Re: new member need support

[Guest guest]

Hi new member! Welcome!

I don't think you are whining. I think we all feel that way at one

time or another.

I can relate to your post as well, especially now. I am

experiencing the " new symptoms " you described right now and yes it

does seem like they keep coming. I don't feel like the doctors see

me either or they see me as a hopeless case. I have seen at least 6

different RA docs, mostly from traveling with the husband's job.

But also from bad rapport with the docs and bad care by some. I

have to feel comfortable to trust your treatment. Also when

comparing some of the treatment received by those here my treatment

has been suboptimal quality. I was placed on NSAIDs first 2 years

of diagnosis with higher and higher doses. But didn't respond to

plaquenil finally given or anything else given except Enbrel for

about 9 months. Stayed on it for 4 years, however even though I was

receiving no relief. A few things added in but no relief from the

pain or joint damage. So my worries are the same as yours but what

can we do, keep going.

For your depression, are you seeing a counselor? How do you feel

about seeing a counselor? I had a doctor in TN who I could talk to

about my emotions or family problems or anything else on my mind.

Can't find that here in Georgia, however. It's been kind of like

herding cattle since I have been here. So I don't dare trust

anyone here. And there lies the bulk of the rapport problem.

I work FT. Probably not for much longer but will go back to school

this spring to train for something I can do with limitations.

Staying busy helps me. As long as I can earn a living I feel useful

so I have to make that happen to ward off depression.

How do you keep busy? Do you have family support? What about

friends you can call when you are feeling like this and of course on

the good days too.

I have also thought of volunteering. We have a program here that

interest me called Hosea feed the hungry or also thought about Red

Cross. I think volunteering is good for chasing away the blues and

to keep things in perspective. We are alive so that means there is

always a chance for a better life than what we are experiencing

right now but in the meantime I try to enjoy as much life as I can.

That's about all we can do in our search for relief from this

disease, the pain and joint destruction.

I better get dressed for the outpatient surgery I have early this

morning. You know it takes us a while to dress.

but hang in there. take care.

Ebony