Sorry you're in such pain!
I really like how accepting everyone is of a newbie like me and how supportive and encouraging they (you) are. It's really great to have first-hand experience to draw upon, too, especially since I'm just starting down this road.

Twylliah,
I, too. Have been having some rough days. I appreciate everyone's kindness. Hope you will be feeling better soon.

I appreciate people like you that we can say however we are feeling without judgement. we can share ALL things, good & bad. Can't always do that in the "Real World"
Hang in there, hope you have a more restful night tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!

I appreciate being able to get point of views from ppl that are going thru the same thing. It's almost easier than hearing it from my rheumy. I know he is knowledgeable but he doesn't walk in my shoes.

Thx to everyone here...

Hi Twyliah, so sorry you are not feeling well. I hope you are feeling better real soon. This site has allowed me to meet people who have the same issues that I have with RA and who really and truly understand what it means to have to deal with this disease. Also there are so many good folks on this site who are really encouraging, thoughtful, and kind as yourself. I also appreciate this site because I have learned many things that are beneficial to me.

Hi Twyliah - I sure hope you are feeling better by now!

What I love about this group is the warmth and friendliness. Everyone is so supportive. I was on another board briefly for pulmonary fibrosis, and while there were nice folks, there were lots of people who were just rude and condescending! People were arguing about who had the "worst" kind of lung condition - it was insane. And sad.

I've never gotten that feeling here - like people were in a "contest" of who has it worse, etc. etc.

There was no humor......

Also fights broke out about treatments, etc. Again - NUTS.

Same thing on another board I "lurked" on for pulmonary hypertension, which I had before (now resolved). There were a lot of "know it all" types and condescending attitudes. Newbies were treated horribly, and questioned intensely like they were under suspicion. It was very, very odd....

When I come here, I notice that everyone is supportive, friendly, and best of all - FUNNY - I love the sense of humor of the people here - it makes my day!

To find a group of people who all know the serious pain and disability of RA - yet still can laugh and be warm and caring - and awesome to newbies - well that's just something I am truly grateful to have found!
: )

I learned so much from this group. It's the first place I come to, and last place I go, before I go to sleep.

=)
Lin

Twyliah - Prayers for better days and healing!!

What I love about this site is that I can come here and know that I'm not alone. That speaks volumes to me, just knowing someone else is sharing this journey that has been placed in my life!

Oh, and the fact that everyone is so very nice and hasn't let this darned RA spoil their senses of humor!!!

It is sorta hard for me to express some things - probably a male thing, not sure, but here goes.
Personally I appreciate the value and knowledge that each brings to the forum. The way it is described, plain and simple and without reservation. No fear of being singled out as being weak or "less than". I enjoy the fellowship and the comradery (sp) expressed by all and yet the personal touch each adds to the total conversation.
I sit in the wee hours and read the pain and suffering and wish that I could be an empathic soul for just a few minutes to ease the moment for us all, but I can not. So I simply write what I feel and pray a short silent prayer for us all.
What do I appreciate ? Still have not answered the question properly. I appreciate each and everyone of you - near and far. For who you are and what you are to me - Just Very Special People and I am so very humbled to be among you.

Bluedogs2

I really appreciate the immediate feedback from everyone on here. Everytime I have a question, someone always responds in a positive way and it really does influence my decision and my overall mental health.

All of the amazing, lovely, knowledgeable and empathetic people here. You all understand and that is so valuable in a world where we can all feel our experience is minimized. I love thi info and personal wisdom! I love the support and care. I love that I can complain if I want and no one cares! And I really appreciate that even though we are all invarying states of the disease process everyone is accepted and offered hope.
It is a real gift.

Love you all!

I really love this group. There is so much caring and support here. It makes me feel better about my day to see all of the kind responses and genuine concern for each others' well-being. I know this is probably overly sentimental, but it just warms my heart!