I have learned many things about myself since I have been living with RA. I have learned what is most important in my life, and I have learned to focus my atteention and energy on those things. I don't sweat the small stuff anymore. What about you? What have you learned from having RA. What are the positives RA has brought into your life?
Q: What Life Lessons Have You Learned From Having RA?
Answers (8)
6/16/11 12:52pm
I have learned that pain is in the worst thing that can happen. Not living my life is.
ps. Great question, V!
6/17/11 8:28pm
hi V 
well i have learned how it feels to be some where around 80 years old. i have learned to cope with things. an whats out of your controll you just got to say ok this is how it still now an you got to find a way to make it through every day. an those things are very hard to do.
6/18/11 2:09am
I am still adjusting but I find something that I enjoy doing and do a bit of it everyday, lately is quilting and embroidery. And I try to focus on me big time and say no to all the things that are not a blessing to me.
6/18/11 9:32pm
I have learned to live with pain, to slow my pace in life, to enjoy the small things, and how very deeply my wife loves me, she is my rock, my nurse, my chauffeur and chef! I have learned to enjoy sitting on my patio and watching the birds in the woods, sit on th beach and watch the waves and pelicans, or sit in the mall and watch people. RA will slow you down and cause you pain, but it doesnt have to beat you, or stop you.
Great question V!
6/20/11 12:50pm
I have had RA for 20 years. I have, in the past 2 years, just started to understand the impact in my life. It is a work in progress. I am learning that every day is important. I am learning to stop and sit, and not running through the pain if it is not necessary. I am learning to ask for help. I am learning to sit and spend time with my kids. I am learning that I am not invincible. I am learning to make peace with my abilities.
6/30/11 4:08pm
6/30/11 6:44pm
I have learned you can handle just about anything with the right support! 
7/ 2/11 9:54am
Amen to that, Sister! I don't know what I would do without my husband. I don't get much support from anywhere else, but I guess I don't ask for it, either. It has to be really tough for those who are Dx with RA and who are young. Young people, if I can remember right LOL, don't relate to illness and what it means. I remember feeling invincible when I was young. I don't imagine their young friends have much appreciation for what they are going through. Of course, some of them are exceptional young people, and those are the ones who will hang around.
7/ 2/11 11:51am
You are so right on! I'm not sure I would be so optimistic if I gotten a diagnosis of RA at such a young age. I have read some posts from others here that had JRA and their have such great outlooks, but what they have gone through... wow, totally amazing! I have much respect and admiration for them for sure. Support, short word for such a big impact in one's life! ya, think? LLL, Barb
7/ 2/11 5:22pm
Hi, Barb,
I am always getting these ideas...some good, some not. I am thinking of starting a support group in the rural area of Missouri where I live. As far as I know, there are absolutely no support groups here for people w/chronic, painful illnesses. I wonder if the hospital would let us meet somewhere, or maybe a church or something. This idea is in its infancy. I was thinking of just meeting once or twice a month, since it is hard for people, including myself, to get thru the day with "normal", required activites. I need to put my thinking cap on. Any ideas will be welcome! V
7/ 8/11 1:03am
I am learning to slow down. Sometimes being stiff and not being able to move a lot gives me cuddle time with my children. It makes you appreciate the things you can do. I am also learning how important it is to spread the word about RA. It truly does make me appreciate everything I have and to cherish my good days. It has also helped me and continues to help me learn to love and take care of yourself. I have always put my needs last but since my diagnosis I am trying to learn to also take care of me.
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Hi, Nan,
Great answer. I try not to think about having RA every day, but sometimes I need to remember. Otherwise, I do things I shouldn't and cause a flare. I love your note about not stopping the things you love, and just changing the way you do it!
v