Re: As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and hands..

[Guest guest]

Oh, I forgot, does this count as fibro fog? I started playing violin in the

5th grade. I played it up through the 8th grade - four years. But even the

8th grade it got really hard as my hands were already affected badly with

pain from the JRA, and I had been dx'd the day before classes started in the

8th grade. Now, my Violin sits in my closet. It's in its case, so it isn't

collecting dust. =) I take it out every now and again and reminisce. I play a

few notes on the A and E strings. I can't reach the D and G strings anymore.

And the hair on my bow is coming loose... Like my body. There's some

symbolism there.. LOL

Yes, and now there is this group, too! I love you all! Truly!

And as much as I am glad we have them, for so many people it's wonderful, but

I don't want to have to use a voice activated program. I will if I ever have

to. But I shouldn't worry about it now. I could be worse off! I need to

remind myself of that daily. In fact, whenever I am in a sort of pity party

and feeling sorry for myself. I wasn't really feeling that way today, just

pondering some thoughts, but anyway, the movie about Joni Eareckson came on.

Here I was worrying about losing my hands and she paints and writes and draws

with her mouth!!! So I have to ask myself, what the heck am I complaining

about???

I am not kidding you, EVERY time I get in a similar mood to this. I swear, a

movie comes on TV showing me it could be worse. What were the chances that

I'd be sitting here tonight worried about my hands, and have the story of

Joni Eareckson come on?? What are the chances that I will be sitting here

depressed because my legs are all bent and crooked and crippled and that I

walk funny, only for a movie to come on and there will be someone who has no

legs?

When this happens, I am thankful for my beautifully crippled bent legs. And

for the pain I have in my hands and fingers because I still can write with a

pen and type on a computer. Those are a couple of the things I mean when I am

talking about the gifts that RA gave me.

Today.. I will keep on typing and writing as best as I can. My handwriting

isn't always the best, but I can still read it. And I shall walk in pain

to the bathroom, because I still can.

Hugs & Kisses,

~Rainy Sue

>

>

> For me as well, the thought of losing the use of my hands frightened me from

> the beginning of my illness, Rainy Sue. I've played the piano since I was

> four, and love to draw and write and garden, so I know just what you and

> are talking about. Now there is this group of you, too, with whom I

> would like to keep using my hands to talk to. Like you, Rainy, I keep using

> them to keep them moving and to exercise them, careful not to abuse them.

>

>

[Guest guest]

For me as well, the thought of losing the use of my hands frightened me from

the beginning of my illness, Rainy Sue. I've played the piano since I was

four, and love to draw and write and garden, so I know just what you and

are talking about. Now there is this group of you, too, with whom I

would like to keep using my hands to talk to. Like you, Rainy, I keep using

them to keep them moving and to exercise them, careful not to abuse them.

----- Original Message -----

From: <Rysu19@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 6:38 AM

Subject: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and hands..

> ,

>

> You and I really think alike! I bring this up to Ryder and my Mom on

> occasion. I depend on my eyes, ears, mind and hands to entertain me. But

> mostly I worry something will happen to my eyes and/or hands.

> ~Rainy Sue

[Guest guest]

I had a scare the other day. I also use my hands extensively-I do

crafts-polymer clay, rubber stamping, tole painting etc. The other day, I

had real pain in my hands while trying to do some hand sewing. It scared me

so much that I actually said to my husband that if I lose my hands too, I'd

be better off dead. But I had carpal tunnel syndrome before the arthritis

so I wore the braces that night and was better the next day. This disease

has so changed my life, at least I can still sit without pain and do crafts

or work on the computer! Anyway, I understand completely.

