Re: I'm only 21 and i feel like I'm 91!

[Guest guest]

Hi my name is and I am 36 years old and was diagnosed at the age of 14

with RA but by that time Dr. says that I had probably have had it for years I

might have even been born with it well I had no idea what it was and my parents

were going through a divorce at the time so after leaving the Dr. office not

only did I not get treatment but not much was said about it at home except when

I started getting picked on in school because I walked with a limp or because I

couldn't run the laps in P.E. oh or getting in trouble for being late to school

because my hands hurt so bad that it took forever to get dressed, brush my hair,

brush my teeth and walk to school about 2 to 3 miles in the cold that’s when I

decided to drop out and with dad gone and mom working no one put up a fuss I

even think that it might have been convenient I mean 's home there's no

reason why dinner wont be done and the house clean it wasn't until I had my

first child at the age of 16 and moved in with her

father that I finally realized that there had to be something that I can do for

the pain besides Tylenol so at the age of 17/18 I don't remember for sure I

found the man who at this time is still my Dr. so he started me on prednisone

and a bunch of other goodies and I was on my way well I'm sure that if I had

gotten the treatment I needed when first diagnosed then it might have made life

so much easier don't get me wrong I'm not complaining I truly believe that every

thing that happens to us in life is for a reason you know people ask me how I do

it and I all I say is one day at a time that's all we can do. 22 years later 2

very intelligent, loving and beautiful children one ex husband and friend one

hip replacement one ankle fussed, down to only 1mg. of prednisone a day and of

coarse the wonderful 50mg. of Enbrel a week and last but not least my life

partner, friend, supporter my rock I can say that I am blessed truly blessed. RA

and all I wouldn't trade it for the world my advise

to you is that if you find out for sure that you have RA don't waste any time

get treated and take your meds. and very important ask about good and bad foods

because no matter what people say there are many foods that cause inflammation

not only for us but anyone and one last peace of advise try I mean really try to

stay active because I truly in my heart believe that if I had known what was in

store for me as far as my RA I would have kept doing my laps instead of

quitting. Your Friend

suz1147 <suz1147@...> wrote:

I’ve been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are really

swollen and I have restricted movement of every joint. docs seem to

think that I have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt get out

of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor around

to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my financial

situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the time i can

feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and see me

but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i could be

doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just need to

know that there are other people of my age that are like me i guess.

and how long it will be before it goes away!

thanks for listening xx

[Guest guest]

Hi my name is and I am 36 years old and was diagnosed at the age of 14

with RA but by that time Dr. says that I had probably have had it for years I

might have even been born with it well I had no idea what it was and my parents

were going through a divorce at the time so after leaving the Dr. office not

only did I not get treatment but not much was said about it at home except when

I started getting picked on in school because I walked with a limp or because I

couldn't run the laps in P.E. oh or getting in trouble for being late to school

because my hands hurt so bad that it took forever to get dressed, brush my hair,

brush my teeth and walk to school about 2 to 3 miles in the cold that’s when I

decided to drop out and with dad gone and mom working no one put up a fuss I

even think that it might have been convenient I mean 's home there's no

reason why dinner wont be done and the house clean it wasn't until I had my

first child at the age of 16 and moved in with her

father that I finally realized that there had to be something that I can do for

the pain besides Tylenol so at the age of 17/18 I don't remember for sure I

found the man who at this time is still my Dr. so he started me on prednisone

and a bunch of other goodies and I was on my way well I'm sure that if I had

gotten the treatment I needed when first diagnosed then it might have made life

so much easier don't get me wrong I'm not complaining I truly believe that every

thing that happens to us in life is for a reason you know people ask me how I do

it and I all I say is one day at a time that's all we can do. 22 years later 2

very intelligent, loving and beautiful children one ex husband and friend one

hip replacement one ankle fussed, down to only 1mg. of prednisone a day and of

coarse the wonderful 50mg. of Enbrel a week and last but not least my life

partner, friend, supporter my rock I can say that I am blessed truly blessed. RA

and all I wouldn't trade it for the world my advise

to you is that if you find out for sure that you have RA don't waste any time

get treated and take your meds. and very important ask about good and bad foods

because no matter what people say there are many foods that cause inflammation

not only for us but anyone and one last peace of advise try I mean really try to

stay active because I truly in my heart believe that if I had known what was in

store for me as far as my RA I would have kept doing my laps instead of

quitting. Your Friend

suz1147 <suz1147@...> wrote:

