RA and Self Esteem

I read this story and felt like I was reading about my life. I have been living with chronic ulcerative colitis for 10 years and rheumatoid arthritis for the past 3 years. When I was first diagnosed with the colitis I was so sick and was on high doses of prednisone and gained 60lbs in 6 months. I was 23 years old and didn't think things could get much worse. Boy was I wrong after about 2 years my colitis was under control with medication one of these being Imuran an immuno-suppressant but the side effects werent bad in comparison to the prednisone which makes me feel like I want to crawl out of my own skin. Things went fairly well for awhile until I was diagnosed with RA and methotrexate was added to my meds. I began to have one infection after another and was getting worse not better. Ater two years I woke up one day and couldn't hold my head up because the pain was so bad. I decided it was time to change rheumatologists. Good choice he got me off the methotrexate which seemed to be poison to my body. I know take Imuran, Humira as far as immuno-suppressants and alot of other meds. Things were going better for awhile but I have had two falls in the last two weeks. I am living in alot of pain and feel alone and don't know who I am anymore. Up to this point I have been able to maintain a job but now my rheumatologist is talking to me about not working. My career has been the one thing about myself that has been consistent. I am really struggling with this and just wondered if anyone can offer me any insight on this subject??

Paula

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<<<<<<<<<im sry hun i would juss like to commend you on your journy with RA seems that your handling situation better than im able to,would like to say good luck and what a story you have hugzzzzzz and may GOD be with you and yours.
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I just wanted to say that I undertand what you are feeling about your job. I was diagnosed about 6 months ago with RA. I am a police officer and am no longer going to be able to do that Job. This job has defined who I was for so many years that it scares me to think that it won't be a part of my life anymore. My RA was diagnosed after having my first child and I am now trying my best to accept that by giving up my job I am allowing myself to be more functional and able to care for him and my husband. I think the only way you can feel better about not working anymore is to look at what you will be gaining by taking the time to look after yourself. It's hard but you can do it.
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Hi Cathee,

Thanks for the Sharepost. It made me cry and it made me smile. I have been diagnoised with RA a month ago and I am afraid. I will pick up all that I have and be strong again.

Thank you once again.

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Cathee, your story was so touching.  I too have RA (15 years plus), and it used to be that I was so embarrased to go shopping because I could no longer raise my hands above my head and get itmes off the top shelf, so I'd have to ask the store clerk or even more, "the customers" to help.  I have yet to find anyone who wasn't kind enough to help me whenever I needed help.  I even ask for help when I'm pumping gas.  But God blesses us for a reason, and sometimes, your illness is a story for someone else that needs to learn something from you.  Be blessed.
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Thanks for sharing your experience. I've had RA since I was 21 (15 years now), and can relate to a lot of what you say. After one total hip replacement and a lot of swollen, painful joints, I'm still looking for an effective medication to slow the disease. I worry about how many surgeries I will have had by the time I'm 50. It's encouraging to hear that you're managing the disease so well.
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I am 27 pregnant with my third and newly diagnosed with RA.  It is so inspiring to hear your story...let me tell you...Im scared.  I already see myself in a wheel chair 3 years from now my disease is progressing so fast.  I am scared that I won't be able to play with my children...and Im scared that my husband won't find my mangled swollen body attractive anymore.
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