For sure, Perry. Perhaps ignorantly, I've been lifting 40 lb. cement bags, toting shingles, getting quite good with a screwdriver and hammer, climbing ladders, etc.,
all manners of macho work because my hubby and I taken in in abandoned, abused furries that we had to figure out what to do with. So, we built a couple of pens and shelters to start; then we built some more, and some more, because the need just kept growing. *It wasn't that we wanted them so much as that they needed us!
Mind you, I'm a 65-yr. old, 128 lb. granny who survived a big ol' H-A a few years back and even had a relapse, but decided I could still get up and go another round.
So chit, I did. I am.
My spouse can't get through to me. I'm pig-headed. I initiated this animal rescue and my pride would not allow me to dump all of this building effort up on him alone. So.
Anyway, the RA pain is quite annoying but not unbearable yet. It's the stiffness in my spine, hips and knees that seems to want to battle my strong will.
I admit to feeling a little overwhelmed and/or depressed on certain days but it seems I've little time to wallow long. My days start out at 6 a.m. by walking our land to all 8 shelters and runs in order to set up all 25 expectant animals for each day (they're in groups). The requirements for their welfare keep me busy.
No complaint, at all. These special animal-friends give me/us more than can ever be given to them. So, Perry, you are indeed right. Perhaps, what will keep me positive about my RA is ~ "heart-over-matter."
Your comments help me stay focused for the days ahead. Thank you.
Mom God rest your soul in heaven. You always tried so hard to prove how tough you are and you just would not listen when me and Jake said to slow down or ask for a little more help. You just kept on pressing on. You were so obsessed with our wonderful cats that you forgot just how much your family needed you and your time. I cherished the talks we had and enjoyed the laughs but in the end your hard headed and stubborn ways ended your life on this earth. I knew the RA was a demand on you and I knew you suffered but because you refused to slow down and acknowledge your illness and it's affects you were taken in to the hospital when it was too late.
You did suffer pain and I knew you did but you also enjoyed your family and pets. I am left behind wondering if you had done things just a bit differently if you would be with us today.
Mom you are a remarkable woman but you did not always have to go out of your way to prove it. I know you are in a better place but you took the only thing that really mattered in my life away from me way too soon. YOU!!
My mother died of complications caused by RA. At least I believe so. Nothings been completely verified. She died of Antiphospholipis Syndrome and Addison's Disease. It is brought about by stress and auto immune disorders as well as a few other things.
I believe RA acted as a cause. Her immune system mistook her Adrenal Glands as a foreign invader.
Antiphospholipis Syndrome is a disorder that causes the blood to clot. Even when using drugs such as aspirin and Plavix. Those clots can cause serious damage to internal organs such as the Adrinal Glands.