity, it can be overwhelming sometimes because there is so much more that they sometimes need, and sometimes it is more than I have available.And I wasn't referring to money, but OH YEAH there's that too.

re: Untitled Comment
bj in pain everyday
Wednesday, April 08, 2009 at 08:43 PM

I am glad for the responses and I am so sorry for the situations you are in. I am very heartbroken for your situation.

I however wanted to know where there are other blogs, sites and other resources for folks who are not 50 and older but are younger and working for thier retirement and their families and trying to maintain the RA issues.

Does anyone have sources that they can recommend?

Thanks in advance,

BJ

re: re: Untitled Comment
tessie
Thursday, April 09, 2009 at 01:18 AM

Sorry. Guess I am guilty of TMI.

I sent some suggestions to you in a personal message.

Hope you find what you are looking for.

Jamie...wow! Got RA AFTER your car wreck. Dang woman. Best of luck with those teens! I actually LOVE teens, which greatly surprises me!!

tess

Web site suggestion
Jamie
Wednesday, April 08, 2009 at 09:22 PM

Hi BJ,

I am in the same boat you are with sons 11 & 13 and trying to cope. I am not working as I was disabled from a car accident 4 months before the RA developed. I can't imagine working a job with RA as well.

There is a web site I came across called www.momswithra.com, I haven't had time to explore it myself yet but intend to. There are an awful lot of young people on this site raising children too.

Hope that's helpful,

Jamie