I’ve been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are really

swollen and I have restricted movement of every joint. docs seem to

think that I have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt get out

of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor around

to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my financial

situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the time i can

feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and see me

but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i could be

doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just need to

know that there are other people of my age that are like me i guess.

and how long it will be before it goes away!

thanks for listening xx

[Guest guest]

I completely agree with . My parents also didn't take the

disease as seriously as I wish they had (and were also very busy

separating and divorcing). My hands were already terribly disfigured

when I was 16 because I wasn't being properly medicated.

I've learned that a good Rheumatologist knows to start aggressive

treatment immediately, and it sounds like you need a GOOD doctor. Why

are your docs waiting? I strongly suggest you call your local chapter

of the Arthritis Foundation and ask for help. I just went to their

website http://www.arthritis.org/ and they have a local doctor locater

right on the homepage. But also call someone immediately. You need

help right away! If you're in the UK, I'm sure there is a similar

organiztion.

Whoever is telling you moving is dangerous should be HELPING you.

, it's wonderful that you have peace of mind about all of this.

I too am in need of an ankle fusion, but with kids going on 2 and 4 I

don't know how I would ever be off my feet afterwards. Still, I can

barely walk when not wearing my brace, and tire very easily, not good

for a mom with kidlets. Any advice? Is it best to get the surgery

over with, whatever the cost?

Sharon

>

> I've been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are really

> swollen and I have restricted movement of every joint. docs seem to

> think that I have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt get out

> of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor around

> to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my financial

> situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the time i can

> feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and see me

> but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i could be

> doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just need to

> know that there are other people of my age that are like me i guess.

> and how long it will be before it goes away!

> thanks for listening xx

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I completely agree with . My parents also didn't take the

disease as seriously as I wish they had (and were also very busy

separating and divorcing). My hands were already terribly disfigured

when I was 16 because I wasn't being properly medicated.

I've learned that a good Rheumatologist knows to start aggressive

treatment immediately, and it sounds like you need a GOOD doctor. Why

are your docs waiting? I strongly suggest you call your local chapter

of the Arthritis Foundation and ask for help. I just went to their

website http://www.arthritis.org/ and they have a local doctor locater

right on the homepage. But also call someone immediately. You need

help right away! If you're in the UK, I'm sure there is a similar

organiztion.

Whoever is telling you moving is dangerous should be HELPING you.

, it's wonderful that you have peace of mind about all of this.

I too am in need of an ankle fusion, but with kids going on 2 and 4 I

don't know how I would ever be off my feet afterwards. Still, I can

barely walk when not wearing my brace, and tire very easily, not good

for a mom with kidlets. Any advice? Is it best to get the surgery

over with, whatever the cost?

Sharon

>

> I've been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are really

> swollen and I have restricted movement of every joint. docs seem to

> think that I have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt get out

> of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor around

> to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my financial

> situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the time i can

> feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and see me

> but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i could be

> doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just need to

> know that there are other people of my age that are like me i guess.

> and how long it will be before it goes away!

