Very Depressed

[Guest guest]

you sure aren't bothering any of us. it is a shame you don't take any antidepressants. my ex boss's hubby had seizures and the med he took reacted as an antiseizure and anti depressant. anyway we are all here for ya. evelynRose <wolflady_1957@...> wrote: decided that he needed to leave by himself for 10 days to de-stress. I am extremely depressed now...I don't have any real time friends because of being agoraphobic and I can't take anti-depressants because

of my seizure meds.Because of the agoraphobia, I don't take seperation very well either. I have been on a crying jag and even went over the line and tried guilt tripping him into not going. I hate being like this and I hate bothering people with my problems. If I eat I want to get sick and so I don't eat. I just don't know what to do except post to my groups to be reassured that people out there do care, but it's hard for me right now.......Rose

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

Rose,

My best friend is recovering from your ailment. The way she helped

herself was by volunteering and then by substitute teaching. Now, it

was hard for her at first, and she had a lost of false starts (she had

to go home because she got too ill and naauseaous, etc.,), but because

she was open about her fears, people were patient and worked with her.

Maybe you could start by volunteering online. I used to be a volunteer

tutor on AOL, but I am also a licensed English teacher. I don't think

that was required, though. Why don't you find out what you could do

for others from your home as a start?

--- Rose <wolflady_1957@...> wrote:

> decided that he needed to leave by himself for 10 days to de-

> stress. I am extremely depressed now...I don't have any real time

> friends because of being agoraphobic and I can't take

> anti-depressants

> because of my seizure meds.Because of the agoraphobia, I don't take

> seperation very well either. I have been on a crying jag and even

> went

> over the line and tried guilt tripping him into not going. I hate

> being like this and I hate bothering people with my problems. If I

> eat

> I want to get sick and so I don't eat. I just don't know what to do

> except post to my groups to be reassured that people out there do

> care, but it's hard for me right now.......

>

> Rose

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Rose, I hope you're feeling a little better by the time you get this. (I'm behind on my messages.) I don't have agoraphobia, but I have PTSD which causes me to be home bound. It's a long story, but I have anxiety attacks everytime I have to go somewhere. Do you have anyone that can stop by for an hour or two? Someone you can call and chat with for a few minutes? Do you have any hobbies or crafts you can do to occupy your time? What about a good movie you've been wanting to see? Or perhaps a good book... something uplifting? Those are some of the things I had to focus on when I was bedridden for almost 2 months and depressed. When is going to return? I hope that helps a little. (((((hugs))))) Cheryl Rose <wolflady_1957@...> wrote: decided that he needed to leave by himself for 10 days to de- stress. I am extremely depressed now...I don't have any real time friends because of being agoraphobic and I can't take anti-depressants because of my seizure meds.Because of the agoraphobia, I don't take seperation very well either. I have been on a crying jag and even went over the line and tried guilt tripping him into not going. I hate being like this and I hate bothering people with my problems. If I eat I want to get sick and so I don't eat. I just don't know what to do except post to my groups

to be reassured that people out there do care, but it's hard for me right now....... Rose

[Guest guest]

oh Rose,

I'm so sorry. I hope comes back soon. It's a shame you can't take anti-depressants, I am on cymbalta and it helps a lot. I have been there with the bad depression and it is horrible.

Sending you big hugs, and write more if it helps. We love you.

love,

[Guest guest]

My name is i am 45 yrs old female,got diagnosed with RA bout 2

months ago.My older sis had RA and passed away 2 yrs ago.I am so

depressed i cry alot and am in pain.I went to my RA Dr Friday got a

cortizone shot and a presciption for 10 mg of Lortabs.And took 24

Xrays of my hip and back.She says she will call when Xrays get read.Im

on Methotrexate and Folic Acid.Is there a chat group i can join? Maybe

if i could talk with others i mihgt feel better? PLEASE let me know!

