Re: I need some encouragement!

[Guest guest]

Rebekah and Group

Awe Rebekah babydoll. So young. I heard many times young people get

arthritis. I can't say everything will be all right. I can say there

is a lot of help. Since I joined this group I have learned a lot just

in a month.

Sweet heart, I am so sorry your in pain. Hon half of my family think I

am faking the pain. I dont even worry about them anymore. They got

their own lives to deal with. I just know that I now have compassion

for anyone in pain for I have pain of RA. I am not in pain now. My

rheumy has finally taken care of that.

WE will have bad day and better days. Thats the first thing I heard in

the group. Awe what a relief. They said there will be better days.

yaaaaaaa. No one told me that. WEll, its true hon. I am having better

days. I wouldnt of known that it can be help or relived. Till I find

this support group.

When someone said I have RA but I am not in pain, I though omg why am

I in pain. Hon just stick with us. and learn. I did and everyone here

was so helpful. God bless you. Your yong enough almost to be my grand

child.

gentle hugs everyone

Clora

, " Rebekah " <roxygirl_w@...> wrote:

>

> I have RA as well as many other health problems and am 24 years

old.

> My RA affects all of my joints. It is so hard being in pain

everyday,

> all day. Expecially when the people around you don't understand.

What

> do you do that helps minimize the pain? Physical and emotional?

>

[Guest guest]

Rebekah,

I am so sorry that you are having to go through all of the pain. It is

just wrong.

What kind of meds are you on and how long have you been taking them?

Is there a chance that they are new and have not had a chance to start

working? If you have been on them for a while, please tell your

rheummy that you are still in horrible pain. A lot of people here have

had to STRESS to their doctor just how bad the pain is.

Few people understand RA. I have a neighbor that thinks I can take

supplements and it will get better. She thinks that all illnesses are

autoimmune problems and you just rejuvinate your body with herbs and

vitamins and everything gets healed!!!!! These opinions don't count or

matter. You will learn to discount them with time. Almost everyone

thinks RA is the same as osteo-arthritis.

I soak in a very warm bath and I find it at least relaxes me enough

that I can deal with pain a little better. If you can take prednisone

it will help with the inflammation and pain. We learn to do things

differently. If anything causes more pain, we have to stop. I know

this sounds simple and it isn't. I have had to walk away from a task

over and over until I could go back and either put things away or half-

way finish.

All of us find having this group to ask questions, relay experiences

and just to blow off steam a great therapy for our emotional stress

and pain. Being able to open up to others who do understand the pain

and problems is the best help that I have gotten, no one here is

judgemental of another member. Granted most of us are older and maybe

don't how devastating it is for you, but you will find friends in your

corner willing to listen and help if possible.

I don't know if I have been any help but I do care.

Shirley

> , " Rebekah " <roxygirl_w@> wrote:

> >

> > I have RA as well as many other health problems and am 24 years

> old.

> > My RA affects all of my joints. It is so hard being in pain

> everyday,

> > all day. Expecially when the people around you don't understand.

> What

> > do you do that helps minimize the pain? Physical and emotional?

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Shirly and Group

Rofl. Haaaaaaaa Sometimes I cant stop laughing when I read what you

guys go through with other people. Sure Shirly , takes some herbs

your RA will do just fine. What an idiot of a neighbor. I have seen

people in my own family like that.

The best one I heard yet is " Get up move around you will feel much

better. " Your lieing in bed in utter pain and some one tells you to

move around. Don't get me wrong, we got to keep moving, I know that.

But for the love Of my Holy God. Where is their COMPASSION.

I ask my rheumy about that. She said no you dont need to exercise

yet unless you can. You can do more damage hurting yourself by

overdoing it. I am moving around pretty good now. I am doing house

cleaning for the first time in months. That is exercise in it self

lol. No way, I am not going to over do it. And Yes, I have heard

many people who told me about vitamins, herbs and exercise. I know

what I can and can't do. I watch the very same people get a ache in

the knee and they are helples. O well what more can I say haaaaaaaa.

I had to respond to you shirly about the herbs. Rolling on floor

laughing= ROFL. I am truly Sorry your neighbor told you that Shirly.

They really don't know do they

VEry gentle hugs

Clora

[Guest guest]

I too became ill at a young age and am now 36.  I got sick and was disabled two

years out of working very hard thru college.  Physically the best thing you can

do for yourself, is try the combination of medications the doctors give you. 

Educate yourself as much as possible on the conditions.  Light exercise (such as

the arthritis foundation pool classes, or hydrotherapy classes with a physical

therapist.  I'm currently in phsycial therapy and am being shown isometric

exercises i can do simply laying in my bed to help stretch out the kinks in my

myofacia from my FMS and also that will help my joints from the inflammatory. 

Emotionally, stay strong.  Keep hope! Just because things are really bad now

does not mean it will be that way forever! Everyday, miracles are made in

medical advances, new medications and treatments will be found! Advocate on your

behalf of your health.  Don't let the disease define who you are..it is pain,

yes, but it is just

a label, it doesn't take away from the beautiful individual you are as a

person.  Cognitive behavioral therapy is a godsend! If you can do that. 

journaling out your feelings by writing or typing one will  also help get the

stress and emotional turmoil out.  It can also help chart your progress.  Read

something positive everyday! Watch a funny movie, read a funny book, do

something you enjoy, be gentle with yourself.  Priortize, don't overdo things

and pace yourself.  Rest.  Hot bubble baths, aromatherapy, scented candles. 

Venting on this board is another great option.  I carry positive affirmations on

cards with me whereever i go and pull one out when feeling blue.  I think of all

the people that have it so much worse than I do.  Babies born ill, those that

are terminal.  It shows me more compassion and more patience with myself. 

From: Rebekah <roxygirl_w@...>

Subject: [ ] I need some encouragement!

Date: Friday, August 1, 2008, 1:23 AM

I have RA as well as many other health problems and am 24 years old.

My RA affects all of my joints. It is so hard being in pain everyday,

all day. Expecially when the people around you don't understand. What

do you do that helps minimize the pain? Physical and emotional?

[Guest guest]

Rebekah,

I was 24 when I was diangosed w/ RA and 3 years later fibromyaglia.