> thanks for listening xx

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

When I had my ankle fused my kids were already teens, so it made my recovery

much easier. But even though I remember saying to myself if I had to do it

again there would be no way but of coarse that was the pain talking. Just like

giving birth, when were laying in labor we swore that we will never have

another. I guess my advice to you would be go for it, if you can get help with

the lil one's because you will need it. In fact your going to need help for

yourself as well ,it will seem like hell at first but the pain does not compare

to having to depend on someone he with your personal needs. It took me about a

total of three months or less to completely recover, but the end result is 100%

worth it. I have no pain what so ever in that ankle, in fact I can even walk a

lil faster.Before surgery I had to walk with a cane and use a wheelchair for

long runs. I hope that I was able help and if ever you need anything I'm only a

key board away. Good Luck

sharonmacd <omoshiroi@...> wrote:

I completely agree with . My parents also didn't take the

disease as seriously as I wish they had (and were also very busy

separating and divorcing). My hands were already terribly disfigured

when I was 16 because I wasn't being properly medicated.

I've learned that a good Rheumatologist knows to start aggressive

treatment immediately, and it sounds like you need a GOOD doctor. Why

are your docs waiting? I strongly suggest you call your local chapter

of the Arthritis Foundation and ask for help. I just went to their

website http://www.arthritis.org/ and they have a local doctor locater

right on the homepage. But also call someone immediately. You need

help right away! If you're in the UK, I'm sure there is a similar

organiztion.

Whoever is telling you moving is dangerous should be HELPING you.

, it's wonderful that you have peace of mind about all of this.

I too am in need of an ankle fusion, but with kids going on 2 and 4 I

don't know how I would ever be off my feet afterwards. Still, I can

barely walk when not wearing my brace, and tire very easily, not good

for a mom with kidlets. Any advice? Is it best to get the surgery

over with, whatever the cost?

Sharon

>

> I've been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are really

> swollen and I have restricted movement of every joint. docs seem to

> think that I have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt get out

> of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor around

> to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my financial

> situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the time i can

> feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and see me

> but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i could be

> doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just need to

> know that there are other people of my age that are like me i guess.

> and how long it will be before it goes away!

> thanks for listening xx

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

When I had my ankle fused my kids were already teens, so it made my recovery

much easier. But even though I remember saying to myself if I had to do it

again there would be no way but of coarse that was the pain talking. Just like

giving birth, when were laying in labor we swore that we will never have

another. I guess my advice to you would be go for it, if you can get help with

the lil one's because you will need it. In fact your going to need help for

yourself as well ,it will seem like hell at first but the pain does not compare

to having to depend on someone he with your personal needs. It took me about a

total of three months or less to completely recover, but the end result is 100%

worth it. I have no pain what so ever in that ankle, in fact I can even walk a

lil faster.Before surgery I had to walk with a cane and use a wheelchair for

long runs. I hope that I was able help and if ever you need anything I'm only a

key board away. Good Luck

sharonmacd <omoshiroi@...> wrote:

I completely agree with . My parents also didn't take the

disease as seriously as I wish they had (and were also very busy

separating and divorcing). My hands were already terribly disfigured

when I was 16 because I wasn't being properly medicated.

I've learned that a good Rheumatologist knows to start aggressive

treatment immediately, and it sounds like you need a GOOD doctor. Why

are your docs waiting? I strongly suggest you call your local chapter

of the Arthritis Foundation and ask for help. I just went to their

website http://www.arthritis.org/ and they have a local doctor locater

right on the homepage. But also call someone immediately. You need

help right away! If you're in the UK, I'm sure there is a similar

organiztion.

Whoever is telling you moving is dangerous should be HELPING you.

, it's wonderful that you have peace of mind about all of this.

I too am in need of an ankle fusion, but with kids going on 2 and 4 I

don't know how I would ever be off my feet afterwards. Still, I can

barely walk when not wearing my brace, and tire very easily, not good

for a mom with kidlets. Any advice? Is it best to get the surgery

over with, whatever the cost?

Sharon

>

> I've been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are really

> swollen and I have restricted movement of every joint. docs seem to

> think that I have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt get out

> of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor around

> to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my financial

> situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the time i can

> feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and see me

> but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i could be

> doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just need to

> know that there are other people of my age that are like me i guess.