THANK YOU in Oklahoma

[Guest guest]

,

We are here for you! You will find friends, comfort and people who really do

know how you feel. :-) My name is I was diagnosed less than 1 Month ago

and am in the same boat as you. I'm 42 and just got through a rough flare with

major depression. I'm better now, cause I'm not in excruciating pain as before.

Of course I'm still in pain every minute of the day. I feel for you, I really

do. I'm so sorry to hear your sis passed away. I wish there was something more I

could say or do to make you feel better. Stick with this gorup and make some

friends and it will help tremendously.

Your new friend,

in California :-)

zone_chatty <zone_chatty@...> wrote:

My name is i am 45 yrs old female,got diagnosed with RA bout 2

months ago.My older sis had RA and passed away 2 yrs ago.I am so

depressed i cry alot and am in pain.I went to my RA Dr Friday got a

cortizone shot and a presciption for 10 mg of Lortabs.And took 24

Xrays of my hip and back.She says she will call when Xrays get read.Im

on Methotrexate and Folic Acid.Is there a chat group i can join? Maybe

if i could talk with others i mihgt feel better? PLEASE let me know!

THANK YOU in Oklahoma

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am sorry to hear about your sister. Were you two close? If so that makes it

all even harder. If you don't mind me asking....what did she die from?

You might want to consider an antidepressant. They help a lot. Good luck hun.

Post often here. Everyone understand what you are going through. You are not

alone. This group might have a weekly chat night. I am not sure. I haven't been

on here for long. Maybe someone else will come along and let us know.

Take Care, and God Bless!

Pam in Tn.

zone_chatty <zone_chatty@...> wrote:

My name is i am 45 yrs old female,got diagnosed with RA bout 2

months ago.My older sis had RA and passed away 2 yrs ago.I am so

depressed i cry alot and am in pain.I went to my RA Dr Friday got a

cortizone shot and a presciption for 10 mg of Lortabs.And took 24

Xrays of my hip and back.She says she will call when Xrays get read.Im

on Methotrexate and Folic Acid.Is there a chat group i can join? Maybe

if i could talk with others i mihgt feel better? PLEASE let me know!

THANK YOU in Oklahoma

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[Guest guest]

Hi ...

My name is Larry, and I have had RA since I was in my early 40's also, and am

49 now. ( I also have severe Osteoarthritis in my knees...RA is in my hip) My

wife and I have had a rough year and a half, since losing my wife's mother last

June, losing everything we owned to Katrina, and having to move to Houston, TX.

I then broke my left foot and was in a cast for 6 months, got a DVT that almost

killed me, and then I ruptured my left triceps tendon and had to have surgery a

couple of weeks ago. I also have to deal with pain 24-7 from the RA, and since I

had the DVT, I am not allowed any NSAIDS to help keep my RA and OA under

control. I also have not been able to work since the first of October because of

the tricep tendon tear...so our money is very tight also.

I could get depressed, but I choose not to, because while it has been rough

for me, and yes, I have cried more than most men would ever admit, I try not to

let the circumstances get me down. I try to keep a positive attitude towards

life, and I celebrate even the smallest victories. I went to the store twice

this past week and went shopping by myself, and managed to get everything we

needed without help from store personnel...and even loaded my groceries into the

car and unloaded them at the apartment also. To me..it was a big accomplishment

doing all that without the use of my left arm. Even driving is difficult..but I

have managed just fine. I may go slow, but I get there!

I have a friend back in my home town that I talk to every Sunday...we have

been buddies since we were 5 years old...and it always amazes him how up beat

and happy I am despite what I am going through. It is a choice...I have chosen

to look on the bright side...I see small things as major accomplishments, and I

am now enjoying doing the little things I can do. I have had 2 major flare ups

since my surgery and am still not allowed to take my RA or OA meds, which makes

doing these other things, like shopping, even more difficult. Yes...I am still

in pain 24-7-365, and it gets old having to deal with it all the time. But I

keep going....I look for the bright side in everything I do...and like

yesterday...I got home from the store and I brought my two Bichons Frises a

treat home and made a big to do over it. It was so much fun watching the two of

the get excited about a new bone to chew on. They were so happy the rest of the

day, just laying around chewing on their new

bones, and it made me very happy to watch them.

