I have a lot less pain from exercise, but I think it is because of the endorphins. After my surgery I nearly went crazy I missed it so much, because I couldn't work out. I think keeping calm, and peaceful which is part of the point of meditation would help anyone. I spend a lot of time praying, which has given me a greater hope in God, and a deeper relationship with Him. I also read the Bible, which has shown me an entire theology of suffering, which most of Christianity today seems to miss. I might write a book on it one day. LOL

I started yoga 5 weeks ago and it has lessened my pain. I do not have severe RA, but do have some flare ups. I just got off of predisone and was very scared I would feel terrible. Currently I am only on methotrexate, the yoga was a God sent. Now I feel good enough to add exercise to my life. This combination works for me. Hope I helped.

For me excercise is a necessity. I walk several miles a day in the summer, while in the winter ride a recumbent bike for 30 minutes to an hour 5-7 days a week.

I have not done yoga, but I find music really relaxes me. I find myself wrapped in the lyrics, swaying to the melody.

I have heard that yoga is a great stress reliever. I am not sure I would be able to plop down onto the floor and get in position. lol

Yoga helps to balance your chi energy, and so can bring about deeper relaxation. There are positions that almost anyone can use. I recently started practising yoga after nearly a year (as had sudden onset RA) after realising that I had to take back some control of my life. I also meditate and use mindfulness techniques, staying in the moment when doing such things as washing up and walking. I battle with sheer mental determination to do the things I used to (which only ends up with me being wiped and in pain) and meditation does help with that.

Renee,

I do all of the above: stretching, exercise and meditation, and I'd also add diet. They've brought me great relief for years. I suffered from fibromyalgia for a long time, and the only drug I used for that was ibuprofen.

I take Rituxan, which is clealy the largest part of my successful RA treatment, but I've also seen a wonderful progression, in terms of fitness and diminished pain. I add diet to the mix, because an anti-inflammatory diet makes a big difference, as well. I've had some other challenges, so I now eat a low-glycemic diet, and I've been able to maintain my ideal weight, manage my blood sugar and my cholesterol, between diet and exercise.

I still have some pain, although very little is from RA, I think. However, I have been able to give up virtually all my other meds.

doug

Angela...I, too, have grown deeper in my relationship with God...I think because I had to slow down and listen a little more. The eternal human question of suffering is something I think about a lot. I am an artist and at some point I would like to paint several large paintings on the journey of suffering. My friend, Kathie (a Lutheran pastor) and I just recently led a retreat on prayer and meditation. She taught different prayer forms and I used watercolor as a way to pray and meditate. I think every one of us suffer in some way - emotionally, spiritually, physically. And there is such a need to create space to be quiet, be still, breathe deeply and listen.