It's hard, especially when you can't keep up w/ your friends and doing

daily activities takes all the engery you have. Having a good suppport

system is key (i.e. this web board...AWESOME). Talk to your

rheumy...if you are in constant pain and the medications you are on are

not providing you w/ relief...you need to talk to them. The hardest

part for me is the emotional part. I have had RA for 7 years, I still

have a hard time dealing w/ it. I am on anti-depressants and I am

seeing a therapist who specializes in people w/ chronic pain

conditions. It's helping me tremendously. I would encourage you to

talk to your rheumy and possibly seeing a therapist to help with the

mental crap that comes with it.

This web board is great for support...everyone here knows exactly what

you are going through. It's hard for people to understand especially

since they are not in your shoes and we are. You don't have to go

through this alone. We are all here for you!!

>

> I have RA as well as many other health problems and am 24 years old.

> My RA affects all of my joints. It is so hard being in pain

everyday,

> all day. Expecially when the people around you don't understand.

What

> do you do that helps minimize the pain? Physical and emotional?

>

[Guest guest]

hi rebekah, i'm soooooooooo SORRY FOR your PAIN it SUX! i feel everthing u feel.

i have ra in all my joints & sometimes i feel like just throwing in the towel

but then i realize what that would do to my family especially to my lil girl,

alyssa. i love her too much too much!!!!! what i do for physical pain is take my

meds & c if that helps, if not i take a couple oh hits from a marijuana joint &

that

so helps me to relax & not think about any of the pain at all, call me CRAZY but

sometimes u just have to do what u have to do to feel some relieve!! as for the

mental pain i take xanax & lexepro 2x's a day & that does the trick!!

i also love to listen to the oldies,classic rock, & r & bsoft soul music....... if

the people i'm around don't understand then u know what?

i just leave if i'm at their house or even at mine i go to my room close the

door & crank up the jams!!!! pump it up pump it up!!

well whateveru decide let it b the BEST FOR U & ONLY U!!!! god

bless,melyndagamez  8/2/08 11:45p.m.cst.

[ ] I need some encouragement!

Date: Friday, August 1, 2008, 1:23 AM

I have RA as well as many other health problems and am 24 years old.

My RA affects all of my joints. It is so hard being in pain everyday,

all day. Expecially when the people around you don't understand. What

do you do that helps minimize the pain? Physical and emotional?

     

[Guest guest]

If it helps...you have someone in the same boat as you. I just turned

25. My doctors think I have had my RA since age 19. People will never

understand. No one really knows what RA is. They think arthritis...no

big deal! Its not just Arthritis! I have learned, to tell the people I

have the flu! There is no reason the need to know my business. As far

as they are concerned I just get sick alot.

If you happend to read my post a couple days ago. I did recently get

really frusterated with my close family. That is hard. I find that this

group is a nice outlet for those concerns. Pysically you have to work

wiht your doctors. Emotionally, I guess you just have to find coping

mechanism....like this group.

Things will get better. We have amazing medicine these days. I was a

toally different person 8 months ago, and I am healing now. I just have

to re-frame it. RA doesn't own me! I am a person that has a obstacle,

that's all.

I hope you get to feeling better soon. I know how you feel. It can be

really depressing. But don't ever lose site of the light!

Some days I am like " why me " . My conlcusing is that God is just trying

to make me a stronger person. I am surviving! I am proud of that.

Know that you always can lean on people that share your " obstacle " -

like all of us in the group. It helps!

Just don't give up!

You'll get better.

>

> I have RA as well as many other health problems and am 24 years old.

> My RA affects all of my joints. It is so hard being in pain

everyday,

> all day. Expecially when the people around you don't understand.

What

> do you do that helps minimize the pain? Physical and emotional?

>

[Guest guest]

If it helps...you have someone in the same boat as you. I just turned

25. My doctors think I have had my RA since age 19. People will never

understand. No one really knows what RA is. They think arthritis...no

big deal! Its not just Arthritis! I have learned, to tell the people I

have the flu! There is no reason the need to know my business. As far

as they are concerned I just get sick alot.

If you happend to read my post a couple days ago. I did recently get

really frusterated with my close family. That is hard. I find that this

group is a nice outlet for those concerns. Pysically you have to work

wiht your doctors. Emotionally, I guess you just have to find coping

mechanism....like this group.

Things will get better. We have amazing medicine these days. I was a

toally different person 8 months ago, and I am healing now. I just have

to re-frame it. RA doesn't own me! I am a person that has a obstacle,

that's all.

I hope you get to feeling better soon. I know how you feel. It can be

really depressing. But don't ever lose site of the light!

Some days I am like " why me " . My conlcusing is that God is just trying

to make me a stronger person. I am surviving! I am proud of that.

Know that you always can lean on people that share your " obstacle " -

like all of us in the group. It helps!

Just don't give up!

You'll get better.

>

> I have RA as well as many other health problems and am 24 years old.

> My RA affects all of my joints. It is so hard being in pain

everyday,

> all day. Expecially when the people around you don't understand.

What

> do you do that helps minimize the pain? Physical and emotional?

>

[Guest guest]

Everyone;

Now I think I know what people act like arthirtis is no big deal. I

could be wrong, hear me out. I was watching a comercial the other

night about kapson. I dont know the correct spelling for it.

Well, In the commercial a fairly older lady is complaing about

arthritis pain. Not bad looking person. With grey hair. The

commercial went on to say. Your arthrits is keeping you from doing

the fun things with the grandkids. She is rubbing her hands like

they really hurt somewhat.

Use kapson, she is now rubbing it on her hands. Next she is playing

in the yard with the grandkids and the dog. She is running around as

if her arthritis is gone. Wow look how much kapson is helping her

live a normal life. haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

I don't think so. Sure these over the counter rubs may help somewhat

but its our meds from the rheumy that helps. Some of us cant even

think about running through the yard. haaaaaaaaa.

I hope as time goes on I will be able to take walks. I see some of

you can jog and exercise thats great. ANyway these commercials make

it look like arthritis is no big deal just buy their product. OMG.