Yeah...sometimes I wonder why me? What did I ever do to deserve this? But,

things happen, and its how we choose to handle it is what's important. I have

chosen to keep a good attitude, to always look up and believe things are going

to get better. In fact...as soon as I can get my release from the doctor to go

back to work, I am going to work for a new school district here in the Houston

area as a full time teachers aide in a school for special ed children. I can't

see a better way to give back than to help children with physical and emotional

problems. To me, this is another victory, and I keep looking each day for those

small victories.

Hope this helps!!!

Larry Holmack

KarLa Bichon Frise

Houston Texas Bichondaddy1057@...

---------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

God Bless you and yours, Larry; you have great spirit! Good luck to you!

Kathy

Klamath Falls OR

[ ] Re: Very Depressed

Hi ...

My name is Larry, and I have had RA since I was in my early 40's also, and am

49 now. ( I also have severe Osteoarthritis in my knees...RA is in my hip) My

wife and I have had a rough year and a half, since losing my wife's mother last

June, losing everything we owned to Katrina, and having to move to Houston, TX.

I then broke my left foot and was in a cast for 6 months, got a DVT that almost

killed me, and then I ruptured my left triceps tendon and had to have surgery a

couple of weeks ago. I also have to deal with pain 24-7 from the RA, and since I

had the DVT, I am not allowed any NSAIDS to help keep my RA and OA under

control. I also have not been able to work since the first of October because of

the tricep tendon tear...so our money is very tight also.

I could get depressed, but I choose not to, because while it has been rough

for me, and yes, I have cried more than most men would ever admit, I try not to

let the circumstances get me down. I try to keep a positive attitude towards

life, and I celebrate even the smallest victories. I went to the store twice

this past week and went shopping by myself, and managed to get everything we

needed without help from store personnel...and even loaded my groceries into the

car and unloaded them at the apartment also. To me..it was a big accomplishment

doing all that without the use of my left arm. Even driving is difficult..but I

have managed just fine. I may go slow, but I get there!

I have a friend back in my home town that I talk to every Sunday...we have

been buddies since we were 5 years old...and it always amazes him how up beat

and happy I am despite what I am going through. It is a choice...I have chosen

to look on the bright side...I see small things as major accomplishments, and I

am now enjoying doing the little things I can do. I have had 2 major flare ups

since my surgery and am still not allowed to take my RA or OA meds, which makes

doing these other things, like shopping, even more difficult. Yes...I am still

in pain 24-7-365, and it gets old having to deal with it all the time. But I

keep going....I look for the bright side in everything I do...and like

yesterday...I got home from the store and I brought my two Bichons Frises a

treat home and made a big to do over it. It was so much fun watching the two of

the get excited about a new bone to chew on. They were so happy the rest of the

day, just laying around chewing on their new!

bones, and it made me very happy to watch them.

Yeah...sometimes I wonder why me? What did I ever do to deserve this? But,

things happen, and its how we choose to handle it is what's important. I have

chosen to keep a good attitude, to always look up and believe things are going

to get better. In fact...as soon as I can get my release from the doctor to go

back to work, I am going to work for a new school district here in the Houston

area as a full time teachers aide in a school for special ed children. I can't

see a better way to give back than to help children with physical and emotional

problems. To me, this is another victory, and I keep looking each day for those

small victories.

Hope this helps!!!

Larry Holmack

KarLa Bichon Frise

Houston Texas Bichondaddy1057@...

---------------------------------

Sponsored Link

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[Guest guest]

Hey Larry,

What a positive and healthy attitude you have with all that you go through.

:-) It's refreshing to hear such a positive spin on life with this

disease.Thanks for the boost!

in California

Larry Holmack <bichondaddy1057@...> wrote:

Hi ...