> and how long it will be before it goes away!

> thanks for listening xx

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Not moving your joints will cause them to loose the range of motion and

you'll loose strength and muscle tone.

Exercise is very important for arthritics. When you are in a flare,

gentle range of motion is all that is suggested.

People with RA need a good balance between rest and exercise, with more

rest when the disease is active and more exercise when it is not. Your

doctor should advise you about exercise. Did you doctor tell you that

every time you move you're doing irreparable damage to the lining of

your joint?

Exercise Benefits Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

http://www.hon.ch/News/HSN/515241.html

Heavy Exercise Aids Rheumatoid Arthritis

http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/73/88953.htm

a

On Mar 25, 2005, at 1:13 PM, suz1147 wrote:

>

>

> Ive been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are really

> swollen and i have restricted movement of every joint. docs seem to

> think that i have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt get out

> of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor around

> to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my financial

> situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the time i can

> feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and see me

> but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i could be

> doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just need to

> know that there are other people of my age that are like me i guess.

> and how long it will be before it goes away!

> thanks for listening xx

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Not moving your joints will cause them to loose the range of motion and

you'll loose strength and muscle tone.

Exercise is very important for arthritics. When you are in a flare,

gentle range of motion is all that is suggested.

People with RA need a good balance between rest and exercise, with more

rest when the disease is active and more exercise when it is not. Your

doctor should advise you about exercise. Did you doctor tell you that

every time you move you're doing irreparable damage to the lining of

your joint?

Exercise Benefits Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

http://www.hon.ch/News/HSN/515241.html

Heavy Exercise Aids Rheumatoid Arthritis

http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/73/88953.htm

a

On Mar 25, 2005, at 1:13 PM, suz1147 wrote:

>

>

> Ive been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are really

> swollen and i have restricted movement of every joint. docs seem to

> think that i have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt get out

> of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor around

> to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my financial

> situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the time i can

> feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and see me

> but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i could be

> doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just need to

> know that there are other people of my age that are like me i guess.

> and how long it will be before it goes away!

> thanks for listening xx

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi a,

I'm not 21 but I am 27 and I know what you're talking about and going

through. I've been suffering from joint problems every since high

school. It's been officially classified as Rheumatoid in my body

since last year. I really don't have any words of encouragement for

you because I have to find them for myself at times. But I just

wanted to let you know that you're not the only young person with

this illness out there. I haven't worked in over a year, and it's

very frustrating because I want to work. I don't exercise much

because I simply can't. Sometimes when I do feel that maybe I can go

for a short walk I don't because I'm afraid of the after effects on

my body. Just pray. I know that it's hard.

>

> >

> >

> > Ive been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are

really

> > swollen and i have restricted movement of every joint. docs seem

to

> > think that i have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt get

out

> > of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor

around

> > to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my financial

> > situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the time

i can

> > feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and see

me

> > but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i

could be

> > doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just

need to

> > know that there are other people of my age that are like me i

guess.

> > and how long it will be before it goes away!

> > thanks for listening xx

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi a,

I'm not 21 but I am 27 and I know what you're talking about and going

through. I've been suffering from joint problems every since high

school. It's been officially classified as Rheumatoid in my body

since last year. I really don't have any words of encouragement for

you because I have to find them for myself at times. But I just

wanted to let you know that you're not the only young person with

this illness out there. I haven't worked in over a year, and it's

very frustrating because I want to work. I don't exercise much

because I simply can't. Sometimes when I do feel that maybe I can go

for a short walk I don't because I'm afraid of the after effects on

my body. Just pray. I know that it's hard.

>

> >

> >

> > Ive been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are

really

> > swollen and i have restricted movement of every joint. docs seem

to

> > think that i have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt get

out

> > of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor

around

> > to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my financial

> > situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the time

i can

> > feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and see

me

> > but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i

could be

> > doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just

need to

> > know that there are other people of my age that are like me i

guess.

