that's not usually what happens when people start drinking to escape something. especially pain.

also, i'm certain you're not useless and inadequate.

You're pretty funny, even without. Doesn't the Mormon church have a special dispensation for French wines??

Hi Pamela (lovely name).,
I'm sure you're not useless and inadequate but RA pain and the change it makes to your life can certainly trigger those feelings. Any chronic illness, such as RA can cause Depression and a doctor can help you with medication to help you cope with the beast that RA is.
All the lovely French wine that you can't drink. I like alto's suggestion of a "special dispensation" Lol
Seriously, when you get onto the right combination of meds for you, everything will look a lot brighter.
Hugs from another Pamela (Australia)

Not sure where I'm going with this, but hugs to you all from a bluedog in Texas

Peace and Be well

Bluedogs2

hey BD, i tried to drink some during the boring winter. Result, after the third shot of Blue Head (tequila) my shoulders and elbows swelled and hurt for three days. Worse pain than any hangover I've ever had.

I was wondering if it was just me....RA activated in me last January and through pain, doc, diet began slacking substantially by about this time (btw, had been on plaq for one month, not enough time). This year, since mid-January, I've had to take 24 generic Mobic tabs but only two in the last 2 weeks. This years pain nothing compared to last years (credit plaqu and diet) but the timing is amazingly coincidental.

Hope you feel better.

Thanks NNS - GrandMBDs2 is doing better and I may get her back to independent living next week - doctors and case workers are all smiling currently

'ole Bluedogs2 has not taken alcohol sine May of 1967 - bad experience really turned my head - won't even use mouth wash with alcohol in it - just won't do it

Be well
Bluedogs2

Naw-I wouldn't suggest drinking or using illegal drugs to stop the pain..those will just cause you new problems and new pain :(

whoops! Sorry, reading too many threads too quickly. Meant for pamela.

I agree with the poster who suggested that you dont want to add new problems on top of those you already have.

That being said, I allow myself 1 glass of wine in the evening-- but I'm not Mormom so thats not an issue I struggle with.

I agree with the others who said that you are not "useless and inadequate" but I do know that RA can make you feel that way. Is there someone nearby you can discuss this with? The Elder from your church perhaps? Or your doctor?

We are here to offer support as well.

Exactly what others have said here.

Here's a quick example: My mother started drinking wine instead of taking her pain meds (they don't mix well) because she was feeling useless and inadequate when she had a stroke in each eye, leaving her legally blind. She has been in the hospital for vomiting blood. She had a spontaneous bleed from her stomach, which is entirely inflamed. Not worth it. Hang out with us and/or find someone to talk to, please. :)