My name is Larry, and I have had RA since I was in my early 40's also, and am 49

now. ( I also have severe Osteoarthritis in my knees...RA is in my hip) My wife

and I have had a rough year and a half, since losing my wife's mother last June,

losing everything we owned to Katrina, and having to move to Houston, TX. I then

broke my left foot and was in a cast for 6 months, got a DVT that almost killed

me, and then I ruptured my left triceps tendon and had to have surgery a couple

of weeks ago. I also have to deal with pain 24-7 from the RA, and since I had

the DVT, I am not allowed any NSAIDS to help keep my RA and OA under control. I

also have not been able to work since the first of October because of the tricep

tendon tear...so our money is very tight also.

I could get depressed, but I choose not to, because while it has been rough for

me, and yes, I have cried more than most men would ever admit, I try not to let

the circumstances get me down. I try to keep a positive attitude towards life,

and I celebrate even the smallest victories. I went to the store twice this past

week and went shopping by myself, and managed to get everything we needed

without help from store personnel...and even loaded my groceries into the car

and unloaded them at the apartment also. To me..it was a big accomplishment

doing all that without the use of my left arm. Even driving is difficult..but I

have managed just fine. I may go slow, but I get there!

I have a friend back in my home town that I talk to every Sunday...we have been

buddies since we were 5 years old...and it always amazes him how up beat and

happy I am despite what I am going through. It is a choice...I have chosen to

look on the bright side...I see small things as major accomplishments, and I am

now enjoying doing the little things I can do. I have had 2 major flare ups

since my surgery and am still not allowed to take my RA or OA meds, which makes

doing these other things, like shopping, even more difficult. Yes...I am still

in pain 24-7-365, and it gets old having to deal with it all the time. But I

keep going....I look for the bright side in everything I do...and like

yesterday...I got home from the store and I brought my two Bichons Frises a

treat home and made a big to do over it. It was so much fun watching the two of

the get excited about a new bone to chew on. They were so happy the rest of the

day, just laying around chewing on their new

bones, and it made me very happy to watch them.

Yeah...sometimes I wonder why me? What did I ever do to deserve this? But,

things happen, and its how we choose to handle it is what's important. I have

chosen to keep a good attitude, to always look up and believe things are going

to get better. In fact...as soon as I can get my release from the doctor to go

back to work, I am going to work for a new school district here in the Houston

area as a full time teachers aide in a school for special ed children. I can't

see a better way to give back than to help children with physical and emotional

problems. To me, this is another victory, and I keep looking each day for those

small victories.

Hope this helps!!!

Larry Holmack

KarLa Bichon Frise

Houston Texas Bichondaddy1057@...

---------------------------------

Sponsored Link

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bill. Sign up now.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group; I am somewhat new here too. I am 48 and was diagnosed

with RA back in or around 1992 I believe. Been on all different kinds of meds

to try out, and now am taking Methotrexate, on Remicade IV infusions every 8

wks, folic acid, ferrous sulfate and Vit B-12t/r. Still hurt like crazy thou.

DR said he may increase my Remicade to every 6 wks. Have to use wrist supports

most of the time. My RA is in my wrists, hands, fingers, shoulders, and hips so

far. We just need to keep up our spirit, even thou we hurt so much. I have

other probs to deal with on top of RA. Wanted to give up a few times from

hurting so much, but what would that solve. I used to live in Tuttle, Oklahoma.

Now in Klamath Falls OR. Good luck and always remember we are all here for you!

We all know and understand! God be with you!

Kathy

[ ] Very Depressed

My name is i am 45 yrs old female,got diagnosed with RA bout 2

months ago.My older sis had RA and passed away 2 yrs ago.I am so

depressed i cry alot and am in pain.I went to my RA Dr Friday got a

cortizone shot and a presciption for 10 mg of Lortabs.And took 24

Xrays of my hip and back.She says she will call when Xrays get read.Im

on Methotrexate and Folic Acid.Is there a chat group i can join? Maybe

if i could talk with others i mihgt feel better? PLEASE let me know!