> > and how long it will be before it goes away!

> > thanks for listening xx

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I WISH I was 21 again LOL! The message I wrote was in response to

suz1147, who is 21. I'm 50 and have had RA since my early 20's. I know

it isn't easy to exercise, but it is necessary to keep your mobility.

Do you have a pool near you? Water exercising is one of the best

exercises for arthritics because it is gentle. Have you talked to your

doctor about it?

a

On Mar 27, 2005, at 2:31 PM, Kelli wrote:

>

>

> Hi a,

>

> I'm not 21 but I am 27 and I know what you're talking about and going

> through. I've been suffering from joint problems every since high

> school. It's been officially classified as Rheumatoid in my body

> since last year. I really don't have any words of encouragement for

> you because I have to find them for myself at times. But I just

> wanted to let you know that you're not the only young person with

> this illness out there. I haven't worked in over a year, and it's

> very frustrating because I want to work. I don't exercise much

> because I simply can't. Sometimes when I do feel that maybe I can go

> for a short walk I don't because I'm afraid of the after effects on

> my body. Just pray. I know that it's hard.--- In RA-

>

[Guest guest]

I WISH I was 21 again LOL! The message I wrote was in response to

suz1147, who is 21. I'm 50 and have had RA since my early 20's. I know

it isn't easy to exercise, but it is necessary to keep your mobility.

Do you have a pool near you? Water exercising is one of the best

exercises for arthritics because it is gentle. Have you talked to your

doctor about it?

a

On Mar 27, 2005, at 2:31 PM, Kelli wrote:

>

>

> Hi a,

>

> I'm not 21 but I am 27 and I know what you're talking about and going

> through. I've been suffering from joint problems every since high

> school. It's been officially classified as Rheumatoid in my body

> since last year. I really don't have any words of encouragement for

> you because I have to find them for myself at times. But I just

> wanted to let you know that you're not the only young person with

> this illness out there. I haven't worked in over a year, and it's

> very frustrating because I want to work. I don't exercise much

> because I simply can't. Sometimes when I do feel that maybe I can go

> for a short walk I don't because I'm afraid of the after effects on

> my body. Just pray. I know that it's hard.--- In RA-

>

[Guest guest]

It can be so difficult to be young and have RA overtake like an unwelcome house

guest. I'm 31 with 4 kids a housewife and I home-school our 4 kids. I used to be

so vibrant and doing everything. My life has changed so much. There are days I

have laid in bed and thought will I ever be able to get up. I really should

journal my days so that on those days I think I can no longer go on I can

remember there are days that are good or fair also. there are 2 things that work

for me 1. my faith in a God who is always with me and even though in the

beginning I asked for healing I now ask for joy in all circumstances and

contentment in my life. You know my husband and other friends and family have

told me how much I have changed since all of this. That I am more loving and

compassionate to others that I have grown into a better person. Its like when

you refine gold. You have to turn up the heat to get the impurities out. Thats

how I look at my life now. I must admit there have been days I let my

RA make me angry and bitter and I would look in the mirror and hate what this

has done to me, my attitude my joy and happiness gone. I think God is more

concerned about my heart and attitude over my physical comfort. I still pray for

healing and I know it will happen someday and if not on earth than in heaven. I

try to allow the joy in dwell in me and accept it. So that I can be there for my

family. I dont want to be a woman who tears down her house but builds it up with

love and joy. Its very hard though. The 2nd thing that keeps me going is the

attitude to NEVER GIVE UP. I'm a fighter. There are days I tell my hubby I quit

I cant do this. He prays for me and I ask God to give me the desire to fight.

Fight for the sake of my hubby, kids, family, kids and the people who I can help

and influence if I keep going. I may be in bed dying of pain, not able to get up

and look pretty worthless to onlookers but inside I fight. We may feel like 91

but we can fight like we are in our terrible

2's. Dont give up on hope. Reach deep within and ask the Almighty to give you

power and strength even if you dont feel like it. Make the step. Praying for all

of you who are new to this disease and its damage on our bodies I know fear can

over take you it did to me. I try to let this RA change me for the better.DONT

LET FEAR PARALYZE you. FIGHT--FIGHT-- FIGHT--- WE are all here to cheer you on.

