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...
I didn't know how to label this topic because it is difficult to write in two or three words, but I wanted to ask this community their feelings and reactions to how these diseases can rob us of much of life's opportunities and events.
I am currently going through a bout of "poor me" when I have been thinking of all the things that I have had taken away by this disease and all the special events that I have been too sick or in too much pain to attend.
My husband has been A M A Z I N G and I may never understand where his unyielding strength and commitment comes from. I am in awe every day. I really try not to voice my own sadness about this disease and its painful and terrible effects on my life as I don't want to sound ungrateful of all that my husband does to try and give me what he can to make up for it.
But it is difficult.
I am sure you all out there have your various levels of pain and sacrifice and I would dearly love to hear from you if you have any thoughts on this topic.
With gratitude and thanks,
Trish
I am currently going through a bout of "poor me" when I have been thinking of all the things that I have had taken away by this disease and all the special events that I have been too sick or in too much pain to attend.
My husband has been A M A Z I N G and I may never understand where his unyielding strength and commitment comes from. I am in awe every day. I really try not to voice my own sadness about this disease and its painful and terrible effects on my life as I don't want to sound ungrateful of all that my husband does to try and give me what he can to make up for it.
But it is difficult.
I am sure you all out there have your various levels of pain and sacrifice and I would dearly love to hear from you if you have any thoughts on this topic.
With gratitude and thanks,
Trish
I've also started doing some things FOR myself... like I got my pencils and charcoals and paints back out. They've been put away far too long. I do what I like to call art therapy with myself. It helps keep my mind off the "other stuff." I've been changing my reading, finding books that are more spiritual, hopeful and uplifting. I've been making sure I call a friend every day and let her "stuff" be what we talk about. These things help me. I also discovered "Stumble" online. I do that while listening to music I love and music that soothes my soul.
I'm not always successful. But I'm better than I was all winter. We had a brutal winter, and my spirits suffered from it. I was in a "poor me" place for too long. Oh! And I have a list going of things I've done to make others happy... sending a magazine to my sister in Germany, finding memes to post to my FB wall to hopefully uplift others, taking lunch to my elderly neighbor with Alzheimer's. Things like that. It helps me.
I believe if I can get out of my own head, I'll be happy again. Some people think I'm simple. I have to do what I can for me. Best very best wishes to you!
In many ways we are twins and the parallels in our stories are astounding.
I dont watch tv etc, i read more meaningful books these days like i am searching for tools to survival.
I draw / sketch and post inspirational thoughts on fb. I try to be of service to others in that I try to help them through their own personal struggles and things by being an ear and an open heart. Anything that will get me out of my own circumstances and challenges for a few minutes a day. I have even thought of starting a book club for everyone who suffers from isolation and disability - www.restartgroup.org - it is my sincere hope that it will connect a lot of people who are faced with extraordinary circumstances like us.
I am going through very difficult pain and very active symptoms with RA and SS at this time and its like an ocean of struggle trying to drag me down. I know that every person here has fought this fight over and over again... and you would think it would get easier... but for me, it doesnt.
I hope that I can chat with you again... and thank you again
Love and kindness always
So I have known the feeling about sitting back and watching others for my whole life..I can imagine it isn't any easier not being able to do something that you use to be able to do.
But we have to try to figure out a way TO do the things we use to do or want to do..may not be the normal way but it will be the physical way we can do it..
Some times it's hard to accept what we give up.
I can not move in the mornings. Can take me hours.
Last summer I was sitting in my PJs & the neighbors had company for a early pool party, music laughter etc.... Here I was sitting in my PJs & I just lost it. Started crying.
Couldn't do my gardening or yard & I missed it all.
Not many commitments anymore. No promises as I have no clue how I'll feel.
On days like this I allow the "pity party" then remind myself how much worse it could be.
Still there are times it's just hard.
I get it.
Sammy