Temple

Kuddle Kritters Farm

3 Fox Haven Way

Chelmsford, MA 01824

dat2352@...

http://www.homestead.com/kuddlekrittersfarm/index.html

http://www/homestead.com/kuddlekraft/index.html

[Guest guest]

I agree with the importance of being able to use one's hands. My biggest

fear, as this disease progresses, is that I will lose hand function. So, I

type away and try to keep my fingers moving!! Writing by hand sometimes

hurts, so I limit that activity. Thank goodness all the typical Real Estate

forms are on our company website, so I can type in the info!

Elly C

----- Original Message -----

From: Matsumura <Matsumura_Clan@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 5:03 AM

Subject: Re: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and hands..

> For me as well, the thought of losing the use of my hands frightened me

from

> the beginning of my illness, Rainy Sue. I've played the piano since I was

> four, and love to draw and write and garden, so I know just what you and

> are talking about. Now there is this group of you, too, with whom I

> would like to keep using my hands to talk to. Like you, Rainy, I keep

using

> them to keep them moving and to exercise them, careful not to abuse them.

>

>

>

>

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: <Rysu19@...>

> < egroups>

> Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 6:38 AM

> Subject: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and hands..

>

>

> > ,

> >

> > You and I really think alike! I bring this up to Ryder and my Mom on

> > occasion. I depend on my eyes, ears, mind and hands to entertain me. But

> > mostly I worry something will happen to my eyes and/or hands.

> > ~Rainy Sue

>

>

>

>

>

> Chat room: chat/

> Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Change subscription options:

>

[Guest guest]

I have had trouble with my hands ever since carpal tunnel 13 yrs ago. Had

bilateral releases and still ended up with disability in both hands ...and no

longer can do the arts and crafts I used to do. I have some days where

everything I pick up drops thru(I call those my plastic days and have some

plastic dishes for just then). I used to do production work in a computers

and my hands just gave out, and now they are so sore no matter what I

do...some of it is arthritis, some fingers feel like they are sprained all

the time, and about only thing I do any more is type on here. I do try to

take breaks..anyway , I just massage them and try to baby them best I

can....Judy in AZ

[Guest guest]

,

It was the same for me. I use to do alot of crafts, needlepoint and

furniture refinishing, even now it is still too uncomfortable to do them. At

my worst moment, I had trouble holding a toothbrush. I use to love to write

letters, but no more. If it wasn't for the computer, noboby would hear from

me. Typing on the computer is the only thing that doesn't bother them.

Judy in Texas

> -----Original Message-----

> From: Matsumura [mailto:Matsumura_Clan@...]

> Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 7:03 AM

> egroups

> Subject: Re: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and

> hands..

>

>

> For me as well, the thought of losing the use of my hands

> frightened me from

> the beginning of my illness, Rainy Sue. I've played the piano since I was

> four, and love to draw and write and garden, so I know just what you and

> are talking about. Now there is this group of you, too, with whom I

> would like to keep using my hands to talk to. Like you, Rainy, I

> keep using

> them to keep them moving and to exercise them, careful not to abuse them.

>

>

>

>

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: <Rysu19@...>

> < egroups>

> Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 6:38 AM

> Subject: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and hands..

>

>

> > ,

> >

> > You and I really think alike! I bring this up to Ryder and my Mom on

> > occasion. I depend on my eyes, ears, mind and hands to entertain me. But

> > mostly I worry something will happen to my eyes and/or hands.

> > ~Rainy Sue

>

>

>

>

>

> Chat room: chat/

> Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Change subscription options:

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

I also love writing letters. I have several pen pals in foreign countries

that I have been writing to since 1988. It has been harder for me to do over

the last 5 years bcs my hands start to hurt so bad when handwriting. I have

ended up typing them on the computer and printing them out but they feel so

impersonal that way. So my snail mail has gotten really slow. I feel bad bcs

I really like to write to these people. After more than 10 years, they are

true friends. I have suggested email to them, but not all of them have

computers and can afford them. And doing email does take away some of the

personal aspect. And we all agreed we like to get the letters in the snail

mail box. Sometimes, I think it's me just being lazy and making excuses. It

probably is partly that. =) Mainly bcs I dread the pain that I know will come

if I sit down to write.

