I play flute, like I did before RA, but not the saxaphone so much as it is heavy to play. I study languages, and I read theology. I just finished second year Koine Greek, and 2 year university German. I hope to start my PhD in the fall in practical theology.

I love to ride my bicycle, but this has been a hard year for me. I was just getting back into it, when I was broadsided in my car, and so I am doing a lot of chiro, massage therapy, and soon to be PT. I have always gardened., My husband made raised beds I can sit on and plant my veggies, and he helps with pruning.

I also love my grandkids, they are a big joy in my life. I am going to be babysitting and teaching reading to my oldest granddaughter next week.

I have always loved the outdoors, we did a lot of camping, hiking, and various water activities. We switched to an RV, And now we have a sail boat, that doesn’t require as much work on my part.

I think RA does take things away from us, but it also helps us move in new directions. I think it is harder when you are younger to lose important life activities. But, in the end, we all grow old. I now see that I couldn’t have kept the pace I was living one way or another, and I have had 20 years to find new directions which are also rewarding and fulfilling and are things can do, even as I get older, and/or sicker!

I am in the early stages so still adapting mentally and physically. I enjoy reading, the seaside, coffee dates with my husband, gardening and I am in the process of reconnecting with friends. I am in awe of all the interests and talents which you all have, you are inspirational.

I am recently diagnosed with Ra. I am struggling with my inabilites to continue my lifelong hobby/sport of horses. I look at my young stallion and wonder if i can ever continue with his training, i had wanted to compete in endurance races. I put this off until my children were grown and gone. That time is finally here but the pain and loss of strength in my hands leaves me to wonder what limitations i have ahead of me. I wonder if i can even saddle my beloved horse that i have raised from a colt. I am going into my sixties and am very much alone.

I did a lot of power lifting so you imagine how that is gone. laughing. but the love of jazz has intensified. The listening the discernment the small club live local bad good all of it. Linzsey my spice cabinet is bigger than my food cabinet smile. Film noire applesauce? I have a son who is a film addict and I have tried this genre watching with him. I also like foreign and indie and short films. I don't appreciate film as much as he does or you do probably but my brain level has increased with it (I think laughing). I have new ways of connecting with very old friendships Charlotte (plus 40 years for some). I use a lot of video messaging now more than flying or driving. Mostly I have the same almost stupidly relentless positive attitude that i have had from childhood. I think my biggest hobby has been finding joy in the crevices of life.

hugs

depotblue

Thank you for this post. There is an element, when you get this diagnosis, of learning to live like it's your last chance to do so. Then there's a little mental backlash where you think omigod, that's so morbid, this isn't a death sentence after all. And then finally the pendulum settles itself back and you realize wait, wait, we should ALL live like it's our last day, except we should keep up with the laundry and things like that. On my real last day, I'm going to say the hell with having clean socks for the rest of the week, you know? :)

This isn't answering your exact question, it's more along the lines of Linzsey's comment above about finding our 'core selves', that's a beautiful phrase. And so is DepotBlue's last sentence. Man, you guys always give me what I didn't even know I needed here.

RA provided me with a possibly much-needed whap upside the head about priorities and values and goals.

In a very positive way, it helped me face my own mortality, which had until that point been somewhat abstract. That, in turn, helped me reconsider what my purpose in being here really is.

I don't want RA. I'm not happy that I have it. But I'm a better person than I was before I was diagnosed.

I'm pretty new to this, so I'm still trying to find ways to live my life and enjoy my hobbies.

But I just had to stop in and say that this post helped give me some hope for my future. You all give me hope and strength to move forward. To keep fighting for better doctors, better treatment. Hope that one day I will find a way to keep doing the things I love and not be so much of a burden on my loved ones.

I love you all even though I don't know you. Thank you for your strength. <3

Thank you everyone. There are tough days.... and there are days I want my old LIFE back.... but some good has come in this ....
I also LOVE film noir!!!!


Thank you everyone. Many special ppl here.
xo Ginger