My life with Rheumatoid Arthritis and why I can still smile

I love reading your posts... you always bring a smile to my face, and I feel a little more courageous when I read about your amazing attitude.  I feel like I relate to you so much... I have four young boys to take care of every day (ages 11, 9, 9, and almost 2).  So, like you, I really don't have a choice if I "can" do it or not... I just have to.  I've had RA for 9 1/2 years, so my boys don't remember what it's like to have a healthy mom.  I go through all of the emotions... guilt (that my boys are getting jipped), anger (that healthy people take so many things for granted... like walking for instance), sadness when I indulge in a pity party, .... but then in the end ~ blessed, for being alive and having wonderful people in my life who love me, and who I love so dearly.  Thank you for your writing.  You put in to words what I just cannot seem to do, but feel every day.  Happy Holidays to you and yours! =)

great story..it is wonderful to find support and read comments from others that are going through the same dreadful day by day stuggles that you go through as well.  I too am grateful for living each day even having to live with this disease.

Thank you for the reminder why I get up each day.  I am thankful for what god has given me.  Three beautiful children, a loving husband and a understanding family.

Marly

great story..it is wonderful to find support and read comments from others that are going through the same dreadful day by day stuggles that you go through as well.  I too am grateful for living each day even having to live with this disease.

Thank you for the reminder why I get up each day.  I am thankful for what god has given me.  Three beautiful children, a loving husband and a understanding family.

Marly

Holly, I definately understand and your story is mine. My kids are grown now so I do nt have the buzyness any more but I can "feel" exactly what you are saying.

The road to success is always under construction and better days lie ahead!

Steve

PS: What meds do you take?

Hi. I accidentally bumped into this site while browsing at work.

I know exactly how you feel. I saw your photo and thought, what a pretty girl.!

We are of the same age.. and yes, i get angry when I c people taking their mobility for granted..

The worse thing is having people around you who dont undrstnd wht pain you go thru day in and day out.. Its unimaginable, until you feel it.

I was married, but my husband left me. Although I have had RA for over 6 years now, it had been in remission until my divorce..

I am in India. Here being single and on the wrong side of 25 is not an easy situation..!

So all that stress took its toll and my RA came back with a BANG.

Its been comin and going ever since.. ( 3.7 yrs now ).

I never tried conventional modern medicine since they are so high on pain killers ( NSAIDs ). I have benefited immensely from Ayurveda - an ancient medicine form from India and Homeopathy.

Yes, every day i do wonder.. what have i done to deserve this? but thank god for some relationships which dont judge. I have an extremely loving mother, who unfortunately has severe RA herself.. two amazing sisters, both who have now recovered from RA.

I just sat here crying (again) reading your story. It was like you were talking about my life. It sounds exactly like my daily grind. I have to agree, Mornings are a nightmare!! I also have two young children to help get ready for school. I feel like a failure sometimes because I can't help them very well anymore. I feel sorry for them. I feel sorry for me. I can't help it. I know someday it will be better, but right now, it's just too hard. I am an emotional wreck. I lay on the couch pretty much everyday dreaming about the "good old days" when I could do anything and everything with ease. People do take their health for granted, I did. Good luck to you in your fight.

Hi Holly...Wow you really know how to express yourself..I feel exactly like you do..well except for the last part..I to look at people at the stores ..how easy they do things..I look at people in cars when Im in stop lights and wonder..How there day is going! Do they have this much pain..Do they get so tired just driving a block!! Its crazy..I mostly end up mad at myself at the end of the day...at night..I feel like a failure..I dont know if my kids get it..or if my husband thinks I just dont want to cook for him..Those are the thoughts that run my head...But as I read your post..I think..your so right!! We should be greatful..For being alive..for the accomplishments of the day...For our families..I have 5 kids..So its alot of work...plus I have added to RA..Is FIBROmylgia..and Lupus..So i have to fight all three of these suckers..lol..Thank you for raising my spirits..and for putting a smile on my face..I really did need it Today!!

HUGS!! 

Michelle

Hello Hollybegroovin!

I just read your story and my heart goes out to you.  Bless your heart.  

I was diagnosed last year and I can relate to many of the struggles you go through.  However, I am being treated and I feel about 85% better than when I was first diagnosed.  I have had symptoms for years and truly didn't quite understand why I couldn't shop or enjoy Disney or Busch Gardens like other people.  I now realize what it was all along as it has been confirmed by my rheumatologist.  

I am being treated with MTX and Embrel (just yesterday).  The MTX really helped me regain my quality of life.  My rheumatologist added Embrel this past week.  Are you being treated or have you found the combination of medicines to help ease your pain

and increase your quality of life?

Hello,

I hope you don't think this type of thing is weird, but I have been a Reiki practitioner for almost 10 years and have seen many benefits to those who suffer with this disease, my uncle for one.  Of course, it is best used for pain management, but you can learn this simple Japanese practice and do it on yourself, or have someone you love learn it as well for really bad days and have them do it for you. 

You can also look in your area for free public reiki meet ups to give it a try.  We have several in our area and it gives people who are skeptical or fearful of alternative modalities the opportunity to ask questions and to try it. 

Many hospitals and pain clinics also offer Reiki now, so that may be another resource. 

Take gentle care...and blessings to your little ones for being so compassionate to their mama.