~Rainy Sue

> ,

> It was the same for me. I use to do alot of crafts, needlepoint and

> furniture refinishing, even now it is still too uncomfortable to do them. At

> my worst moment, I had trouble holding a toothbrush. I use to love to write

> letters, but no more. If it wasn't for the computer, noboby would hear from

> me. Typing on the computer is the only thing that doesn't bother them.

>

> Judy in Texas

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

I am having a terrible time with writing. Not a good thing when you are a

student. I found it interesting that you can type. I also can type but

writing is becoming impossible. Yesterday I was working on a report that I

need to write out first to collect all my thoughts and my arms and hands

hurt awful. I ended up taking Davocet and then I was too tired to continue

with the project.

I solved the toothbrush problem by buying an electric one and that works

very well. I was you posted this about writing. I thought maybe it was

just me.

Have a good day,

Me Mom

----------

> From: Judy Brummit <JBRUMMIT@...>

> egroups

> Subject: RE: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and

hands..

> Date: Sunday, January 14, 2001 9:24 PM

>

> ,

> It was the same for me. I use to do alot of crafts, needlepoint and

> furniture refinishing, even now it is still too uncomfortable to do them.

At

> my worst moment, I had trouble holding a toothbrush. I use to love to

write

> letters, but no more. If it wasn't for the computer, noboby would hear

from

> me. Typing on the computer is the only thing that doesn't bother them.

>

> Judy in Texas

>

> > -----Original Message-----

> > From: Matsumura [mailto:Matsumura_Clan@...]

> > Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 7:03 AM

> > egroups

> > Subject: Re: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and

> > hands..

> >

> >

> > For me as well, the thought of losing the use of my hands

> > frightened me from

> > the beginning of my illness, Rainy Sue. I've played the piano since I

was

> > four, and love to draw and write and garden, so I know just what you

and

> > are talking about. Now there is this group of you, too, with

whom I

> > would like to keep using my hands to talk to. Like you, Rainy, I

> > keep using

> > them to keep them moving and to exercise them, careful not to abuse

them.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ----- Original Message -----

> > From: <Rysu19@...>

> > < egroups>

> > Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 6:38 AM

> > Subject: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and hands..

> >

> >

> > > ,

> > >

> > > You and I really think alike! I bring this up to Ryder and my Mom on

> > > occasion. I depend on my eyes, ears, mind and hands to entertain me.

But

> > > mostly I worry something will happen to my eyes and/or hands.

> > > ~Rainy Sue

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Chat room: chat/

> > Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> > Change subscription options:

> >

>

>

> Chat room: chat/

> Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Change subscription options:

[Guest guest]

Rainy Sue,

I am the same way, if I have to write a snail mail letter, I do it on the

computer, but because my printer is upstairs and I do must of my work on my

laptop (downstairs sitting in my comfy chair), my snail mail usually gets

put on the back burner. I don't do any writing unless absolutely necessary.

Judy in Texas

> -----Original Message-----

> From: Rysu19@... [mailto:Rysu19@...]

> Sent: Monday, January 15, 2001 6:54 AM

> egroups

> Subject: Re: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and

> hands..

>

>

> Hi Judy,

>

> I also love writing letters. I have several pen pals in foreign countries

> that I have been writing to since 1988. It has been harder for me

> to do over

> the last 5 years bcs my hands start to hurt so bad when

> handwriting. I have

> ended up typing them on the computer and printing them out but

> they feel so

> impersonal that way. So my snail mail has gotten really slow. I

> feel bad bcs

> I really like to write to these people. After more than 10 years,

> they are

> true friends. I have suggested email to them, but not all of them have

> computers and can afford them. And doing email does take away some of the

> personal aspect. And we all agreed we like to get the letters in

> the snail

> mail box. Sometimes, I think it's me just being lazy and making

> excuses. It

> probably is partly that. =) Mainly bcs I dread the pain that I

> know will come

> if I sit down to write.

