Re: Hi I am new to the group and fairly new to rheumatoid arthritis

[Guest guest]

Hello Fran -- Read your note and most of what you

said could have come out of my mouth. At 56, and

living solo since the death of my beloved 9/2003, it's

most frightening at times to realize without the meds

I might not be able to live by myself.

each nite I'm sooo thankful to have made it through

another day. We all need to pamper ouurselves and do

what we need to do to feel well - electric blankets,

baths, massages, eating well and naps to name a few.

Hang in there. keep well - Edie

--- fransredhat <fransredhat@...> wrote:

> I am sixty one years old, looking back I can see

> that it started in

> my late twentys. But it has only been the last

> couple of years that

> it has been a problem that needed treatment. I was

> surprised to be

> told I had rheumatoid arthritis, I had expected my

> aches and pains to

> be arthritis but never dreamed it would come back

> RA.

>

> I am not vain but the idea that my hands would

> become narly and

> twisted really bothered me. I got over that within

> about 24

> hours. )

>

> I have been on medication for 2 years and currently

> take celebrex

> 200mg once a day and starting 3 weeks ago I take 3

> methotrexate 2.5

> mg once a week.

>

> I hate to complain to anyone because I know as far

> as RA goes I am

> doing well others so much younger than me are

> battling so hard for a

> normal life. I count my blessings that it hasn't

> been a problem until

> now.

>

> But on days like today when I hurt or when the

> methotrexate was added

> along with a short term steroid. I feel I am losing

> the battle.

> Growing older is enough to deal with for me.

> Growing old with pain

> and fatigue makes me cry. I worry about how much

> longer I will be

> able to play with the grandchildren and do the arts

> and crafts I

> enjoy.

>

> I tend to the lazier side of life and hate having to

> battle my own

> body to get things done every day. But it seems

> that doing anything

> is a battle against somthing, the pain, fatigue or

> headaches (I asume

> are from the medications I take).

>

> Then I stop and think about all the other RA victims

> and I know many

> of them would gladly change places with me. So I

> feel guilty for

> complaining. I am hoping to find understanding and

> tricks to cope

> from this group. Maybe a good kick in the butt

> would help. I just

> get so down when everything I pick up or do hurts

> me.

>

> fran

>

>

>

>

>

>

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