Newbie Gwen Introducing Myself

[Guest guest]

Hi All...

I wanted to just introduce myself briefly; I really think I need to be here and

will need the friendship and information it appears you all have to share.

I'm a 51yr old divorced woman, living alone in SW Ohio. I've been on Disability

for YEARS, but NOT for anything related to RA. I was a battered child and

later, battered wife, so I've had Post=Traumatic-Stress and related disorders.

Recently, I tried to go back to work; I took job training and eventually a job

that, 2 weeks in, I sprained my ankle during. When the ankle didn't get better

in 3 days, something I THINK they call an ANA Test (?) were run...

and the next thing I know, I'm told I have really high indicators of RA and

slightly lower ones for a rare form of Lupus.

Being a published writer since age 4, I've dealt with carpal tunnel and forearm

problems...or did I? Now, laptop and I in my recliner, it appears all the

ergonomic keyboards in the world didn't stop unexpected pain and weakness....

I'm 23yrs sober, don't know what to expect now. I mention the sobriety because

I won't take medication regimens that will include anything addictive...

and, I dont' know, maybe this sounds wierd, but I'm Single and I want to date,

but worry that RA will interfere with Intimacy (sleep apnea ALREADY does,

argghhh!).

So, here I am...still writing, actually doing volunteer work in my area that

DOES seem to matter. I have a voice, I have a purpose, but the initial things

I've read about RA indicate all the head games in the world won't help when my

body decides it's not going to cooperate?

Hope I fit in; thanks for allowing me to introduce myself. Don't know anybody

in my area with this, but sure would like to.

Gwennie, SW Ohio