>

> ~Rainy Sue

>

>

>

> > ,

> > It was the same for me. I use to do alot of crafts, needlepoint and

> > furniture refinishing, even now it is still too uncomfortable

> to do them. At

> > my worst moment, I had trouble holding a toothbrush. I use to

> love to write

> > letters, but no more. If it wasn't for the computer, noboby

> would hear from

> > me. Typing on the computer is the only thing that doesn't bother them.

> >

> > Judy in Texas

> >

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I know it is strange that typing doesn't bother me, maybe it is because I

do most of my typing on a laptop. And it doesn't take my effort to tap the

keys.

Judy in Texas

> -----Original Message-----

> From: Ruf-Caimi [mailto:ruf-caimi@...]

> Sent: Monday, January 15, 2001 6:33 AM

> egroups

> Subject: Re: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and

> hands..

>

>

> Hi Judy,

> I am having a terrible time with writing. Not a good thing

> when you are a

> student. I found it interesting that you can type. I also can type but

> writing is becoming impossible. Yesterday I was working on a

> report that I

> need to write out first to collect all my thoughts and my arms and hands

> hurt awful. I ended up taking Davocet and then I was too tired

> to continue

> with the project.

> I solved the toothbrush problem by buying an electric one

> and that works

> very well. I was you posted this about writing. I thought maybe it was

> just me.

> Have a good day,

> Me Mom

>

> ----------

> > From: Judy Brummit <JBRUMMIT@...>

> > egroups

> > Subject: RE: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and

> hands..

> > Date: Sunday, January 14, 2001 9:24 PM

> >

> > ,

> > It was the same for me. I use to do alot of crafts, needlepoint and

> > furniture refinishing, even now it is still too uncomfortable

> to do them.

> At

> > my worst moment, I had trouble holding a toothbrush. I use to love to

> write

> > letters, but no more. If it wasn't for the computer, noboby would hear

> from

> > me. Typing on the computer is the only thing that doesn't bother them.

> >

> > Judy in Texas

> >

> > > -----Original Message-----

> > > From: Matsumura [mailto:Matsumura_Clan@...]

> > > Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 7:03 AM

> > > egroups

> > > Subject: Re: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and

> > > hands..

> > >

> > >

> > > For me as well, the thought of losing the use of my hands

> > > frightened me from

> > > the beginning of my illness, Rainy Sue. I've played the piano since I

> was

> > > four, and love to draw and write and garden, so I know just what you

> and

> > > are talking about. Now there is this group of you, too, with

> whom I

> > > would like to keep using my hands to talk to. Like you, Rainy, I

> > > keep using

> > > them to keep them moving and to exercise them, careful not to abuse

> them.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ----- Original Message -----

> > > From: <Rysu19@...>

> > > < egroups>

> > > Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 6:38 AM

> > > Subject: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind

> and hands..

> > >

> > >

> > > > ,

> > > >

> > > > You and I really think alike! I bring this up to Ryder and my Mom on

> > > > occasion. I depend on my eyes, ears, mind and hands to entertain me.

> But

> > > > mostly I worry something will happen to my eyes and/or hands.

> > > > ~Rainy Sue

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Chat room: chat/

> > > Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> > > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> > > Change subscription options:

> > >

> >

> >

> > Chat room: chat/

> > Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> > Change subscription options:

>

> Chat room: chat/

> Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Change subscription options:

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

I think you are right, the kepboards are sensitive and it doesn't take

much to hit the keys. I worry about not being able to write because I am a

student. So far I have been able to get around the writing problems at

school by recording the classes. The teachers work with me as far as test

go but I have been lucky there too. The classes I have taken any essay

test I have been able to do at home.

Hope you have a good day.

Me Mom

----------

> From: Judy Brummit <JBRUMMIT@...>

> egroups

> Subject: RE: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and

hands..

