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...
It's my RA anniversary... one year ago I was diagnosed with this painful disease.
I'm feeling reflective right now - looking back at where I was, where I am now, and where things are headed.
I had a lot of pain at first, but the MTX injections and pain killers are for the most part keeping me pain free. I have flares, but haven't had a really bad one in awhile (knocking on wood right now). There are minor things that bug me every day. Fingers, knees, wrists, shoulders - seems to vary, but overall, I have to say I'm doing pretty well.
I hate the needles still - just Friday I said to my hubby that I've done about 45 weeks of injections now, and mentally the process just isn't getting much easier, but I'm still doing it, I know I have to.
I had a lot of frustration at first. Trying to do the things I used to do so easily before, which were now so painful and difficult was a very hard pill to swallow. I cried a lot. I said 'why me' a lot. I closed myself off, felt like giving up, wasn't willing to try something I thought would hurt me.
Now... I'm dealing. The meds have kicked in. I understand there are some limitations, but I also understand that if I modify some of my activities, I can ALMOST do what I used to do before. It's not perfect - but for someone who is living with RA, I'm pretty damn active. That I can be proud of.
I'm nervous about what the future holds. When will this all come to a crashing halt - when will the meds stop working, when will I have to try something new, when will the major pain return.
Although I'm nervous - I have no real control over that, so I just have to live in the moment and take advantage of things while I can.
My pinky on my right hand is starting to bend inwards - I think that will be my first visible effect of RA. I'm thinking about getting a small blue ribbon tattooed on that finger. One that says 'I'm a RA Fighter'.
My pinky might be bent - but I'm not giving in yet.
I hope everyone gets to a point where they can appreciate what good is going on in their lives - even when it feels like nothing good is going on.
Be proud of the lilttle things you accomplish. Smile everyday - even if you don't feel like it.
It helps.
I'm feeling reflective right now - looking back at where I was, where I am now, and where things are headed.
I had a lot of pain at first, but the MTX injections and pain killers are for the most part keeping me pain free. I have flares, but haven't had a really bad one in awhile (knocking on wood right now). There are minor things that bug me every day. Fingers, knees, wrists, shoulders - seems to vary, but overall, I have to say I'm doing pretty well.
I hate the needles still - just Friday I said to my hubby that I've done about 45 weeks of injections now, and mentally the process just isn't getting much easier, but I'm still doing it, I know I have to.
I had a lot of frustration at first. Trying to do the things I used to do so easily before, which were now so painful and difficult was a very hard pill to swallow. I cried a lot. I said 'why me' a lot. I closed myself off, felt like giving up, wasn't willing to try something I thought would hurt me.
Now... I'm dealing. The meds have kicked in. I understand there are some limitations, but I also understand that if I modify some of my activities, I can ALMOST do what I used to do before. It's not perfect - but for someone who is living with RA, I'm pretty damn active. That I can be proud of.
I'm nervous about what the future holds. When will this all come to a crashing halt - when will the meds stop working, when will I have to try something new, when will the major pain return.
Although I'm nervous - I have no real control over that, so I just have to live in the moment and take advantage of things while I can.
My pinky on my right hand is starting to bend inwards - I think that will be my first visible effect of RA. I'm thinking about getting a small blue ribbon tattooed on that finger. One that says 'I'm a RA Fighter'.
My pinky might be bent - but I'm not giving in yet.
I hope everyone gets to a point where they can appreciate what good is going on in their lives - even when it feels like nothing good is going on.
Be proud of the lilttle things you accomplish. Smile everyday - even if you don't feel like it.
It helps.
Your a strong person. Mind & body.
I like the pinky thought.
With RA you have to be a fighter.
We just don't realize or see it but we are strong.
In order to get up every day not knowing what's in store we have to be.
Look around at this group. You know there are some major concerns, pain & suffering in various forms. Yet everyone gives & more important cares.
I'd say that takes strength. It's easy to put your head in the sand & continue daily with the why me? Punish the world around you. I've seen it happen. It's sad & burns everyone out. No matter how bad we have it someone has it worse.
I'm feeling like crap in every way right now but I know it could be worse.
It's good to hear there are those who work on accepting & refuse to hand their life over. After all we know getting a diagnosis is like a life sentence behind invisible bars for so many.
Good for you.
Thank you for sharing your positivity.
Sammy