Re: re: digest #3798

[Guest guest]

Althea,

I have RA, fibro, OA and sjogrens sydrome. I never had any problems with

depression until all this hit me in 1995. I have a family history of depression

(both my mom and dad) and RA (my paternal grandma and aunt). I think most

people dealing with the lifestyle changes that these diseases bring have

depression at one point or another. Just my 2 cents.

blueroses11 <blueroses11@...> wrote:

I have a question for you all. I know that RA (among other things)

are closely linked to depression, but how many of you out there

suffered from depression BEFORE you were ever diagnosed with RA (or

Decrum's, SLE, fibro.....)?

I didn't have any kind of depression before my diagnosis of RA.

Although I was first diagnosed with ...FMS, Reactive Hypoglycemia,

low thyroid, IBS, OA, etc before my RA diagnosis. I would have my

ups and downs but mostly was a middle of the road person. Nothing

really excited or depressed me on a daily basis.

I was an Air Traffic Controller with the Air Force for almost 21

years. I was diagnosed during my 18th year in the Air Force, I had

just come back from a temporary duty assignment in Croatia- across

the border from Bosnia Hersogovenia(Yugoslavia). My Mother thought

that I had contracted something from the war. I started having pains

in my hands and eventually couldn't lift my arms above shoulder

height.

That was 1997 - now in 2003 I am a retired disabled veteran who

wonders what normal is anymore. But as far as depression goes, I

have more down days now because of the constant pain. I still though

am even keeled. I hardly ever get mad and am always looking at the

glass as half full.

I like sunny days - they help lift my spirits the most and I truly

enjoy stopping and smelling the roses when they are in bloom.

God bless,

Althea