To Barbara and a

[Guest guest]

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