Guest guest Posted January 31, 2005 Report Share Posted January 31, 2005 In a message dated 1/31/2005 2:28:15 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, _plumislandgrl@..._ (mailto:plumislandgrl@...) writes: Hi Eliza ... I am no RA expert like some of the folks here, but I can relate to a lot of what you are saying. My initial flare was 2 years ago (and my only severe flare that I can tell -- since then it is just general joint/muscle pain in all the places you described and major fatigue). I wanted to let you know that meditation, visualization and yoga (or even basic stretching) can help a lot. I use a yoga DVD that is interactive so that I can set it with my energy level -- anywhere from 15 -75 minutes. You can get it at & Noble or _www.bodywisdommedia.com_ (http://www.bodywisdommedia.com) . I also have a ball that I use to stretch out my back or just to put my legs on while I lay on the floor (if you are able to do this) -- helps with blood flow and circulation. I was swimming too and the water is exceptionally kind to your joints. I try to eat well (could definitely improve though!!!) and drink lots of water and teas to flush out toxins. My massage therapist can tell when the toxins are sitting in my body -- she can actually feel the knots of toxin down deep in the tissue of my left thigh. We are working on getting it out through regular massages. I have surrendered into trying to do everything and I try to do things that nourish me as much as possible -- reading, journaling, walking some, prayer, naps, friends who are uplifting (as opposed to those people who drain your energy), church, etc. Of course, there is always laundry, cooking, etc. I am fortunate (really fortunate I know) to work from my home office. I think that you will find that each person on this list has their own unique path to healing. You will find yours when things calm down and you get some help from your rheumatologist. I think the best thing you can do is to be on a list like this to have community, get knowledgeable about RA (knowledge is power!) and talk honestly with your rheumatologist about what is going on with you. I will never forget early on (I see my rheumy every 4 weeks because my blood work is always nuts and unpredictable) when my rheumatologist said to me: " It's so nice to have a patient who is knowledgeable and asks good questions and is willing to take the best care she can. I am also so glad you were smart enough to get a second opinion about your course of treatment. " I had no idea that I was in the minority, but I can tell you that we have a very good relationship! Extreme self-care in addition to finding the " right " combo of medications is critical to a path of healing (not to be confused with being cured, but being as well as YOU can be in spite of your circumstances). I hope this is helpful! Sending you love and prayers. Please keep us posted on your doctor visit! Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2005 Report Share Posted January 31, 2005 In a message dated 1/31/2005 2:28:15 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, _plumislandgrl@..._ (mailto:plumislandgrl@...) writes: Hi Eliza ... I am no RA expert like some of the folks here, but I can relate to a lot of what you are saying. My initial flare was 2 years ago (and my only severe flare that I can tell -- since then it is just general joint/muscle pain in all the places you described and major fatigue). I wanted to let you know that meditation, visualization and yoga (or even basic stretching) can help a lot. I use a yoga DVD that is interactive so that I can set it with my energy level -- anywhere from 15 -75 minutes. You can get it at & Noble or _www.bodywisdommedia.com_ (http://www.bodywisdommedia.com) . I also have a ball that I use to stretch out my back or just to put my legs on while I lay on the floor (if you are able to do this) -- helps with blood flow and circulation. I was swimming too and the water is exceptionally kind to your joints. I try to eat well (could definitely improve though!!!) and drink lots of water and teas to flush out toxins. My massage therapist can tell when the toxins are sitting in my body -- she can actually feel the knots of toxin down deep in the tissue of my left thigh. We are working on getting it out through regular massages. I have surrendered into trying to do everything and I try to do things that nourish me as much as possible -- reading, journaling, walking some, prayer, naps, friends who are uplifting (as opposed to those people who drain your energy), church, etc. Of course, there is always laundry, cooking, etc. I am fortunate (really fortunate I know) to work from my home office. I think that you will find that each person on this list has their own unique path to healing. You will find yours when things calm down and you get some help from your rheumatologist. I think the best thing you can do is to be on a list like this to have community, get knowledgeable about RA (knowledge is power!) and talk honestly with your rheumatologist about what is going on with you. I will never forget early on (I see my rheumy every 4 weeks because my blood work is always nuts and unpredictable) when my rheumatologist said to me: " It's so nice to have a patient who is knowledgeable and asks good questions and is willing to take the best care she can. I am also so glad you were smart enough to get a second opinion about your course of treatment. " I had no idea that I was in the minority, but I can tell you that we have a very good relationship! Extreme self-care in addition to finding the " right " combo of medications is critical to a path of healing (not to be confused with being cured, but being as well as YOU can be in spite of your circumstances). I hope this is helpful! Sending you love and prayers. Please keep us posted on your doctor visit! Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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