We do understand. Latisha

Kelli <highestexaulted@...> wrote:

Hi a,

I'm not 21 but I am 27 and I know what you're talking about and going

through. I've been suffering from joint problems every since high

school. It's been officially classified as Rheumatoid in my body

since last year. I really don't have any words of encouragement for

you because I have to find them for myself at times. But I just

wanted to let you know that you're not the only young person with

this illness out there. I haven't worked in over a year, and it's

very frustrating because I want to work. I don't exercise much

because I simply can't. Sometimes when I do feel that maybe I can go

for a short walk I don't because I'm afraid of the after effects on

my body. Just pray. I know that it's hard.

>

> >

> >

> > Ive been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are

really

> > swollen and i have restricted movement of every joint. docs seem

to

> > think that i have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt get

out

> > of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor

around

> > to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my financial

> > situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the time

i can

> > feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and see

me

> > but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i

could be

> > doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just

need to

> > know that there are other people of my age that are like me i

guess.

> > and how long it will be before it goes away!

> > thanks for listening xx

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

It can be so difficult to be young and have RA overtake like an unwelcome house

guest. I'm 31 with 4 kids a housewife and I home-school our 4 kids. I used to be

so vibrant and doing everything. My life has changed so much. There are days I

have laid in bed and thought will I ever be able to get up. I really should

journal my days so that on those days I think I can no longer go on I can

remember there are days that are good or fair also. there are 2 things that work

for me 1. my faith in a God who is always with me and even though in the

beginning I asked for healing I now ask for joy in all circumstances and

contentment in my life. You know my husband and other friends and family have

told me how much I have changed since all of this. That I am more loving and

compassionate to others that I have grown into a better person. Its like when

you refine gold. You have to turn up the heat to get the impurities out. Thats

how I look at my life now. I must admit there have been days I let my

RA make me angry and bitter and I would look in the mirror and hate what this

has done to me, my attitude my joy and happiness gone. I think God is more

concerned about my heart and attitude over my physical comfort. I still pray for

healing and I know it will happen someday and if not on earth than in heaven. I

try to allow the joy in dwell in me and accept it. So that I can be there for my

family. I dont want to be a woman who tears down her house but builds it up with

love and joy. Its very hard though. The 2nd thing that keeps me going is the

attitude to NEVER GIVE UP. I'm a fighter. There are days I tell my hubby I quit

I cant do this. He prays for me and I ask God to give me the desire to fight.

Fight for the sake of my hubby, kids, family, kids and the people who I can help

and influence if I keep going. I may be in bed dying of pain, not able to get up

and look pretty worthless to onlookers but inside I fight. We may feel like 91

but we can fight like we are in our terrible

2's. Dont give up on hope. Reach deep within and ask the Almighty to give you

power and strength even if you dont feel like it. Make the step. Praying for all

of you who are new to this disease and its damage on our bodies I know fear can

over take you it did to me. I try to let this RA change me for the better.DONT

LET FEAR PARALYZE you. FIGHT--FIGHT-- FIGHT--- WE are all here to cheer you on.

We do understand. Latisha

Kelli <highestexaulted@...> wrote:

Hi a,

I'm not 21 but I am 27 and I know what you're talking about and going

through. I've been suffering from joint problems every since high

school. It's been officially classified as Rheumatoid in my body

since last year. I really don't have any words of encouragement for

you because I have to find them for myself at times. But I just

wanted to let you know that you're not the only young person with

this illness out there. I haven't worked in over a year, and it's

very frustrating because I want to work. I don't exercise much

because I simply can't. Sometimes when I do feel that maybe I can go

for a short walk I don't because I'm afraid of the after effects on

my body. Just pray. I know that it's hard.

