Re: To Barbara and a

[Guest guest]

Hi Steve.  So nice to hear from you and meet you. I know just what you mean

about painful feet. Mine are so bad I could just scream with the pain.  They

are badly swollen too and like you, some days I can not stand on them due to the

pain.  I have felt many times like chopping them off!!

 

I am so sorry you were struck with this ugly disease of RA.  RA reared its ugly

head to me 6 years ago.  I had just turned 64.  I knew nothing about it etc. 

I did look it up on my computer and got so scared, I never looked again.

 

The best thing I have done for myself was finding and joining this group. 

Everyone here is so caring, compassionate and really care about each other. 

They understand our pain, and our daily struggle living with RA.  When we

are down, upset angry etc. we can vent here and everyone knows exactly how we

are feeling. We are not alone in our struggle to try and live a normal life.  I

had to learn how to pace myself, which was hard for me to do.  I also rest each

day as my Rheumy insisted on this.  I have learned to do things differently and

more slowly, and if I don't get them done today, I will do it tomorrow.  I do

make a day plan for myself each day, and try to get things done.  I am just

grateful I can do anything!! 

 

I know you have a full plate too.  I do know how hard it is to get up and on

your feet when they are killing you.  It is pure torture.  Thank God for pain

meds, and my wonderful Rheumy.  She takes such good care of me.

 

I hope you feel better soon, and that you have many pain free days ahead.  I am

sure being a Pastor is a very busy life for you.  Just do the best you can. 

That's all any of us can do.

 

Hugs,

 

Barbara

From: wonderwhat <wonderwhat72@...>

Subject: [ ] To Barbara and a

Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 8:12 AM

 

Pardon the expression, but I feel your pain. As a pastor, I have seen a lot.

Divorces after long marriages. Spouses and children passing away (hence

parents). Both of you are to be commended for your resilience. I was diagnosed

about a year ago with RA and am 58. I have had 3 back surgeries, 3 knee

surgeries, and prostate cancer, all before the RA attacked. My pain is in my

feet (some days I cannot walk and my feet are as swollen as someone with gout).

I can talk with people about Alzheimer's (dad died with it and Mom has it),

cancer (dad had it and several family members also), breathing issues (COPD,

asthma on both sides of my family), and now RA (mom and a brother as well). The

church members call me the energizer bunny because I just keep on going. The

problem is, I sometimes have to force myself to " GO " places. I feel like I want

no more surgery, although I know I am facing at least one more right now. The

show " Eight is Enough " is my theme.

Right now, the pain I have is in my hands (checked for carpal tunnel and

tendonitis) - especially in the bones of my palm and pinky fingers and thumbs,

knees, feet, and neck. Some of it is residual from a fall I had in the Navy 35

years ago. I take a full dose of methotrexate and folic acid and watch my diet,

have tried exercise (pain is too much to bear), and just started Relafen last

month (helps some, but the headaches and all have not subsided). My wife has

stuck by me through all of my health crises. The main solace I get is in prayer

as only God can take away the pain. I believe that I have blocked out pain for

so long that it has become second nature when something else goes wrong. Had a

seminary instructor who said, " I believe in faith healing. Pray to God for

healing and then have enough faith to go see your doctor. God gives them the

knowledge to treat you. "

Keep up the good work. Always be there for each other. Be there for others.

Thanks for sharing yourselves. Have a great day.

Steve S