How RA has changed my life.

Thank you.  I hope you are feeling better as the day moves forward.  Are you on oral meds for your RA?  I would not be surprised if the increased pain in your joints is from the rain.  I have found in recent months that the pain increases when there is rain in the forecast. (maybe I should apply for a weather forecaster position-seems like I can predict the rain better than they can) lol. 

I am a caregiver and have been my entire life.  I was the "responsible" one when growing up.  Sometimes though, it can be a curse because people seem to expect more.

It is a new path in my life dealing with RA.  But, I  know that with patience and time, things will work out.  It has had its twists and turns.  One of the scariest was last year when I had my annual mammogram and they found a spot on my right breast. I found out later, it was a nodule and that with RA this is common.  I have learned a great deal from the nurses at the doctors office.

I also believe that my pets have helped me.  They can sense when I am not doing well and comfort me in their own little ways.  They don't judge me when I am not able to do things (however, if I don't feed them by a certain time, that has its consequences). 

I intend to start working on my writing.  I used to write poetry when dealing with past issues, then as work took more of my time and other things, I let it go by the wayside.  My youngest brother has written and has had 5 books published. My sister writes and has had things published on line and is in the process of writing about her time in the navy.  I used to write stories as a teenager so maybe this time, I will get them published.  RA may affect my joints, but has not affected my mind.

I hope and pray for the best for you.  Take care.

Yesterday was pretty much a wash, pain meds and lots of sleep.  I hate to lose days like that, but today seems like it may be better so I must look forward, right?  I am on plaquenil, ambien to help me sleep at night, and ultracet for the pain.  I also take a vitamin D supplemet.  You may want to ask for your vitamin D level to be tested (just a simple blood test).  They have been calling vitmain D deficiency a "silent epidemic". 

My cat seems to pick up on when I don't feel well, too.  Funny how animals can be more sensitive than people sometimes, but then they don't have the distractions and responsibilities that we all do :) 

Glad to hear you had a better day.  You just never know what each day will bring.  I do take 800 mg of Vit D and 1200 mg of calcium every day.  That was the first thing the doctor told me to do after a month of taking 40,000 mg of Vit d weekly.  He also recommende Osteo Biflex and I take 2 of those daily as well as 2000 units of fish oil and 1000 units of flaxseed oil.  I take a B Complex and that has helped to eliminate the tingling I was having in my hands.  The only med I'm currently on is Peroxicam to help with the inflammation.  I take nothing for the pain since the Peroxicam has to be watched with aspirins and the like.. 

Animals are amazing!  They are so in tune with us and know when we need their comfort.  I believe people who have pets, have an added bonus.  I am no longer able to walk my dogs, but I have a large backyard in which they play in.  Mostly they chase the squirrels and the occasional stray cat that comes in. All of my cats are indoor cats so I don't have to worry about them straying or getting hurt.  They don't seem to miss not going outside.

It is so interesting how the rheumatologist's differ in the treatment of RA.  You've given me some good things to ask my Doc about.  I'm not taking any herbal supplements because I'm scared that they may have a negative effect (like echinacea), but the joint med you mentioned sounds interesting.  It seems logical to take calcium, as a woman AND an RA sufferer.  Ewww, I don't think I like that word "sufferer", but it sums it up, doesn't it.  Back tot work today and playing catch up.  I so wish I didn't have to, but then...who deosn't wish they didn't have to work.  Deep inside I know I'd miss it.  After a nice long rest, anyway.

I agree that having a pet is an advantage.  They've even proven in studies that older folks fend off depression better if they have a pet.

I agree with your comments about the difference from each providers perspective. The doctor I see does listen and will tell me if I am wasting my time with supplements. I have such a weird system when it comes to medications so I am happy he does not nay say when I have had reactions. 

I work from home for my company and that really has helped.  If I am having a bad day, it helps to be able to take a break and make up the time later in the day knowing I don't have a drive home after I'm through.  Plus, when I am having an adverse reaction to a drug, I feel comfortable being at home.

I agree about people with pets.  I feel had my mother-in-law had a pet, she may have fared bettr. She had allergies but I think some kind of pet (even a bird) would've been some company for her.