THANK YOU in Oklahoma

[Guest guest]

Hi

I am pretty new to the group too. I am Joy and live in MO. I am 42 and have

been

diagnosed for about 3 years. But think I have had it longer than that.

So sorry to hear about your older sister. Can they give you something for

depression? I felt the same way a few years ago and started on a small dose

of prozac. It has helped me get thru some pretty rough times. Do you have

any hobbies? I find reading and stamping when I have the time makes me

feel better too.

Hugs to you and hope you feel better soon!

Joy

From: zone_chatty

Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2006 4:02 PM

Subject: [ ] Very Depressed

My name is i am 45 yrs old female,got diagnosed with RA bout 2

months ago.My older sis had RA and passed away 2 yrs ago.I am so

depressed i cry alot and am in pain.I went to my RA Dr Friday got a

cortizone shot and a presciption for 10 mg of Lortabs.And took 24

Xrays of my hip and back.She says she will call when Xrays get read.Im

on Methotrexate and Folic Acid.Is there a chat group i can join? Maybe

if i could talk with others i mihgt feel better? PLEASE let me know!

THANK YOU in Oklahoma

[Guest guest]

Wow what a great attitude you have Larry. So sorry to hear all you have

weathered.

When reading about your dogs I too think dogs or any pet for that matter

do help to make us feel better. I have a little six month old mutt that I love

and she has helped me in some of my darkest times feel more light hearted

and happy.

Joy

wrote:

Larry Holmack <bichondaddy1057@...> wrote:

Hi ...

My name is Larry, and I have had RA since I was in my early 40's also, and am 49

now. ( I also have severe Osteoarthritis in my knees...RA is in my hip) My wife

and I have had a rough year and a half, since losing my wife's mother last June,

losing everything we owned to Katrina, and having to move to Houston, TX. I then

broke my left foot and was in a cast for 6 months, got a DVT that almost killed

me, and then I ruptured my left triceps tendon and had to have surgery a couple

of weeks ago. I also have to deal with pain 24-7 from the RA, and since I had

the DVT, I am not allowed any NSAIDS to help keep my RA and OA under control. I

also have not been able to work since the first of October because of the tricep

tendon tear...so our money is very tight also.

I could get depressed, but I choose not to, because while it has been rough for

me, and yes, I have cried more than most men would ever admit, I try not to let

the circumstances get me down. I try to keep a positive attitude towards life,

and I celebrate even the smallest victories. I went to the store twice this past

week and went shopping by myself, and managed to get everything we needed

without help from store personnel...and even loaded my groceries into the car

and unloaded them at the apartment also. To me..it was a big accomplishment

doing all that without the use of my left arm. Even driving is difficult..but I

have managed just fine. I may go slow, but I get there!

I have a friend back in my home town that I talk to every Sunday...we have been

buddies since we were 5 years old...and it always amazes him how up beat and

happy I am despite what I am going through. It is a choice...I have chosen to

look on the bright side...I see small things as major accomplishments, and I am

now enjoying doing the little things I can do. I have had 2 major flare ups

since my surgery and am still not allowed to take my RA or OA meds, which makes

doing these other things, like shopping, even more difficult. Yes...I am still

in pain 24-7-365, and it gets old having to deal with it all the time. But I

keep going....I look for the bright side in everything I do...and like

yesterday...I got home from the store and I brought my two Bichons Frises a

treat home and made a big to do over it. It was so much fun watching the two of

the get excited about a new bone to chew on. They were so happy the rest of the

day, just laying around chewing on their new

bones, and it made me very happy to watch them.

