Re: Snap, Crackle & Pop - RA and Joints

March 16, 2005

,

Dealing with RA is a hard job. There are so many different changes

your body goes through. A lot of us go through depression, a chronic

disease whatever it may be is just tough to deal with. You might

talk to your doctor, a lot of us take a anti-depressant to help our

depression.

Yes, I snap, crackle, and pop too:) I can't sneak up on anyone

anymore. It's kind of funny to me now.

With the right meds, you can get back to some of your activity. As

for lifting weights, not so sure about that. What one can't, the

other can, so it's just on each individual person. There is no way

that I could lift weights, and wouldn't try at all.

But, just try to hang in there, and know we are here to help and

support you.

Hugs,Tawny

>

> Hello.

>

> I still feel like a newbie and have so much to learn. I could read

> and read and read.....and still feel like I haven't even begun to

> understand this disease.

>

> I have noticed that since my flare up I've been in since December

> that my joints will pop or click when I stand up, move, etc. Is

> this common? Of course, I never think of these things until after

> I've left my Rheumy's office and have another 6 weeks to wait and

> see her again.

>

> Another question I had was about depression. I was diagnosed about

> 2 months ago with RA, and have been experiencing a lot of

> resentment, depression and anger about this recently. I think I

was

> in shock initially, and it's just now sinking in. For about a year

> and a half prior to being diagnosed with RA, I had managed to lose

> 160 pounds and regain my health. I was working out at the gym 6-7

> times a day, running and lifting weights. For the first time in

> more than 20 years, I was healthy and felt as though I had no

> limitations as to what I could do. Then, out of nowhere I get

> diagnosed with RA. I literally couldn't get out of bed one day.

> It's not like it progressed....it just struck me down with no prior

> indication. I feel totally ripped off. For the first time in my

> kids life, I was physically able to participate in sports and

> activities with them....and now I can't do it again. This is so

> irritating. I was training to run a marathon this year. I was

> planning on climbing a mountain. I lived as a prisoner in my body

> for more than 20 years, was let out for a brief period of time, and

> now feel like I'm restricted again.

>

> I need time to wrap my brain around all of this. I don't mean to

be

> a downer or negative. I am so grateful that I am not wheelchair

> bound and that I can atleast hobble around on a good day. Things

> can always be worse, right? I am trying desperately to focus on

> what I have.....but it's very difficult to get used to what I don't

> have anymore.

>

> Thanks for listening....I needed to vent today.

>

March 16, 2005