THe next time some one down plays your arthritis, think of that

comercial.

gentle hugs

Clora

> If it helps...you have someone in the same boat as you. I just

turned

> 25. My doctors think I have had my RA since age 19. People will

never

> understand. No one really knows what RA is. They think

arthritis...no

> big deal! Its not just Arthritis! I have learned, to tell the

people I

> have the flu! There is no reason the need to know my business. As

far

> as they are concerned I just get sick alot.

> If you happend to read my post a couple days ago. I did recently

get

> really frusterated with my close family. That is hard. I find that

this

> group is a nice outlet for those concerns. Pysically you have to

work

> wiht your doctors. Emotionally, I guess you just have to find

coping

> mechanism....like this group.

> Things will get better. We have amazing medicine these days. I was

a

> toally different person 8 months ago, and I am healing now. I just

have

> to re-frame it. RA doesn't own me! I am a person that has a

obstacle,

> that's all.

> I hope you get to feeling better soon. I know how you feel. It can

be

> really depressing. But don't ever lose site of the light!

> Some days I am like " why me " . My conlcusing is that God is just

trying

> to make me a stronger person. I am surviving! I am proud of that.

> Know that you always can lean on people that share

your " obstacle " -

> like all of us in the group. It helps!

> Just don't give up!

> You'll get better.

>

>

> >

> > I have RA as well as many other health problems and am 24 years

old.

> > My RA affects all of my joints. It is so hard being in pain

> everyday,

> > all day. Expecially when the people around you don't

understand.

> What

> > do you do that helps minimize the pain? Physical and emotional?

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I agree totally w/ you. When I was first diangosed, my PCP was out

and I had to see someone else in his practice. She immediately took

me off my pain medication because " I am too young to be in pain " . I

was pissed. I worked in healthcare and the majority of my friends

worked in medicine and were familiar w/ RA. They understood. When I

moved to another state and trying to make new friends...no one gets

it. I have been told, just don't think about it, push youself past

the pain, and other pin-headed excuses. My mom's boyfriend was

telling me that my pain is all in my head, that I just want

narcotics. I am SOO sick of it. My family doesn't understand it,

they just see the commericals for RA and it's not as bad as I am

making it out to be. It's frustrating...not only are you trying to

deal w/ RA for yourself...you try to educate people and it falls on

deaf ears. I have one friend here in Denver, who has lupus and she is

the only one besides you guys who really understands what it feels

like.

>

> Everyone thinks that " arthritis " is " osteo " arthritis. Not that

osteo is

> not a very painful condition, but my opinion is that even if you

say you

> have rheumatoid arthritis, people think it's minor aches and

pains. They

> have no clue the seriousness of the disease.

>

>

>

> My 81 year old neighbor has some osteo in her toes and she thinks

it's the

> end of the world. If I mention my RA, she goes on and on about her

poor

> toes! I've had days when I couldn't lift the blankets off me to

get out of

> bed and she's worried about her toes!! I just smile and listen to

her

> complain. Nothing I say would alter her opinion so I don't bother.

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: [mailto:RA-

SUPPORT ] On

> Behalf Of laurenrosepeters

> Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 1:30 AM

>

> Subject: [ ] Re: I need some encouragement!

>

>

>

> If it helps...you have someone in the same boat as you. I just

turned

> 25. My doctors think I have had my RA since age 19. People will

never

> understand. No one really knows what RA is. They think

arthritis...no

> big deal! Its not just Arthritis! I have learned, to tell the

people I

> have the flu! There is no reason the need to know my business. As

far

> as they are concerned I just get sick alot.

> If you happend to read my post a couple days ago. I did recently

get

> really frusterated with my close family. That is hard. I find that

this

> group is a nice outlet for those concerns. Pysically you have to

work

> wiht your doctors. Emotionally, I guess you just have to find

coping

> mechanism....like this group.

> Things will get better. We have amazing medicine these days. I was

a

> toally different person 8 months ago, and I am healing now. I just

have

> to re-frame it. RA doesn't own me! I am a person that has a

obstacle,

> that's all.

> I hope you get to feeling better soon. I know how you feel. It can

be

> really depressing. But don't ever lose site of the light!

> Some days I am like " why me " . My conlcusing is that God is just

trying

> to make me a stronger person. I am surviving! I am proud of that.

> Know that you always can lean on people that share your " obstacle " -

> like all of us in the group. It helps!

> Just don't give up!

>

>

>

> .

>

>

> <http://geo./serv?

s=97359714/grpId=101478/grpspId=1705061498/msgId=

> 116066/stime=1217762590/nc1=5191950/nc2=5191951/nc3=4763760>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Too true. People see these an believe them to be exactly as

portrayed.

Even when I had only osteo and the Aleve commercial would come on

with the lady taking 2 and dancing all night, I would scream at the

TV, NO you can't!

These things are geared so that we will insist on their drugs and

buy them but never show the reality of the disease. Every

manufacturer wants us to see ourselves as their actors and believe

we will be just like them. Show me someone that does have RA and

what it has done for them. Truth.....I guess it just dosen't work

with marketing.

Shirley

>

> I agree totally w/ you. When I was first diangosed, my PCP was

out

> and I had to see someone else in his practice. She immediately

took

> me off my pain medication because " I am too young to be in pain " .

I

> was pissed. I worked in healthcare and the majority of my friends

> worked in medicine and were familiar w/ RA. They understood. When

I

> moved to another state and trying to make new friends...no one

gets

> it. I have been told, just don't think about it, push youself past

> the pain, and other pin-headed excuses. My mom's boyfriend was

> telling me that my pain is all in my head, that I just want

> narcotics. I am SOO sick of it. My family doesn't understand it,

> they just see the commericals for RA and it's not as bad as I am

> making it out to be. It's frustrating...not only are you trying

to

> deal w/ RA for yourself...you try to educate people and it falls

on

> deaf ears. I have one friend here in Denver, who has lupus and she

is

> the only one besides you guys who really understands what it feels

> like.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dorthy, Group

hmmmm. I have RA, I think everyone knows. I told the rheumy how my

lower back hurts so bad too. She said casually, O thats the osteo I

said you had. When did she tell me?? Was I in shock from the news

lol. Anyway. I thought all artrhritis was the same. PAINFUL.

I google everything or look it up on webMD. I read that RA was the

worst of all the arthritis. Add to that it said it was an autoimmune

disease. No one told me that before. All I knew is some one had it

in their toe. their kneee. Not their whole body. lol.

