Back again

[Guest guest]

Hi, I've been off in lurking land for awhile. I read messages everyday, but

have been just watching, smiling, crying sometimes and glad to have all of

you.

Welcome to the new people and glad to see Debs, Kathy, and others back. I

can't believe some of the jerk doctors there are out there. Makes me want to

scream.

Don't they give any classes in compassion in med school?

I made it through the holiday season quite well, joint pain was mild enough,

thank goodness, and the cortisone shot in my knee made me able to shop and

walk. Well, two months after the shot, and it's wearing off. My rheumy says

it's ok to have shots every few months as long as they work, but we both

know that eventually, I'll need a new knee. Years of weight stress, RA and

falling hard on icy driveways three times are taking their toll.

I've lost a little weight. Rheumy says just keep it slow and that's fine.

For those of you who've heard me whine before, you know part of my problems

have to deal with a husband and mother who keep telling me I'm not sick,

just too fat. (the latest, my mother tells me I wouldn't be fatigued if I

wasn't fat. This despite the fact she lived with my Dad's RA for 30+ years

and knew he needed a nap every day.)

Now, I'm looking for some sort of exercise to keep me mobile. Has anyone

tried Tai Chi? I don't want anything that's hard on the joints, and although

I know that water aerobics would be best, I just cannot fit that into my

schedule. I also don't want to have to be on the floor too much, because

it's a royal pain getting up again.

Thanks for letting me ramble, and it really is great to have this place to

come to, even on the days when I just want to listen.

Noreen