Thank you for your replies. Is this RA?

[Guest guest]

Dear Ebony and Kathe,

Thank you for your replies. I feel so foolish being afraid when my

symptoms are not interfering with my life now, just making it

uncomfortable. Also, I don't have a diagnosis of RA and need to

live today since this is all I have. I should know this better than

anyone since I have watched my mother deteriorate physically and

sometimes mentally (that is even harder to see; the depression and

hopelessnes versus the physical manifestations of RA). I have 3

little boys who I desperately need to be here for since my husband

has a rare condition that causes cancer (he has already lost his

colon and every organ below) and he have been in and out of the

hospital with surgery and one of my little guys has cerebral palsy

that creates alot of hardship, but, oddly, it has given us gifts I

never expected. It has been enlightening to visit this board since

you all echo what my mom and I have experienced and known for so

many years now. When I read the posts it is like being a part of a

conversation that I have already had, except I am learning more.

Research is my thing, I research FAP, CP and RA. Unfortunately, I

have an addiction to worry. Ebony, thank you for telling me not to

go there and to live my life in the here and now. I need that

reminder and plan on putting your post on my bathroom mirror to

remind me every day of this essential plan and triumph. The triumph

of the present over a negatively formed future. I am not

clairvoyant, have no crystal ball and cannot believe that, like

Kathe said, just because it is in my family, I will have it. A

therapist once told me that my worry was like an addiction since it

gives me the illusion of being in control, as if, if I worry and

fret enough, I can stop something from happening. I will continue to

come to this board because it helps me help my mom right now with

ideas of how to cope with the medications and treatments and

experiences. She doesn't get on the internet, so I do alot of

reading, etc. for her and print what I think she needs to bring to

her doctors or what I want her to read for herself. She loves the

library and when she feels well is always there going over medical

journals. Eventually, she will come to live with me so that I can

care for her and I'll get her online. It would help her feel less

isolated. So, thanks again for your thoughts and for allowing me

read all of your posts. Warmest regards, Keys