Guest guest Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 Putting on my helmet and asbestos suit, I agree with Bonnie. People with active RA might not be able to do every job, and with this economy isn't not always easy switching fields, but I do think some form of work or volunteer activity is important, especially as the disease comes under control. My favorite prof in college died from RA. He carried a cushion everywhere, he was very thin, all his fingers had curled, he must have been in horrible pain, but he loved his work and was always positive and enthusiastic. I think of him when I get down. I'm lucky to have an office job, but I know I have to always work in some capacity to keep my psyche healthy. Not too long ago, I saw two people for counseling who were no longer working their office jobs and were on disability for RA. They walked and moved with no apparent difficulty, had no deformities, and were plenty busy with other activities. They gave me a big sob story on the horrors of RA and how no one understood their suffering. I let them go on for a while before I chirped, oh, yes, I know what you mean, I have it too. As an aside, not all my chronic pain patients like my buck up little camper speech, but I tell them I have walked the walk. I know what's it's like not to be able to dress yourself or get into the bathtub. I have eaten mashed potatoes for a week because my jaw was messed up. I have cried and been afraid, but I refuse to give in and I want counseling to be about integrating the disease into one's life and focusing on what we can still do, rather than staying stuck mourning what we've lost. ________________________________ From: Bonnie <tiredtaz@...> Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 3:29:22 PM Subject: [ ] Re: To Bonnie I did not mean to offend anyone, but I still stand by what I said... My disease is not in remission, and I am on pain meds daily amongst everything else. I am not saying that everyone with the disease can or can not work... Everyone is an individual. All I was saying is that just because we have these diseases, that it doesn't mean we can't work. I know people who use this disease to not work, not because they can't, but because they'd rather not. Sorry to have upset you Bonnie > > I do not want to be rude, but I am offended by your statement > " determination of those dealing with the disease " > I have so much determination and my body will not move! LOL I used to work full time, I am also in the medical field, so I really miss my work > > JMO > > Please know people with RA do not give up, their body does. > > Thanks for listening > God Bless > Kathy > Michigan > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 , Thank you for the support... You said it probably better then what i was attempting... I apparently offended people which was not my intentions... Today this disease got the best of me and no amount of pain meds was going to be enough to get my rear-end to work. So, I was off sick today and I'm still having problems gimping around... But the truth is, tomorrow I will fight harder and I WILL make it too work on time and stay (hopefully)the whole day (god willing). I'm certain it will be my own personal hell, but when I make it home, I know I will be filled with accomplishments for the things completed for the day. I know this, because I fight my way through hell almost everyday, as I'm sure many on this list does. Anyway, I just wanted to say hooray for big girl panties and the ability to get tough when the times get tougher! Bonnie > > > > I do not want to be rude, but I am offended by your statement > > " determination of those dealing with the disease " > > I have so much determination and my body will not move! LOL I used to work full time, I am also in the medical field, so I really miss my work > > > > JMO > > > > Please know people with RA do not give up, their body does. > > > > Thanks for listening > > God Bless > > Kathy > > Michigan > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Hi Bonnie - don't sweat it about offending anyone with your other post. It was how you felt and after reading this post today, I can see how you are fighting hard with yourself every day and trying to not let this RA get you down. It is hard and all of us are fighting the RA in different ways - to the best of our abilities - every single day. Its wonderful that you are still able to work - but I do hear your struggles. Some days (more so lately) I just feel like I can't go on - some days the pain and stiffness are just so overwhelming. I pray you are able to get things to cool off enough to be able to go back to work today. Keeping fighting the good fight - for as long as you can - and then keep fighting some more. I like that saying " put your big-girl panties on " and just do it. We all struggle to do what we can each and every day and yes - it is important to recognize what we could do and be grateful for whatever we have accomplished for the day. Positive reinforcements. Pray for pain free days for you.....Doreen , Thank you for the support... You said it probably better then what i was attempting... I apparently offended people which was not my intentions... Today this disease got the best of me and no amount of pain meds was going to be enough to get my rear-end to work. So, I was off sick today and I'm still having problems gimping around... But the truth is, tomorrow I will fight harder and I WILL make it too work on time and stay (hopefully)the whole day (god willing). I'm certain it will be my own personal hell, but when I make it home, I know I will be filled with accomplishments for the things completed for the day. I know this, because I fight my way through hell almost everyday, as I'm sure many on this list does. Anyway, I just wanted to say hooray for big girl panties and the ability to get tough when the times get tougher! Bonnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Doreen... Thanks for your support... I did make it to work today and I even managed to stay the whole day... As for tonight, I'm resting! Then I'm resting.... Did I mention resting? While I'm doing that I will be exchanging heat for ice and then ice for heat... It helps to get some of the aches to subside a little. Hope everyone has a good night Bonnie > > , > Thank you for the support... You said it probably better then what i was attempting... I apparently offended people which was not my intentions... > Today this disease got the best of me and no amount of pain meds was going to be enough to get my rear-end to work. So, I was off sick today and I'm still having problems gimping around... But the truth is, tomorrow I will fight harder and I WILL make it too work on time and stay (hopefully)the whole day (god willing). I'm certain it will be my own personal hell, but when I make it home, I know I will be filled with accomplishments for the things completed for the day. I know this, because I fight my way through hell almost everyday, as I'm sure many on this list does. > Anyway, I just wanted to say hooray for big girl panties and the ability to get tough when the times get tougher! > Bonnie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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