To Sandie Re: Leaving the group

[Guest guest]

Hi Sandie,

I am Pat (Kansas) There are a few Pat's so I always try to remember

to put the (Kansas) after my name.

I am fairly new to the group and I don't answer a lot of people or

post a response because these people don't know me and I guess

I am like a lot of people and am afraid of rejection. I do know how

much it means to have someone who knows what you are going

through reach out to you.

I think it ought to be a prerequisite that all RA doctor's should have

the disease, then they would really know what we go through. I am

sure we would get a lot more attention.

When I was first diagnosed with RA I could barely move and at the

time I had my 3 year old grandson in my care. I felt awful that I couldn't

even push him on the swing without being in agony. We both survived

and eventually I did find the right combination of medication to keep my

RA manageable. Not pain free, but manageable. At least I could push a

swing. I can imagine the emotional upheaval that you go through trying

to keep up with 3 young children. What medications are you presently

on. There are a few drugs that seem to be the " standard " . I certainly

hope your new doctor is a good one. It is imperative that you get care in

the first year of dx. That seems to be when the most damage is done. This

is a very aggressive disease and you really must be aggressive right back.

Lucky are the ladies who have supportive husbands. Some just think

you are exaggerating or making excuses. I went though this with my

husband. He wouldn't even help me put my coat on and it hurt so

bad to try and reach backwards. Now he is a paraplegic and I have

to do everything for him. Sometimes I get so angry at life. I am sure

he would rather be able to walk and he certainly didn't ask for this

to happen to him. It just makes me mad, when I am in a lot of pain

to have to bathe him, get him dressed, get him in his wheelchair, cook,

etc., everything.

Sandie I just want you and all to know that I am like most people and

want anyone who wants to talk, rant, vent etc. to feel free to contact me

offline if you want. I never have so many friends that I don't welcome a

new one.

And, I always sign with hugs so,

Hugs,

Pat (Kansas)

Thank you for your response. I wrote in to the group about a month

or so ago and did not hear from anyone. I know this is a very large group

and

peoples health depends on replies, so I guess I was just a bit hurt.

I am very new to RA having only been diagnosed in November of last

year. I am 33 with 3 young children(9,3,1) and in constant pain. It kills

me

that I can't " push through " and keep going. I was always able to do that

in the past. I also am in some denial about the disease. I keep thinking if

i eat

the right things or exercise enough I will be cured. I know, fat chance.

My latest endeavor was the all natural approach. That really didnt

pan out either. I was seeing a terrible RA and finally switched and after

waiting a month and a half, I go on Tuesday. I cant wait.

The reason I joined this group was the wealth of knowledege you

have on the subject. I am one of those people that just don't take meds the

doc

prescribes witout researching it first. My last Rheumy did not like the fac

thtat I questioned what he said. So I said bye bye to him. Sorry, it is my

body and my health. At our last visit he got angry but did have xrays

ordered

on my hands and feet to see the damage. (it turns out my bones in my left

foot are

deteriorating) he then sent me out the door with " take some tylenol

for the pain " and " you know stress plays a big part in RA, maybe you should

take up yoga "

I , who was dragging my 3 and 1 year old with me laughed in his face and

walked out the door for good! If tylenol worked, I would never have gone to

the

doctor to begin with.

Anyway, sorry to rant. It is so hard to learn to deal with my

limitations as well as my hubby who I love to death but he can't even

comprehend

the pain I am in daily.

I do need a group like this so I will hang in there and learn from

you all. Thanks for listening if you made it this far.

sandie

[Guest guest]

Pat,

sounds like you have way too much on your plate. I will say a prayer for you.

I remember hearing God never gives you more than you can handle but

sometimes we have to quit asking for strength. you have such a great outlook

, you

really give me inspiration.

I think the constant pain really wears a person out. I just want to wake up

for one day and feel good. I don't even look forward to going to sleep anymore

because I dream of my pain.

My hope is that my new rheumy will be able to prescribe meds that work. Right

now I am on plaquenil and voltaren and they dont seems to do much at all. My

pain meds are lortab and ultram they too dont do much .

Thank you for your kind letter, I am here any time for you as well.

Take care and my prayers are with you

sandie

[Guest guest]

Pat,

sounds like you have way too much on your plate. I will say a prayer for you.

I remember hearing God never gives you more than you can handle but

sometimes we have to quit asking for strength. you have such a great outlook

, you

really give me inspiration.

I think the constant pain really wears a person out. I just want to wake up

for one day and feel good. I don't even look forward to going to sleep anymore

because I dream of my pain.

My hope is that my new rheumy will be able to prescribe meds that work. Right

now I am on plaquenil and voltaren and they dont seems to do much at all. My

pain meds are lortab and ultram they too dont do much .

Thank you for your kind letter, I am here any time for you as well.

Take care and my prayers are with you

sandie