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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Muscles & Bones
/ Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Animals

disneyfan
disneyfan
I'm wondering if others think or have experenced that having an animal helps with R.A ? We recently adoped a black lab ..his name is Drew..hes been wonderful for keeping my spirits up and making me use my hands even tho they hurt (to pet him) ...i call him my therepy dog..lol we go on walks even when i dont want to...on the days i really cant go out or play ball he will just lay on the couch next to me with his head on my lap...he just gives me comfort and love....I just feel happy with him around...do others feel the same about their pets?
deleted_user
deleted_user
LOL, My old dog, RIP, was very aware of my bad and good days! He was not allowed on the furniture, but if I was down, he would sneak up there and cuddle me. He also would manage to find the one place that was throbbing and would start licking me....They actually say that dogs can absorb the disease from your system....Not sure if that is true or not, but Ruger, my dog that passed in feb...I still cry about him....had arthritis right where I did and he died of cancer.....I worry that it was because he absorbed it from me. But, God brought him into my life for a reason.
My horse is also very aware of my body. He takes care of me!

Now we have 8 horses, 3 dogs and 5 cats. My newest addition, Gauge, is a red heeler. She is my cuddle bug now! When my hands were swollen, she could not lick them enough....The swelling went away and now that I am on the new meds, she acts like i dont need her? My whole point is, there are healing powers within the souls of animals!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
My little pug, Poochie is the best when I am having a bad time. I tell my husband it is like he knows when I am sick and just lays with me. I think pets have a sense about those things and you cant help but feel better having those big eyes looking up at you.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have 5 cats and I would not trade them for the world. I know that at any time I can turn to one of my 3 boys for warmth and softness when my hands are cold and achy.