Thursday, May 31, 2012

Another in the family

By ronie Saturday, October 08, 2011

I received an email the other day from a "step-niece."  Although she is not a flesh and bone, blood relative, my heart cried as she asked me if her symptoms warranted being tested for RA.  I shook with disbelief.  She is in her early 20's newly married and full of joy of life.  She has been hiding her symptoms from her family and says her partner is kinda tired of her whining.  Oh how my heart cried!!!  Especially when she said that money was going to be a factor in how long it takes to get back to the doctor. 

I know there is nothing I can do except offer information and support.  But I often tell people I would not wish RA on my worst enemy.  Now I am praying to whatever Spiritual Power that is out there, that this sweetheart of a relative doesn't have this dreaded disease.  I know RA is hereditary and she was telling me that there are 3 people on her Mom's side of the family who have it.  Although she has seen it upclose and personal and is familiar with the twisted fingers and swollen joints and fatigue, I don't believe she is quite prepared for a personal battle with it all. 

 

I am praying hard against the obvious and whomever who wants to say a prayer and light a candle or bow to the moon goddess.

 

Thank you all!!!

Ronie

medicare suppiment
V, Health Guide
10/ 8/11 12:26pm

Hi, Ronie,

 

I hope your niece doesn't have RA. If she does, a quick diagnosis would surly be best, as we all know.  I don't know why I am stating the obvious.  Forgive me. I will light a candle and say a prayer for your niece when I go to church tomorrow.

 

Blessings,

V

10/ 9/11 7:51am

Thank you so much, Miss V.  A candle would be wonderful. 

V, Health Guide
10/ 9/11 4:02pm

The candle is lighted, Ronnie.  It is blue and beautiful, and the flame signifies our prayers reaching up to heaven for your niece.

 

Peace,

V

10/ 9/11 1:55am

Ronie,  I know how you feel.  Unfortunately.

 

A few months ago, my sister, who has been having severe issues with her hip, came for a visit.  We got to talking about her hip injury, which developed after a torn calf muscle in her other leg "from over use" (according to her osteo).  She mentioned her shoulder has been bother her (where my RA started), and her upper back and neck as well.  I told her to turn around and I put my finger on the spots where my back and neck hurt.  She was amazed, because I was spot on. 

 

I burst into tears.

 

Like you, I wouldn't wish this on anyone, let alone my sister.  I don't know what to do.  I told her to go get some tests and to see a rheumy in addition to her osteo, since RA does better the sooner you can get treatment.  I hope she took the advice, but she seemed pretty freaked out.  I haven't heard a thing more about it, though, so I have my doubts she did.

 

I sincerely hope your niece does not have this disease (or anything!).  I'd cross my fingers, but...  Hopes and well wishing will have to suffice ;)

10/ 9/11 7:56am

Oh my Lord!!!!  I think I would finally reach a breaking point if one of my brothers came to me with issues.  I sincerely hope your sister takes your advice.  Are you close enough to follow up with her?  Sometime fear of the obvious will keep us from doing what we need to do.  For example, I know I am starting early menopause but I refuse to go to the gyno for whatever fear I have. 

 

I will seen spiritual well wishes and hugs to you and your family as well.  Let keep paddling this same ole boat, shall we?

 

R

10/ 9/11 7:08pm

Thanks Ronnie ;)

 

We live so far apart now -- I'm in NY and she's in FL -- that its hard to keep tabs, but I plan on offering encouragement to follow up :)

Lene Andersen, Health Guide
10/19/11 7:59pm

Berserker - aw, crap.I'm so sorry. It must be so hard for both you and her to look at another potential case of RA in the family.

 

I can understand your sister being freaked out, but I do hope that she find the rheumatologists fast. Can you do that big brother Viking thing?

 

 

10/13/11 2:18pm

Hi Ronie

 

Sorry to hear to about your relative, especially since she is so young, and will have a long hard road ahead of her with these horrible disease, and I'm sure she will want to have children herself some day.

all we can do is pray for her and keep hoping that some day they will find a cure for this nasty disease.

I find even though I am on predisone and Humira, I still have pain in my arms

hands, fingers and feet, and of course the side effects of the medication is always a worry.

God bless and keep us informed.

Sylvia 

10/13/11 2:56pm

I'm so sorry my heart goes out to you.. When I was first told after a lengthly process finally diagnosed witm RA. At first I said OK>>>>doesn't sound bad. I was so wrong!!! it is utterly terrible and ruined my life. I know I don't have to go into details with evryone ....you know.. exactly the horrible pain and feeling. I'm on just about evrything Methotrex, humira, plaquinal, pain killers etc etc.. to everyone out there my heart is with you hang in there.

10/13/11 2:56pm

I'm so sorry my heart goes out to you.. When I was first told after a lengthly process finally diagnosed witm RA. At first I said OK>>>>doesn't sound bad. I was so wrong!!! it is utterly terrible and ruined my life. I know I don't have to go into details with evryone ....you know.. exactly the horrible pain and feeling. I'm on just about evrything Methotrex, humira, plaquinal, pain killers etc etc.. to everyone out there my heart is with you hang in there.

10/13/11 2:57pm

I will pray for your sister!!!

Lene Andersen, Health Guide
10/19/11 7:57pm

I've been thinking of this ever since you posted it. I'm so sorry that your step niece is joining the club. It makes me so angry that something as ridiculous as money might determine whether she gets treated. Please keep us posted on what happens?

 

we're here for both of you.

By ronie— Last Modified: 10/19/11, First Published: 10/08/11