Guest guest Posted January 24, 2004 Report Share Posted January 24, 2004 Hi Sierra, I don't claim to be an expert, but have been living with RA for over 5 years now. I think the most important things you can do to " prepare for life " are: - come to terms with the fact that you have a chronic condition. It's not easy to accept that your life is changing due to a disease beyond your control, but the sooner you do, the more energy you will have for life and taking care of yourself. - learn everything you can about RA and the various treatment options, and don't be afraid to ask questions of your health care providers. You'll have decisions to make and will need to advocate for yourself - it's always best to be informed. - learn to politely ignore the helpful tips from well intentioned but not well informed individuals. It's amazing the things that people tell you will cure your RA, and it's frustrating to listen to these ideas when you don't feel well.. - learn to accept help, and to slow down and rest when you're tired. Fatigue often comes along with auto-immune diseases due to the fact that your immune system is always fighting (unfortunately it's fighting the wrong thing). Stress and fatigue can cause flares. (I've become very fond of naps after lunch on the weekends!) - When it comes to insurance of any kind (health, life or long term care), having RA often puts you into the 'uninsurable' category for individual policies. Your best chance for coverage is participating in group programs through your employer. I was able to buy long term care insurance through work - they offered it with guarantee issue when the plan was rolled out. If I had waited and needed to complete a health questionaire for underwriting, I would have been declined. - remember that each of us is different, and RA will not be the same for everyone. Some people stabilize very quickly and function at an almost normal level, where others have more stubborn cases and continuous problems. The treatments that work for some won't work for others. Finally, surround yourself with supportive and loving friends and family who will accept and love you regardless of any physical limitations. Sorry this is so long, but hope it helps. Beth > Some of you have been dealing with RA for a long time. If you could > go back in time, is there anything you would've done to " prepare " for > your life now? (eg: saved more money, gotten long term care insurance, > taken certain meds, had surgeries, etc.) > > I was just diagnosed with early RA and would like to get things in > place as best I can for what may come. > > Thanks for anything you want to share! > > Sierra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2004 Report Share Posted January 24, 2004 Hello Sierra,.. Beth gave you a much better answer than i could have, but i would like to add one more thing. whether or not one has a chronic disease, one should always try to prepare for a rainy day. i taught my children to, each time they got paid from their job of work, to pay themselves by putting a bit in their bank account. When you get that check, stop by the bank and deposit a part of it in savings whether it's 5 dollars or 50 dollars, it will mount up and then when those rainy day emergencies arrive you will be able to handle it. Knowing that you have a bit of reserve can make a terrific difference in your stress level and you don't need any more stress than you already have.hugs.. love.. gray lee ----- Original Message ----- From: snowdrift52003 Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Friday, January 23, 2004 8:10 PM Subject: Early RA checklist Some of you have been dealing with RA for a long time. If you could go back in time, is there anything you would've done to "prepare" for your life now? (eg: saved more money, gotten long term care insurance,taken certain meds, had surgeries, etc.)I was just diagnosed with early RA and would like to get things in place as best I can for what may come.Thanks for anything you want to share!Sierra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2004 Report Share Posted January 26, 2004 Very well said Beth. I agree wholeheartedly. Jay > > Some of you have been dealing with RA for a long time. If you could > > go back in time, is there anything you would've done to " prepare " > for > > your life now? (eg: saved more money, gotten long term care > insurance, > > taken certain meds, had surgeries, etc.) > > > > I was just diagnosed with early RA and would like to get things in > > place as best I can for what may come. > > > > Thanks for anything you want to share! > > > > Sierra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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