Re: PA and pets and STRESS

[Guest guest]

Randi and Irish

I TOTALLY get how pets can reduce our stress levels and add to our well being -

especially when you live alone (as in no human to share your home). I have a

young yorkie and an aging poodle. They make it worthwhile to come home every

day. You both have my total sympathy in loosing your furry life-companions.

And yes, stress can contribute to or cause a flare. My PA onset came in 2005

when my only child was deployed to Iraq, and I had to help him deal with a <bad

words deleted> girlfriend/breakup. Since diagnosis and treatment, I've been

doing ok - till now. My mother is dying two states away and my stress level is

through the roof. I started an atomic flare, but had the good sense to call the

rheumy IMMEDIATELY - he tweaked my meds (steroid dose pack, and stronger pain

meds - which also help to get rest) Calling and asking was the wisest thing I

could possibly have done.....

CMPete

Quilts With Poodle

'.....now times are rough and I've got too much STUFF!!'

J.D. Buffett