I have had RA for over25 yrs now. At times I think the fatigue was almost worse than the pain. I was also an avid softball and volleyball player. Not being able to do that anymore was very difficult for me.
On the up side, If I wouldn't have gotten RA I would never of had the blessing of staying home and raising my kids.....
How about you? What is the Worst and the Best part of RA, or Fibro, osteo etc.....for you?
-I have to agree that the fatigue is the worst-and added to the fatigue is the guilt of being unable to function due to the fatigue!!!! I was also very active before all this hit me and excerise was a big part of my life. Since the onset of my symptoms I have gained quite a few pounds which adds to the pain & fatigue; not to mention what it has done to my self-esteem. Also one of the worst parts of having this condition is the life style changes I have had to make and the things I have had to give up! I am self employed and worked about 30 hrs a week in my small retail store-now I am down to 10-12 hrs, this also makes me feel guilty because I feel as if I am not following through on my obligations.
-Now on the flip side I have more time to enjoy my hobby (scrapbooking-which is also the type of store I own), I have more time to be creative and this helps feel my soul with joy. I am also able to enjoy our new grandson and since he lives a state away he gets to spend lots of nights with us at a time. Having RA has also changed me from a perfectionist to a more relaxed and laid back kind of gal! I live more moments as if there are no tomarrows. In many ways I enjoy life more as long as i don't let the guilt take control.
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I appreciate your response. I love scrapbooking too! Unfortunately I haven't been able to get too it for quite a while. I have had to learn to be a bit more laid back as well. If I didn't I think I would go crazy because so many things aren't done when I would like them to be done or like I would like them to get done.
The guilt can get in the way at times but, thats where the laid back part comes back into play :-) I have had RA for so long now that it doesn't bother me as much anymore.
It is wonderful you get to spend so much time with your grandson! Now you have a new scrapbook to work on LOL.... What a Blessing..