>

> >

> >

> > Ive been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are

really

> > swollen and i have restricted movement of every joint. docs seem

to

> > think that i have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt get

out

> > of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor

around

> > to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my financial

> > situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the time

i can

> > feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and see

me

> > but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i

could be

> > doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just

need to

> > know that there are other people of my age that are like me i

guess.

> > and how long it will be before it goes away!

> > thanks for listening xx

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks Latisha, that was very encouraging. I'm having one of those

days where I'm not feeling very good about myself, so that helped.

I'm a born again Christian, but boy sometimes, sometimes.... I'll

just leave that at that. lol... I'm reading Job right now, and I

suppose there is some light at the end of all out tunnels. The

hardest part sometimes is trying to go back in my head and try to

figure out did I do something in the past that has caused this attack

on my body. I don't think the worse things I could have possibly done

would bring this on, I'm not a bad person. But anyway, like I said

thanks for the encouraging words. I'll keep you and all others in my

prayers.

> >

> > >

> > >

> > > Ive been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are

> really

> > > swollen and i have restricted movement of every joint. docs

seem

> to

> > > think that i have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt

get

> out

> > > of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor

> around

> > > to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my

financial

> > > situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the

time

> i can

> > > feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and

see

> me

> > > but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i

> could be

> > > doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just

> need to

> > > know that there are other people of my age that are like me i

> guess.

> > > and how long it will be before it goes away!

> > > thanks for listening xx

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Thanks Latisha, that was very encouraging. I'm having one of those

days where I'm not feeling very good about myself, so that helped.

I'm a born again Christian, but boy sometimes, sometimes.... I'll

just leave that at that. lol... I'm reading Job right now, and I

suppose there is some light at the end of all out tunnels. The

hardest part sometimes is trying to go back in my head and try to

figure out did I do something in the past that has caused this attack

on my body. I don't think the worse things I could have possibly done

would bring this on, I'm not a bad person. But anyway, like I said

thanks for the encouraging words. I'll keep you and all others in my

prayers.

> >

> > >

> > >

> > > Ive been off work for the last 8 weeks, my hands and feet are

> really

> > > swollen and i have restricted movement of every joint. docs

seem

> to

> > > think that i have rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday i couldnt

get

> out

> > > of bed and it was really frightening, i had to get the doctor

> around

> > > to give me some steroids. because ive been off work my

financial

> > > situation is not funny and because i cant move most of the

time

> i can

> > > feel myself getting more and more down, my friends come and

see

> me

> > > but its not the same. I've been told that everytime i move i

> could be

> > > doing irrepairable damage to the lining of my joints. i just

> need to

> > > know that there are other people of my age that are like me i

> guess.

> > > and how long it will be before it goes away!

> > > thanks for listening xx

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi there: How are you doing? It sounds like you need to find a

Rheumatologist and soon. If you have RA it will not go away. However, there

are

medicines to take which can help it and help you to feel better. That is why

you need

to see a Doctor who specializes in this illness. I have had it for 8 years

and I am doing pretty good.

I can do most things and I am not in very much pain. However, I have other

problems, (not related to the RA) and that is why I can't work. I was a RN for

many years. I had to stop though because of a bad back and breathing

disorder.

Well, keep in touch and find a Doctor.

Sincerely,

Anjillah@...

[Guest guest]

Hi there: How are you doing? It sounds like you need to find a

Rheumatologist and soon. If you have RA it will not go away. However, there

are

medicines to take which can help it and help you to feel better. That is why

you need

to see a Doctor who specializes in this illness. I have had it for 8 years

and I am doing pretty good.

I can do most things and I am not in very much pain. However, I have other

problems, (not related to the RA) and that is why I can't work. I was a RN for

many years. I had to stop though because of a bad back and breathing

disorder.

Well, keep in touch and find a Doctor.

Sincerely,

Anjillah@...