I never ever knew that arthirits could put you on your back. Make

you dread going to the bathroom cause you was in so much pain. I

never knew it fatiqued one like this. Omg, We need to find a cure

for this horrable illness. I heard from the old ones, everyone

eventually gets some form of arthirits. I don't know. It seems like

everyone has arthirits. My precious grandma had RA. Large golf balls

on what her knuckles.

hugs Gently

Clora

gentle hugs

Clora

I knew it wasnt minor aches and pains. I knew enough to never want

it or I knew to feel for the bloke that had it.

> Everyone thinks that " arthritis " is " osteo " arthritis. Not that

osteo is

> not a very painful condition, but my opinion is that even if you

say you

> have rheumatoid arthritis, people think it's minor aches and

pains. They

> have no clue the seriousness of the disease.

>

>

>

> My 81 year old neighbor has some osteo in her toes and she thinks

it's the

> end of the world. If I mention my RA, she goes on and on about

her poor

> toes! I've had days when I couldn't lift the blankets off me to

get out of

> bed and she's worried about her toes!! I just smile and listen to

her

> complain. Nothing I say would alter her opinion so I don't bother.

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: [mailto:RA-

SUPPORT ] On

> Behalf Of laurenrosepeters

> Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 1:30 AM

>

> Subject: [ ] Re: I need some encouragement!

>

>

>

> If it helps...you have someone in the same boat as you. I just

turned

> 25. My doctors think I have had my RA since age 19. People will

never

> understand. No one really knows what RA is. They think

arthritis...no

> big deal! Its not just Arthritis! I have learned, to tell the

people I

> have the flu! There is no reason the need to know my business. As

far

> as they are concerned I just get sick alot.

> If you happend to read my post a couple days ago. I did recently

get

> really frusterated with my close family. That is hard. I find that

this

> group is a nice outlet for those concerns. Pysically you have to

work

> wiht your doctors. Emotionally, I guess you just have to find

coping

> mechanism....like this group.

> Things will get better. We have amazing medicine these days. I was

a

> toally different person 8 months ago, and I am healing now. I just

have

> to re-frame it. RA doesn't own me! I am a person that has a

obstacle,

> that's all.

> I hope you get to feeling better soon. I know how you feel. It can

be

> really depressing. But don't ever lose site of the light!

> Some days I am like " why me " . My conlcusing is that God is just

trying

> to make me a stronger person. I am surviving! I am proud of that.

> Know that you always can lean on people that share

your " obstacle " -

> like all of us in the group. It helps!

> Just don't give up!

>

>

>

> .

>

>

> <http://geo./serv?

s=97359714/grpId=101478/grpspId=1705061498/msgId=

> 116066/stime=1217762590/nc1=5191950/nc2=5191951/nc3=4763760>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

, Group;

Awe I am so sorry hon. My family thinks the same thing. My husband

and my youngest daughter knows. Watching me they feel so bad for me.

They always seen me cleaning cooking or doing something. Now I can't

make a meal. Clean or anything but stay in bed.

It's ok, My rhuemy is finally doing something for me. She waited

till I was unable to walk or anything. She put me on different meds

for a year. Now I am on prednisone and will be taking humira in a

few weeks.

hugs gently

Clora

> I agree totally w/ you. When I was first diangosed, my PCP was

out

> and I had to see someone else in his practice. She immediately

took

> me off my pain medication because " I am too young to be in pain " .

I

> was pissed. I worked in healthcare and the majority of my friends

> worked in medicine and were familiar w/ RA. They understood. When

I

> moved to another state and trying to make new friends...no one

gets

> it. I have been told, just don't think about it, push youself past

> the pain, and other pin-headed excuses. My mom's boyfriend was

> telling me that my pain is all in my head, that I just want

> narcotics. I am SOO sick of it. My family doesn't understand it,

> they just see the commericals for RA and it's not as bad as I am

> making it out to be. It's frustrating...not only are you trying

to

> deal w/ RA for yourself...you try to educate people and it falls

on

> deaf ears. I have one friend here in Denver, who has lupus and she

is

> the only one besides you guys who really understands what it feels

> like.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> >

> > Everyone thinks that " arthritis " is " osteo " arthritis. Not that

> osteo is

> > not a very painful condition, but my opinion is that even if you

> say you

> > have rheumatoid arthritis, people think it's minor aches and

> pains. They

> > have no clue the seriousness of the disease.

> >

> >

> >

> > My 81 year old neighbor has some osteo in her toes and she

thinks

> it's the

> > end of the world. If I mention my RA, she goes on and on about

her

> poor

> > toes! I've had days when I couldn't lift the blankets off me to

> get out of

> > bed and she's worried about her toes!! I just smile and listen

to

> her

> > complain. Nothing I say would alter her opinion so I don't

bother.

> >

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > From: [mailto:RA-

> SUPPORT ] On

> > Behalf Of laurenrosepeters

> > Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 1:30 AM

> >

> > Subject: [ ] Re: I need some encouragement!

> >

> >

> >

> > If it helps...you have someone in the same boat as you. I just

> turned

> > 25. My doctors think I have had my RA since age 19. People will

> never

> > understand. No one really knows what RA is. They think

> arthritis...no

> > big deal! Its not just Arthritis! I have learned, to tell the

> people I

> > have the flu! There is no reason the need to know my business.

As

> far

> > as they are concerned I just get sick alot.

> > If you happend to read my post a couple days ago. I did recently

> get

> > really frusterated with my close family. That is hard. I find

that

> this

> > group is a nice outlet for those concerns. Pysically you have to

> work

> > wiht your doctors. Emotionally, I guess you just have to find

> coping

> > mechanism....like this group.

> > Things will get better. We have amazing medicine these days. I

was

> a

> > toally different person 8 months ago, and I am healing now. I

just

> have

> > to re-frame it. RA doesn't own me! I am a person that has a

> obstacle,

> > that's all.

> > I hope you get to feeling better soon. I know how you feel. It

can

> be

> > really depressing. But don't ever lose site of the light!

> > Some days I am like " why me " . My conlcusing is that God is just

> trying

> > to make me a stronger person. I am surviving! I am proud of that.

