Nanci K..."livng" with RA

nk41042 is Nanci Living With It Full time Hospital Administrator for a small animal... Send Message Subscribe: nk41042

Thursday, October 02, 2008
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I feel your pain...REALLY!! I was diagnosed when I was 26 years old and had a 3 month old and a 4 year old. I lived in a great od two story house and I worked as a veterinary technician part time, a job I loved. It took a long time to come up with a diagnosis and (my family doc) when I was diagnosed ...

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Living with Rheumatoid Arthritish
Galen Gilchrist
Thursday, October 02, 2008 at 11:31 AM

   I have been living with RA for 45 years, being diagnosed at the age of 19. It went through my body fast and furious. I gave birth to two daughters having to get verycreative in the way I moved them around the house.

   I have had both knees replaced and an ankle fusion. I know this disease can be depressing and there are days when you swear you will not be able to get out of bed. Take it slow and be like the little engine that could. "I think I can, I think I can." Having a positive attitude helps, but there are days when you feel there is nothing positive about it. It helps to smile even when you don't feel like it. The mere act of smiling changes the endorphins in your brain and you will feel better.

   I wish you luck and keep the faith.

re: Living with Rheumatoid Arthritish
nk41042
Thursday, October 02, 2008 at 10:48 PM

I love your analogy of "The Little Engine That Could." Ain't it the truth!

I remember picking up my baby with my upper arms because my hands just couldn't do it.

I hope that when I have been at it for 45 years I can be as positive as you are. I, too, have some pity party days when positive just isn't there. That is when I am especially blessed with an understanding boss(friends) and my husband...because all I want to do is stay in bed and pull the covers up over my head. Keep the faith...we are stronger together! Nanci

Wow
psd
Thursday, October 02, 2008 at 09:16 PM

My first thought when I read both of your stories was Wow! I am 43 and have only had RA about 15 years or so,maybe longer my mom and I suspect I actually started as a teen, only 8 years since I was diagnosed. I know how much a positive attitude helps. Finding a good rhuemy is the number one thing. I hate going to doctors but I was lucky to find a good one the first time around. Somedays are tough it's true but somedays aren't. You both are inspiring to me, thanks!

re: Wow
nk41042
Thursday, October 02, 2008 at 10:51 PM

I know I am a Pollyanna, but it gets me through a lot. You sound like you are "living" with your RA and that's what we do. We are tougher than most and don't give up! Well some days I do get back in bed and pull up the covers and hide! We are allowed that now and then...I feel it is my body saying STOP!, slow down and rest. God bless you....Nanci

re: Wow
Galen Gilchrist
Monday, October 06, 2008 at 03:25 PM

I agree with you, a goodRheumatologist is paramount. It can mean the difference between an experiensce such as you are having, some good days and some not so good, and a horrible experience with the disease.When I first had it there were no Rheumatologists and was told by doctor after doctor to take aspirin u fntil my ears rang which I did. I finally found a really good Rheumatologist and things started to get immediately better. Yes I too have had bad and good days, but it is my life and I try really hard to make the best of it. Don't say you have only had RA for 15 years. When you have it regardless how long some days seem like forever. - Galen

an inspiration
diane carter
Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 02:59 AM

hi i read your comment, and just want to say you keep going, i have been suffering with joint pains since may 2008 and gradually got worse, one day shoulders another day knees, wrists, hands,time of the month its worse,and i live every day taking anti inflammetrys and pain killers.i work as a teaching assistant in a primary school,and have two very young children , some days i cant even pick my youngest up, which frustrates me, and house work.......i see a specialist next month for the first time and just hope he can help with this misery and help me to pick my children up again and cuddle them like a mum should without any pain, i also suffer with an under active thyroid which on information doesnt help.

re: an inspiration
nk41042
Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 06:59 PM

You hang in there Diane. I know it is tough, but going to a specialist is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family. You also have to be your own advocate, ask questions, and sometimes demand answers or specific treatments! I was diagnosed with being Hypothyroid prior to my RA diagnosis, which is interesting that you were too!

There are things to remember: Ask for help, rest and let the "stuff" go until you are up to it. I did find that sleep was something I really do need to get, a good 7-8 hours at night and a brief nap if you can. I always tried to take a nap when my boys did, cause I needed one too! Taking care of you is most important. I highly recommend the book "Simple Abundance" and urge you to get it. It becomes a close friend as I read each day and remember "me" time. I learned to pick up my kids with my arms because my wrists couldn't do it. They would also climb up onto the couch for me to lift them, or crawl onto my lap. I know it is a challenge, but it is worth it. There are so many wonderful new medications that, if they get you started right away, could keep your joints from being damaged further. If you need to just talk or blow off steam or just need a prayer, let me know. Nanci