> Date: Monday, January 15, 2001 8:08 PM

>

> ,

> I know it is strange that typing doesn't bother me, maybe it is because

I

> do most of my typing on a laptop. And it doesn't take my effort to tap

the

> keys.

>

> Judy in Texas

>

>

> > -----Original Message-----

> > From: Ruf-Caimi [mailto:ruf-caimi@...]

> > Sent: Monday, January 15, 2001 6:33 AM

> > egroups

> > Subject: Re: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and

> > hands..

> >

> >

> > Hi Judy,

> > I am having a terrible time with writing. Not a good thing

> > when you are a

> > student. I found it interesting that you can type. I also can type

but

> > writing is becoming impossible. Yesterday I was working on a

> > report that I

> > need to write out first to collect all my thoughts and my arms and

hands

> > hurt awful. I ended up taking Davocet and then I was too tired

> > to continue

> > with the project.

> > I solved the toothbrush problem by buying an electric one

> > and that works

> > very well. I was you posted this about writing. I thought maybe it

was

> > just me.

> > Have a good day,

> > Me Mom

> >

> > ----------

> > > From: Judy Brummit <JBRUMMIT@...>

> > > egroups

> > > Subject: RE: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and

> > hands..

> > > Date: Sunday, January 14, 2001 9:24 PM

> > >

> > > ,

> > > It was the same for me. I use to do alot of crafts, needlepoint and

> > > furniture refinishing, even now it is still too uncomfortable

> > to do them.

> > At

> > > my worst moment, I had trouble holding a toothbrush. I use to love to

> > write

> > > letters, but no more. If it wasn't for the computer, noboby would

hear

> > from

> > > me. Typing on the computer is the only thing that doesn't bother

them.

> > >

> > > Judy in Texas

> > >

> > > > -----Original Message-----

> > > > From: Matsumura [mailto:Matsumura_Clan@...]

> > > > Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 7:03 AM

> > > > egroups

> > > > Subject: Re: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind and

> > > > hands..

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > For me as well, the thought of losing the use of my hands

> > > > frightened me from

> > > > the beginning of my illness, Rainy Sue. I've played the piano since

I

> > was

> > > > four, and love to draw and write and garden, so I know just what

you

> > and

> > > > are talking about. Now there is this group of you, too, with

> > whom I

> > > > would like to keep using my hands to talk to. Like you, Rainy, I

> > > > keep using

> > > > them to keep them moving and to exercise them, careful not to abuse

> > them.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ----- Original Message -----

> > > > From: <Rysu19@...>

> > > > < egroups>

> > > > Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 6:38 AM

> > > > Subject: [ ] As long as I have my eyes, ears, mind

> > and hands..

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > > ,

> > > > >

> > > > > You and I really think alike! I bring this up to Ryder and my Mom

on

> > > > > occasion. I depend on my eyes, ears, mind and hands to entertain

me.

> > But

> > > > > mostly I worry something will happen to my eyes and/or hands.

> > > > > ~Rainy Sue

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Chat room: chat/

> > > > Web pages for our group:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> > > > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> > > > Change subscription options:

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Chat room: chat/

> > > Web pages for our group:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> > > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> > > Change subscription options:

> >

> > Chat room: chat/

> > Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> > Change subscription options:

> >

>

>

> Chat room: chat/

> Web pages for our group: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Change subscription options:

[Guest guest]

Boy, do I know what you mean. Even just a few extra feet to get something is

a chore, and to have to go upstairs to your printer would really put me

behind. Good thing I don't have a laptop! LOL. Nothing would get done.

~Rainy Sue

>

>

>

>

>

> Rainy Sue,

> I am the same way, if I have to write a snail mail letter, I do it on the

> computer, but because my printer is upstairs and I do must of my work on my

> laptop (downstairs sitting in my comfy chair), my snail mail usually gets

> put on the back burner. I don't do any writing unless absolutely necessary.

>

>