> > Know that you always can lean on people that share

your " obstacle " -

>

> > like all of us in the group. It helps!

> > Just don't give up!

> >

> >

> >

> > .

> >

> >

> > <http://geo./serv?

> s=97359714/grpId=101478/grpspId=1705061498/msgId=

> > 116066/stime=1217762590/nc1=5191950/nc2=5191951/nc3=4763760>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Melynda, Group:

I know my pain is real and it's not in my head. I have finally found

a great rheumy here in Denver who wants to treat my RA more

aggressively then the other rheumy's I have seen here. I am getting

back on remicaide which I can't wait to get back on. What I don't

understand is when I was first diagnosed, my rheumy back in LA right

away put me on remicaide and did wonders for me. When I moved to

Denver, the first 2 rheumy's that I saw didn't want to treat it as

aggressively and put me on different medications.

Now that I am w/o health insurance and am forced to go the general

hospital in the area...I have found an awesome rheumy. It's like

finding a diamond in the rough...a rheumy who wants to put me back on

the medication that helped me the most! He's getting me back on

remicaide, gave me a prescription for provigil and tells me that what

I am feeling is real. (I also have fibromyalgia). I think besides

having a great support system (THANK YOU!!) and working with a good

rheumy is important.

> > >

> > > Everyone thinks that " arthritis " is " osteo " arthritis.  Not

that

> > osteo is

> > > not a very painful condition, but my opinion is that even if

you

> > say you

> > > have rheumatoid arthritis, people think it's minor aches and

> > pains.  They

> > > have no clue the seriousness of the disease.

> > >

> > > 

> > >

> > > My 81 year old neighbor has some osteo in her toes and she

> thinks

> > it's the

> > > end of the world.  If I mention my RA, she goes on and on about

> her

> > poor

> > > toes!  I've had days when I couldn't lift the blankets off me

to

> > get out of

> > > bed and she's worried about her toes!!  I just smile and listen

> to

> > her

> > > complain.  Nothing I say would alter her opinion so I don't

> bother.

> > >

> > > 

> > >

> > >  _____ 

> > >

> > > From: [mailto:RA-

> > SUPPORT ] On

> > > Behalf Of laurenrosepeters

> > > Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 1:30 AM

> > >

> > > Subject: [ ] Re: I need some encouragement!

> > >

> > > 

> > >

> > > If it helps...you have someone in the same boat as you.. I just

> > turned

> > > 25. My doctors think I have had my RA since age 19. People will

> > never

> > > understand. No one really knows what RA is. They think

> > arthritis...no

> > > big deal! Its not just Arthritis! I have learned, to tell the

> > people I

> > > have the flu! There is no reason the need to know my business.

> As

> > far

> > > as they are concerned I just get sick alot.

> > > If you happend to read my post a couple days ago. I did

recently

> > get

> > > really frusterated with my close family. That is hard. I find

> that

> > this

> > > group is a nice outlet for those concerns. Pysically you have

to

> > work

> > > wiht your doctors. Emotionally, I guess you just have to find

> > coping

> > > mechanism.....like this group.

> > > Things will get better. We have amazing medicine these days. I

> was

> > a

> > > toally different person 8 months ago, and I am healing now. I

> just

> > have

> > > to re-frame it. RA doesn't own me! I am a person that has a

> > obstacle,

> > > that's all.

> > > I hope you get to feeling better soon. I know how you feel. It

> can

> > be

> > > really depressing. But don't ever lose site of the light!

> > > Some days I am like " why me " . My conlcusing is that God is just

> > trying

> > > to make me a stronger person. I am surviving! I am proud of

that.

> > > Know that you always can lean on people that share

> your " obstacle " -

> > 

> > > like all of us in the group. It helps!

> > > Just don't give up!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > .

> > >

> > > 

> > > <http://geo./serv?

> > s=97359714/grpId=101478/grpspId=1705061498/msgId=

> > > 116066/stime=1217762590/nc1=5191950/nc2=5191951/nc3=4763760>

> > > 

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

,

I am so happy that you have found a good rheummy! Sometimes you have

to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince.

You are so right about a good rheummy. I hate it when I read post

that their docs are not listening. What a horrible position to be

in. I feel so blessed to have mine.

I hope you get on your meds right away and have fantastic results.

Shirley

>

> Melynda, Group:

> I know my pain is real and it's not in my head. I have finally

found

> a great rheumy here in Denver who wants to treat my RA more

> aggressively then the other rheumy's I have seen here. I am

getting

> back on remicaide which I can't wait to get back on. What I don't

> understand is when I was first diagnosed, my rheumy back in LA

right

> away put me on remicaide and did wonders for me. When I moved to

> Denver, the first 2 rheumy's that I saw didn't want to treat it as

> aggressively and put me on different medications.

> Now that I am w/o health insurance and am forced to go the general

> hospital in the area...I have found an awesome rheumy. It's like

> finding a diamond in the rough...a rheumy who wants to put me back

on

> the medication that helped me the most! He's getting me back on

> remicaide, gave me a prescription for provigil and tells me that

what

> I am feeling is real. (I also have fibromyalgia). I think besides

> having a great support system (THANK YOU!!) and working with a

good

> rheumy is important.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Do your meds help at all? I have a daughter who has had arthritis since

she was 7 1/2 years old. I now have fibromyalgia. Nobody seems to

understand the seriousness or the pain. I do. Hang in there.---

>

> I have RA as well as many other health problems and am 24 years old.

> My RA affects all of my joints. It is so hard being in pain

everyday,

> all day. Expecially when the people around you don't understand.

What

> do you do that helps minimize the pain? Physical and emotional?

>

[Guest guest]

--- In , " Tuten " <callolin@...>

wrote:

Hi and group,

Sorry to hear about all of your pain, I too have been really

stuggling with my RA and FM. I am on so many tablets at the

moment. I counted 22 daily!!!

My pain is no better and I feel so disabled, It takes me all day to

get moving and I am up most of the night as my neck, shoulders arms,

wrists feet etc are aching!!!

It is so true that people who are not in pain don't understand. I

am lucky I have a very supportive husband and many times I cannot

get off the couch or even move my arms to put a blanket over me.

None of us want to live this way, but when I get just an ounce of

mobility, I feel so grateful. But of course it is only short lived.