Yeah...sometimes I wonder why me? What did I ever do to deserve this? But,

things happen, and its how we choose to handle it is what's important. I have

chosen to keep a good attitude, to always look up and believe things are going

to get better. In fact...as soon as I can get my release from the doctor to go

back to work, I am going to work for a new school district here in the Houston

area as a full time teachers aide in a school for special ed children. I can't

see a better way to give back than to help children with physical and emotional

problems. To me, this is another victory, and I keep looking each day for those

small victories.

Hope this helps!!!

Larry Holmack

KarLa Bichon Frise

Houston Texas Bichondaddy1057@...

---------------------------------

Sponsored Link

Talk more and pay less. Vonage can save you up to $300 a year on your phone

bill. Sign up now.

[Guest guest]

:

Welcome to the group - this is a wonderful place to

come for support and understanding, as well as great

information. I have had RA for 7 years now, and also

OA and Fibromyalgia. We all have been where you are

now. I am so sorry for your sister's death - was it

RA related?

We don't have a chat group, per se, but we answer

messages daily, and when you put in the subject line

that you need to have someone talk to you, we are

there. I talk with two others in this group, and

sometimes if you can talk with someone within your

area on the phone, it helps. Maybe someone who is

also in Oklahoma would be willing to do this for you.

Also, you might want to contact your local Arthritis

Foundation office and ask if there are any local

support groups you could join. For me, this is my

chat group, and if I need to talk, vent, discuss meds

or doctors, etc., I come here. I have always gotten

answers to my questions.

I have been on anti-depressants, along with my RA and

Fibro meds, since 2 years into my RA journey, and they

have helped me very much with being able to cope

better with the physical and emotional stresses these

diseases cause. Maybe you should talk with your

doctor and see if this might help you, either in the

short run or the long run.

How much Methotrexate are you on currently? I take

Mtx as well as Enbrel, and that combination is very

good for me. I am sure that your doctor will be

discussing other medications or treatments once she

gets your x-rays back. Write back and let us know

what she has suggested for you. Someone here will

have been on that medication, no doubt, and will be

able to give you their personal story of how it did or

did not help them, etc.

You have come to the right place - just hang in there

-it takes the Methotrexate some time to begin working

and you just have to be patient - hard, I know, when

you are in pain. I understand, I've been there, and

it is hard to wait, but the medication needs to build

up to a level in your system to work. Take care -

Kathe in CA

--- zone_chatty <zone_chatty@...> wrote:

> My name is i am 45 yrs old female,got

> diagnosed with RA bout 2

> months ago.My older sis had RA and passed away 2 yrs

> ago.I am so

> depressed i cry alot and am in pain.I went to my RA

> Dr Friday got a

> cortizone shot and a presciption for 10 mg of

> Lortabs.And took 24

> Xrays of my hip and back.She says she will call when

> Xrays get read.Im

> on Methotrexate and Folic Acid.Is there a chat group

> i can join? Maybe

> if i could talk with others i mihgt feel better?

> PLEASE let me know!

> THANK YOU in Oklahoma

>

>

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

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[Guest guest]

Larry,

You are truly an inspiration! I think a positive attitude can help us

accept what's happening to us and also help us to deal with it better.

Keep on keeping on.

Sue

On Monday, November 6, 2006, at 11:55 AM, Larry Holmack wrote:

> I could get depressed, but I choose not to, because while it has

> been rough for me, and yes, I have cried more than most men would ever

> admit, I try not to let the circumstances get me down. I try to keep a

> positive attitude towards life, and I celebrate even the smallest

> victories.

[Guest guest]

--- In , " zone_chatty " <zone_chatty@...>

wrote:

>

> My name is i am 45 yrs old female,got diagnosed with RA bout

2

> months ago.My older sis had RA and passed away 2 yrs ago.I am so

> depressed i cry alot and am in pain.I went to my RA Dr Friday got a

> cortizone shot and a presciption for 10 mg of Lortabs.And took 24

> Xrays of my hip and back.She says she will call when Xrays get

read.Im

> on Methotrexate and Folic Acid.Is there a chat group i can join?

Maybe

> if i could talk with others i mihgt feel better? PLEASE let me know!

