learning to cope

[Guest guest]

I developed RA after the birth of my first child in 2000.

My health has slowly declined over the last 5 years. I n the early

stages when it only affected my feet and hands I managed fairly well.

Now it has severely invaded nearly every joint. My knees have gotten

so bad that I cannot get up and down off the floor anymore, and I

can't pull myself up with my hands or wrists. My husband an I own a

horse boarding and training center, and I still manage to get my work

done, but the pain is so draining that I barely enjoy my favorite

things in life. I am still able to train horses but I feel like my

time is running out. I don't know how much more I can cope with

before somethig has to change. I have been able to hide this disease

from clients up until about 6 months ago... but trying to explain to

people that a once strong and healthy 26 year old is cutting back

because she has arthritis is often embarassing, not to mention

pointless because no one seems to get what Im going through.

Any suggestions?

Just sounding off, Brit