RA and Raising Your Children in Pain

By Hollybgroovin, Health Guide Tuesday, February 19, 2008

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Dealing with rheumatoid arthritis is definitely not an easy job. I have spent many, many days in bed with the covers pulled over my head, not wanting to face anything. While I know what to expect with the pain, the side effects of the disease, and the side effects of my medications, I did not know h...

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A Young Mom Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

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LadySoul

2/19/08 7:38pm

Hi there, all

This is new to me... I've felt tired and listless for a coupla months now, but the knee/joint pain started a few days ago... a friend of mine, 41, just recently discovered she has arthritis...stress related. Mine too, and also loss of appetite... pity no weight loss yet lol!!

But keep in touch everyone, i'd like to know more. Would like to hear more about the stress connections to this disease. Also beneficial diets. and is there any relation to Blood Type? Both my friend I spoke aobut earlier, and me, are both A-positive blood type.

Best wishes gals...from LadySoul

Hollybgroovin, Health Guide

2/19/08 8:43pm

LadySoul

In my experience with rheumatoid arthritis stress is a major factor in my flares. It is also believed to be a trigger in rheumatoid arthritis as well.

I found a link for you that can tell you more..

http://www.healthcentral.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/c/38/12782/bad/

Whenever my stress levels increase, even a little bit, so does my pain and inflammation. So I can almost predict when I am going to flare. What's my best stress management tip? A hot, hot bath if you can handle it. It helps you relax, which helps with stress, and if feels good on aching joints. Hope this helps, and best wishes!

M Graham

2/24/08 11:38pm

hollybgroovin,

Thanks for your post. I am having my own couch day today and really felt boosted by reading about your experiences.

I was diagnosed 5 months ago after two years of seeing neurologists for a movement disorder that was probably autoimmune in nature. Have been on Methotrexate for 5 monthes and just started Plaquenil today - feel nauseaus as hell.

But - this too will pass.

Mich

Hollybgroovin, Health Guide

2/28/08 11:41am

Mich,

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I too have had several couch days lately. And I too saw many neurologists on my way to my RA diagnosis. I think the important part is that we don't let those couch days hold us down. I take 10mg of prednisone, 25 mg of methotrexate, plaquenil, and votaren, and the nausea never goes away for me. Believe it or not, I cut up cucumbers and eat a couple slices every time I get sick to my stomach and it really helps. Please keep us posted on how you are doint. Good luck and best wishes!

Mich

2/28/08 5:53pm

You are definately right about the nausea not going away. For me it seems heaps worse since the Plaquenil was added to the 20mg Methotrexate. I am finding some relief from Ginger Tablets and sipping ginger tea.

Is the Plaquenil doing anything for you?

Thanks for reply and I will keep watching site.

Hollybgroovin, Health Guide

2/29/08 12:10pm

Mich, the Plaquenil helped a little at the beginning, but does not seem to be helping much now. But I have also been on it for 3 years, but please keep us updated on how it is helping you! Best wishes, and I hope you find something that will give you relief. It's good that you are finding some sort or relief from the ginger. Good luck Mich!

Shannon Harte

3/17/08 1:55pm

Hi I feel for you and I also feel only those with the disease truely understand. I know loved ones say they do, and they want to, but they dont. So it is good to know others out there fell just like you do. Your stories are like I have written them, the blankets over the head and not getting the phone feelings. As well as knowing how it affects the kids. I feel for them, they didnt ask for their mom to be sick and not be able to run and play like other moms. I feel for my kids, and all kids of RA parents.I am to start methotrexate needles as trhe pills made me sick..i dont need to be sick..while I am sick..you know what i mean. Anyway scared and been bucking it for a year. Just been on Plaquenil and Sulfasalazine and pain killers. They have wanted me to strart shots a long time ago. But i am scared. They say I will stop the sulfasalazine when the shots start this week, due to med inflictions. Anyway, its a hard wee. I feel as if I am giving up by yaking the shots. I still after 4 yrs am in denial. I am still waiting for the "oh we were wrong you are fine". But with the first shot I am admitting its worse then i am willing to admit. Well just wanted you to know I thank you for letting me know that my feelings are normal. I am so sick of people who say suck it up. There are days I can, and there are days i need to feel sorry for me, and mostly my kids. If you have an comments on the shots feel free to email me, as I am looking at it as a "ok so I am sick". And my denial is still fighting me on it. thanks Shan

Pat Rose

5/20/08 2:30pm

I have just come accross this webb site..I really believed I was Invisable and that no one cared..Ive always been independant,I am to proud to ask for help,my children dont even know what Im going through..I dont know how much longer I can hide it,I can bearly get up and walk,if it werent for my pain meds I dont think I could funtion at all..But I am not a quiter..and if god can just help me get up and get through the day Ill keep my dignity and keep trying..Theres always hope and I wont give up,no matter what,May god give us all the strenth to keep going..whether its R.A. we are copeing with or any other illness that trys to rob us of a normal life...Pat R

RA and Raising Your Children in Pain

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