When I go back to my rhematoligist I am going to tell him that if

these tablets he has me on are not helping, I don't want to take

them anymore!!!

At times we all feel so useless. I am waiting anxiously for some

warmer weather and pray that I won't be suffering so much.

I am thinking of everyone out there. As hard as it is try and stay

positive. Thank god for this support group.

Take care, .

>

> Sometimes I don't think others can understand just how bad the

pain can be.

> Sometimes it can be so bad that you can only use one arm to do

daily things.

> It is not easy for someone to use just one arm and be in pain all

the time.

> Since Feb. I have been in constantly pain in my joints. In June I

went to

> my primary doctor to do what was going on. He told me I had tennis

elbow in

> my right elbow. I have felt pain in my other joints as well. On a

daily

> basis I will have pain hit my hands, fingers, wrist, arms and

shoulders.

> There is not even one day that I am not in pain. Sometimes it will

hit my

> knees and feet as well. On Thursday I went to a specialist to see

about my

> right arm. He did an ex-ray of my right elbow. And found out that

I have a

> mild case of Arthritis in my right elbow. He gave me a shot of

> Corticosteroid. It was the most painful thing that I ever went

though. It

> will be worth it if the pain goes away. He said that I also have

tennis

> elbow. The kinds of pains that I am having are like burning and

like needles

> hitting me in my joints. Arthritis runs in my family. My heart

goes out to

> anyone in pain. Until you have been in pain nobody can really

understand how

> bad it can be. I know that there are others who are in worst pain

then I

> could ever be in.

>

>

>

> callolin

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: [mailto:RA-

SUPPORT ] On

> Behalf Of rebpick1artist

> Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 8:24 PM

>

> Subject: [ ] Re: I need some encouragement!

>

>

>

> Do your meds help at all? I have a daughter who has had arthritis

since

> she was 7 1/2 years old. I now have fibromyalgia. Nobody seems to

> understand the seriousness or the pain. I do. Hang in there.---

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Follet and my Group;

Omg , You're the same I wrote post to befor, right?

I have suffered for the longest time till I got this support group.

I limped into my rheumy office a few weeks ago. In horable pain.

Usually I walk in with a false look of No Pain on my body.. I read

all the groups posts and took all their advise.

One person said. What the hell I got to do to get help get pushed in

the office in a wheel chair. No, I didnt do that. But I quit going

in with a healthy look. I went in how I looked at home. NO faking

involved. Didnt dare say I had a support group. I didnt want to give

away all my secrets haaaaaaaaaaaa. It worked haaaaaaaaaa. She put me

on prednisone. I was in no pain. The day before I was everything you

said about yourself and more.

I hurt just a tad. Thats better than being in agony. I never gave a

number higher than 7 to a doctor for my pain. THat day I said it was

a 12. She was not amused. haaaaaaaaaaa. I don't care I hurt from the

top of my head to the end of my toes. I got help finally. I don't

know if that is what got the help, becuase she had to try others

meds first . Could of been an insurance requirement. I don't know. I

know now I feel good. I want you to feel good too. Good luck. I feel

so sad for you. I want you to feel better.

Never go in the doctors office pushy. I have lots of experience with

doctors. I even worked for one as a Medical assistant. They are very

smart. haaaaaaaaaa. thats right they are smart and they have guide

line to abide by I am sure.. They know when someone is pulling

their leg. They have to go by rules and regulations too. Remember

they have to worry about law suits. I think thats why wwe all suffer

a little longer than we are suppose to.

Doctors have to make sure we are real. Of course I know they go by

all the test. They all so go by what we tell them. Our body

movements as well. In public I don't show my pain. I put on a ok

look. One can tell something is wrong. I cant walk much. so there is

a slight tell tell sign. I look normal when I am suffering. So

people think there's nothing serious wrong with me. NOT ANYMORE LOL.

I LET IT ALL HANG OUT. (pain wise)...Not for pity, but to feel at

ease and not struggle to put on a athelete look anymore lol.

I hope I didnt write to long a post.

gentle sweet hugs everyone

Clora

>

>

>

> Hi and group,

>

> Sorry to hear about all of your pain, I too have been really

> stuggling with my RA and FM. I am on so many tablets at the

> moment. I counted 22 daily!!!

>

> My pain is no better and I feel so disabled, It takes me all day

to

> get moving and I am up most of the night as my neck, shoulders

arms,

> wrists feet etc are aching!!!

>

> It is so true that people who are not in pain don't understand. I

> am lucky I have a very supportive husband and many times I cannot

> get off the couch or even move my arms to put a blanket over me.

>

> None of us want to live this way, but when I get just an ounce of

> mobility, I feel so grateful. But of course it is only short lived.

>

> When I go back to my rhematoligist I am going to tell him that if

> these tablets he has me on are not helping, I don't want to take

> them anymore!!!

>

> At times we all feel so useless. I am waiting anxiously for some

> warmer weather and pray that I won't be suffering so much.

>

> I am thinking of everyone out there. As hard as it is try and stay

> positive. Thank god for this support group.

>

> Take care, .

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Dorothy - its wonderful that you just listen to your 81-year old

neighbor - even when her cramping toes are nothing compared to what

you deal with. I know we all wish someone would be attentive and

compassionate about our disease and what we all go through on a daily

basis. But, I'm sure that you made this woman's day with your caring

attentiveness. God Bless you, dear lady............Doreen

>

> Everyone thinks that " arthritis " is " osteo " arthritis. Not that

> osteo is not a very painful condition, but my opinion is that even

> if you say you have rheumatoid arthritis, people think it's minor

> aches and pains. They have no clue the seriousness of the disease.

>

> My 81 year old neighbor has some osteo in her toes and she thinks

> it's the end of the world. If I mention my RA, she goes on and on

> about her poor toes! I've had days when I couldn't lift the

> blankets off me to get out of bed and she's worried about her

> toes!! I just smile and listen to her complain. Nothing I say

> would alter her opinion so I don't bother.

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi and group,

>

> Sorry to hear about all of your pain, I too have been really

> stuggling with my RA and FM. I am on so many tablets at the

> moment. I counted 22 daily!!!