> THANK YOU in Oklahoma

>

Melisssa, Larry was so right; and Larry, things *have* to get better

for you, as it sounds like it couldn't get much worse; that's what I

keep telling myself! But, I know that things could get worse so I am

just thankfull they are not worse than they are.

I have had muscle and joint pain all my life and it took all these

years to be finally diagnosed properly. First it was thought to be a

ervous phsyco-anatomical ( or some such) or angziety problem,..not

really crazy, just going through a lot of stress that caused the

nerves and, in fact the whole body, to stay wired up ( jaws alway

clamped, whole body in a vice sort of,) which really cuts off the

normal flow healing/maintennce of ones system. I was ever told that,

only that it was my nerves. finally in the I started my own research

and from what I could find, was that I either had fibro or RA. Went

to Dr and ask him and since he didn't take an RA test, that was the

only name he could put on it.

In abt 1998 I was doing genealogy research on the computer and both

my hands started hurting so badly I couldn't use the key-board. They

both became so painfull I could not bear to touch either of them even

with a soft blanket. By the time I went to bed the only way I could

lay down was with both hands on my chest, touching nothing but my

chest with palms down. I was in that condition a month or so expecting

them to get better; finall in December I decided to call a rhuemy and

get help. It was 3 months before I could get an apointment and by

about the end of the waiting period they got quite a bit better so

that I could drive myself.

Tests and RX's and you know the drill. I wont take, so far, anything

but low doses of NSAIDS and Prednisone, but I did a lot of research

and changed my life style as to what I eat and exercising. Like you, I

a in a lot of pain all the time, but being careful what I eat has kept

most of the negative side effects of these meds at bay. I can't take

the bio's as they lay heck with the immune system and I have 2 cats

who are not de-clawed<G>. have had them too long to get rid of<G>.

Something like Larry said to the effect, living through this takes a

good positive attitude, try to stay off the pity pot, and appreciate

our many blessings and do as much exercise and volunteer work as

possible. I can't do aerobics on the floor, but do some in the

swimming pool and chair and standing warmups, stretch a lot, do some

deep breathiong etc.etc...... Really helps. I keep busy all the time;

cleaning my house, working in my garden, attending my house plants,

mowing the yard, trimming the hedges,

You are young. You can have a good life like Larry says, if you

choose. The reason I am telling you all this crap, is because it isn't

*crap*. It is true. I am past 78 and I have a good life. I, too, get

depressed. I couldn't figure what I was depressed about as I have

accepted that I have RA and I don't have too many things to be anxious

about. I am pretty content with my life. I have about what ever I

*need* and a few little perps so am content. So why be depressed?

Here's why. The constant fatigue and the constant pain. Never knowing

whether one of my flares is causing one of my organs to deteriate or

what. *But* when I turn my endeavors to trying to be of help to one of

our beneficial organizations, I don't notice my problems as much and

feel good about it. I prepare medications for a free clinic by

counting pills and labeling for prescriptions, and general Pharmacy

jobs, Red Cross volunteer, have taken the Community Emergency Responce

Team program, and help with what ever I can at our local hospital

over 50 health group.

My daughter who is an RN, thought I should have a minimum perscription

of anti-depresant so I am tryig Antivert 25mg and it is helping me to

stop acting like a pinball, bouncing from one job to another. I get

more rest now. Used to survive on 5 hours a night if lucky, now am

getting nearly 8 at least prt of th time.

I can't type too well as y fingers are kind of independant and do what

they wanna do so that I spend more time cleaning up the words that

have letters missig or transposed or what ever than *I* do what *I*

wanna do!!

But God Bless US we still have a LOT to be thankful for. I used to

do " Meals on Wheels " every Friday and that really humbled me. I would

still be doing it, but my old partner had to give it up, so I need to

find another partner. After visiting with these folks, I almost

stopped complaining

Love and if you need to talk, feel free to write me.

Soft hugs... Lee