Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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6 LessonsYou Learn When You Have a Chronic Illness

free2beme6060
free2beme6060
This is so true, I have learned to appreciate so much more since I have been ill.
I thought everyone might enjoy reading this:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lottie-v-ryan/living-with-chronic-illness_b_5878410.html
Sunvalleygal
Sunvalleygal
This is very true. I no loner live in the fast lane... and I am glad about that. I did grieve the "old" life that I had and I still get frustrated bc I can no longer do many things that I loved.... but I have a lot more gratitude and have learned how precious life is ....
thx for posting
trishcorsi
trishcorsi
Very good read; thanks for sharing. Trish
linzsey
linzsey
This was uplifting

Thanks a million for sharing
depotblue
depotblue
it's changed my personality, for the better. better than nothing :) I really liked this article. thanks so much!

Depot
bcatz
bcatz
While I agree that I value these things, I really despise that I've lost "trust in health". Trust in my own health. Every new ache makes me question my diagnosis or wonder if I have an additional illness.

I worry about the muscle loss and in researching uncovered both inclusion body myositis and polymyositis. SCARY stuff. :(

RA has turned me into a hypochondriac of sorts. I hand-wring over so many things. So, yes, I see the value of true love and compassion and knowing what is most important, but RA has turned this into a race to have my ducks in a row, alternate plans when things aren't right, and the ever looming *what ifs* answered!
bcatz
bcatz
RASally,
Excellent perspective regarding the 1/2brainers. I'm one of them. It angers me when doctors say "oh, so you've been on dr.internet "...no, in fact, much of what I do in research involves reading studies and consulting with family (sister and two brother-in-laws are doctors).
In actuality, I asked for my bloodwork to confirm RA. No one suggested it, except me. Several doctors dismissed my thinking...and then my RF of 67 and anti-ccp > 500 spoke for me.

There are many relationships I cherish because I'm not working...especially my two kids who are 11 and 13 now. But, I probably would be quite happy without my good ol' buddy, RA!
2scicrazed
2scicrazed
A while back I was camping with my endurance horses at a big state park. Met the group of trail riders camped next to us (senior citizens) and enjoyed some drinks. We ended up discussing our various physical challenges. Of course, I'm far from shy about my history of RA and how I found my magic bullet by getting food allergies diagnosed and avoiding them.

One of the trail riders looked at me incredulously and said "with all your health problems - why do you compete in endurance?"

I just replied "Why not?" And left it at that.

My husband quit griping about my Sundays being dedicated to horseback riding after I mentioned "there's no guarantee that I'll be able to do it next week or next month or next year - so by God I'm doing it this weekend!". He's seen how fast RA can make me an almost invalid. He knows I'm not joking.

This disease has made me truly live for the moment... Enjoy each day to the fullest...