>

> My pain is no better and I feel so disabled, It takes me all day

to

> get moving and I am up most of the night as my neck, shoulders

arms,

> wrists feet etc are aching!!!

>

> It is so true that people who are not in pain don't understand. I

> am lucky I have a very supportive husband and many times I cannot

> get off the couch or even move my arms to put a blanket over me.

>

> None of us want to live this way, but when I get just an ounce of

> mobility, I feel so grateful. But of course it is only short lived.

>

> When I go back to my rhematoligist I am going to tell him that if

> these tablets he has me on are not helping, I don't want to take

> them anymore!!!

>

> At times we all feel so useless. I am waiting anxiously for some

> warmer weather and pray that I won't be suffering so much.

>

> I am thinking of everyone out there. As hard as it is try and stay

> positive. Thank god for this support group.

>

> Take care, .

>

> >

> > Sometimes I don't think others can understand just how bad the

> pain can be.

> > Sometimes it can be so bad that you can only use one arm to do

> daily things.

> > It is not easy for someone to use just one arm and be in pain

all

> the time.

> > Since Feb. I have been in constantly pain in my joints. In June

I

> went to

> > my primary doctor to do what was going on. He told me I had

tennis

> elbow in

> > my right elbow. I have felt pain in my other joints as well. On

a

> daily

> > basis I will have pain hit my hands, fingers, wrist, arms and

> shoulders.

> > There is not even one day that I am not in pain. Sometimes it

will

> hit my

> > knees and feet as well. On Thursday I went to a specialist to

see

> about my

> > right arm. He did an ex-ray of my right elbow. And found out

that

> I have a

> > mild case of Arthritis in my right elbow. He gave me a shot of

> > Corticosteroid. It was the most painful thing that I ever went

> though. It

> > will be worth it if the pain goes away. He said that I also have

> tennis

> > elbow. The kinds of pains that I am having are like burning and

> like needles

> > hitting me in my joints. Arthritis runs in my family. My heart

> goes out to

> > anyone in pain. Until you have been in pain nobody can really

> understand how

> > bad it can be. I know that there are others who are in worst

pain

> then I

> > could ever be in.

> >

> >

> >

> > callolin

> >

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > From: @gro <mailto: %40>

ups.com

> [mailto:RA-

> SUPPORT@groups <mailto:SUPPORT%40> .com] On

> > Behalf Of rebpick1artist

> > Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 8:24 PM

> > @gro <mailto: %40>

ups.com

> > Subject: [ ] Re: I need some encouragement!

> >

> >

> >

> > Do your meds help at all? I have a daughter who has had

arthritis

> since

> > she was 7 1/2 years old. I now have fibromyalgia. Nobody seems

to

> > understand the seriousness or the pain. I do. Hang in there.---

>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

MICHELle SHIRLY,CHRISS,NICOLE,

Callolin, Barbara, EVERYONE;

I been on prednisone for over a week now. THe pain has become a

tolerable level. I feel so weak. I had to take my bath today. Even

though it felt good. I felt so weak. It seem to last forever. I

usually take bird baths everyday, than take a full bath

periodically.

I had to go to counseling today at the mental health. My daughter

dropped me off than went to drug store to pick up priscriptions. My

counselor was not in today. I had to wait till she got back. Wasnt

to bad it was air conditioned. It's 99 degrees out today. Going to

my doctor appointments are a big thing to me. I take a bath put on

my nice summer outfits. Haaaaa if they could only see me when I am

at home. I wear my junky clothes. I am happy to dress up nice also.

I read every single post I get from our group. My heart aches for

those of you who are in so much pain. I was that way a week or so

ago. The prednisone makes it a lot better. I go off them in 3 weeks

and start humira injections. I pray it works and I dont have any

allergic reactions. The MTX gave me huge whelps. I can't take it

even with bendryl.

I have heard that water, pools or hydrotherapy is wonderful from out

group. I have to wait till my bathing suit comes. Well, I got to

order it yet. I will get a size 60 if they have it. Or a 30. Don't

worry I will measure myself before purchasing it.

I am really huge. I weight 300 lbs. I gained 150 pounds in 18

months. Cause I was in pain and didnt care cause I figured I was

going to die anyway. It't been a year and I am alive lol. Now I

really want to lose, I want to try everything everyone mentioned to

lose. The water sounds great.

I dont care how big I look; I can't wait to get in a large pool. I

heard you guys say how wonderful it felt. I use to many years ago go

to exercising class at the community pool. Than it was so great. I

don't know how I will tolerate the process of getting ready to put

my bathing suit on and getting in the pool. I guess I should take my

time and take one step at a time.

kind and gentle hugs to everyone

Pain free days I pray

Clora

[Guest guest]

& ,

I think we all know where your coming from w/ the pain. There are

days when I can't even bathe because it hurts to much to raise my

arms. It's hard to remain positive through the pain, I know I get

down on myself all the time because of the pain. Some days are better

then others, and when I have a good day...I take advantage of it. I

try not to over-do it because I pay for it the next day. I am seeing

a really great therapist who specializes in chronic pain conditions.

One thing that she told me that really stuck with me is that pain is

a feeling...it's not who you are. That has been my mantra lately and

I tell myself that everyday. Another thing that she told me is that I

need to quit trying to find the person who I was before RA...that

person does not exist anymore; I need to find who I am supposed to be

today. That is what I am working on now. Somedays are better then

others and I miss who I was before all this.

Other days are better and we have been dealt this disease only to

come out on the other side stronger. Hang in there!! Best of luck to

you.

>

> Hi and group,

>

> Sorry to hear about all of your pain, I too have been really

> stuggling with my RA and FM. I am on so many tablets at the

> moment. I counted 22 daily!!!

>

> My pain is no better and I feel so disabled, It takes me all day to

> get moving and I am up most of the night as my neck, shoulders

arms,

> wrists feet etc are aching!!!

>

> It is so true that people who are not in pain don't understand. I

> am lucky I have a very supportive husband and many times I cannot

> get off the couch or even move my arms to put a blanket over me.

>

> None of us want to live this way, but when I get just an ounce of

> mobility, I feel so grateful. But of course it is only short lived.

>

> When I go back to my rhematoligist I am going to tell him that if

> these tablets he has me on are not helping, I don't want to take

> them anymore!!!

>

> At times we all feel so useless. I am waiting anxiously for some

> warmer weather and pray that I won't be suffering so much.

>

> I am thinking of everyone out there. As hard as it is try and stay

> positive. Thank god for this support group..

>

> Take care, .

>

> >

> > Sometimes I don't think others can understand just how bad the

> pain can be.

> > Sometimes it can be so bad that you can only use one arm to do

> daily things.

> > It is not easy for someone to use just one arm and be in pain all

> the time.

> > Since Feb. I have been in constantly pain in my joints. In June I

> went to

> > my primary doctor to do what was going on. He told me I had

tennis

> elbow in

> > my right elbow. I have felt pain in my other joints as well. On a

> daily

> > basis I will have pain hit my hands, fingers, wrist, arms and

> shoulders.

> > There is not even one day that I am not in pain. Sometimes it

will

> hit my

> > knees and feet as well. On Thursday I went to a specialist to see

> about my

> > right arm. He did an ex-ray of my right elbow. And found out that

> I have a

> > mild case of Arthritis in my right elbow. He gave me a shot of

> > Corticosteroid. It was the most painful thing that I ever went

> though. It

> > will be worth it if the pain goes away. He said that I also have

> tennis

> > elbow. The kinds of pains that I am having are like burning and

> like needles

> > hitting me in my joints. Arthritis runs in my family. My heart

> goes out to

> > anyone in pain. Until you have been in pain nobody can really

> understand how

> > bad it can be. I know that there are others who are in worst pain

> then I

> > could ever be in.

> >

> >

> >

> > callolin

> >

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > From: @gro <mailto: %40>

ups.com

> [mailto:RA-

> SUPPORT@groups <mailto:SUPPORT%40> .com] On

> > Behalf Of rebpick1artist

> > Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 8:24 PM

> > @gro <mailto: %40>

ups.com

> > Subject: [ ] Re: I need some encouragement!

> >

> >

> >

> > Do your meds help at all? I have a daughter who has had arthritis

> since

> > she was 7 1/2 years old. I now have fibromyalgia. Nobody seems to

> > understand the seriousness or the pain. I do. Hang in there.---

>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

and Group

Awe yes, I miss who I was so much. Yes pain is a feeling not who we

are. I use to love to clean house, cook, go shopping. Life for me is

so nothing anymore. I hope I keep having such good tolerable levels of

pain. I can walk now with out being in horable pain. I miss me.

Clora

[Guest guest]

H > > I have

RA as well as many other health problems and am 24 years old. > My RA affects

all of my joints. It is so hard being in pain everyday, > all day. Expecially

when the people around you don't understand. What > do you do that helps

minimize the pain? Physical and emotional? > Hi, I know exactly what you are

going through. Infact, I am still in the denial period and I always ask myself

" how did I get this at my age? " Alot of people do not understand what we go

through so it is best to get support from people who know what you are going

through, like myself. You are not alone. if you need someone to chat with and

give you support you can always email me. Are you taking Humira? They say that

prevents further joint damage and ease the pain. I actually just started it.

Please feel free to email me anytime. Traci

[Guest guest]

> >

> > Hi and group,

> >

> > Sorry to hear about all of your pain, I too have been really

> > stuggling with my RA and FM. I am on so many tablets at the

> > moment. I counted 22 daily!!!

> >

> > My pain is no better and I feel so disabled, It takes me all day

to

> > get moving and I am up most of the night as my neck, shoulders

> arms,

> > wrists feet etc are aching!!!

> >

> > It is so true that people who are not in pain don't understand.

I

> > am lucky I have a very supportive husband and many times I

cannot

> > get off the couch or even move my arms to put a blanket over me.

> >

> > None of us want to live this way, but when I get just an ounce

of

> > mobility, I feel so grateful. But of course it is only short

lived.

> >

> > When I go back to my rhematoligist I am going to tell him that

if

> > these tablets he has me on are not helping, I don't want to take

> > them anymore!!!

> >

> > At times we all feel so useless. I am waiting anxiously for some

> > warmer weather and pray that I won't be suffering so much.

> >

> > I am thinking of everyone out there. As hard as it is try and

stay

> > positive. Thank god for this support group..

> >

> > Take care, .

> >

> > >

> > > Sometimes I don't think others can understand just how bad the

> > pain can be.

> > > Sometimes it can be so bad that you can only use one arm to do

> > daily things.

> > > It is not easy for someone to use just one arm and be in pain

all

> > the time.

> > > Since Feb. I have been in constantly pain in my joints. In

June I

> > went to

> > > my primary doctor to do what was going on. He told me I had

> tennis

> > elbow in

> > > my right elbow. I have felt pain in my other joints as well.

On a

> > daily

> > > basis I will have pain hit my hands, fingers, wrist, arms and

> > shoulders.

> > > There is not even one day that I am not in pain. Sometimes it

> will

> > hit my

> > > knees and feet as well. On Thursday I went to a specialist to

see

> > about my

> > > right arm. He did an ex-ray of my right elbow. And found out

that

> > I have a

> > > mild case of Arthritis in my right elbow. He gave me a shot of

> > > Corticosteroid. It was the most painful thing that I ever went

> > though. It

> > > will be worth it if the pain goes away. He said that I also

have

> > tennis

> > > elbow. The kinds of pains that I am having are like burning

and

> > like needles

> > > hitting me in my joints. Arthritis runs in my family. My heart

> > goes out to

> > > anyone in pain. Until you have been in pain nobody can really

> > understand how

> > > bad it can be. I know that there are others who are in worst

pain

> > then I

> > > could ever be in.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > callolin

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > _____

> > >

> > > From: @gro <mailto: %

40>

> ups.com

> > [mailto:RA-

> > SUPPORT@groups <mailto:SUPPORT%40> .com] On

> > > Behalf Of rebpick1artist

> > > Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 8:24 PM

> > > @gro <mailto: %40>

> ups.com

> > > Subject: [ ] Re: I need some encouragement!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Do your meds help at all? I have a daughter who has had

arthritis

> > since

> > > she was 7 1/2 years old. I now have fibromyalgia. Nobody seems

to

> > > understand the seriousness or the pain. I do. Hang in there.---

> >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >