--coping strategies

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I don't have RA, but do have fibro, and a rare disease--Dercum's

Disease. I also am suffering some post-polio syndrome problems from

when I had polio in 1959.

When I started using a cane, I decided to try to answer everyone's

questions at one time, so I wrote a letter to good friends, family,

and our church explaining why I am using a cane, and a little about

Dercum's. To my church, I explained that there would be periods of

time that I would be very fatigued and not able to volunteer as much,

but at other times I would, so just to ask me first and not just

write me off. They have been so good and cooperative! I bake bread

for communion once a month, and taught Sunday School this past year.

I've learned one big lesson, to ASK FOR HELP and not try to tough it

out. My husband has Parkinson's, and between us we may not always

feel on top of things, so our daughter and SIL help when we need it.

You will always find someone who won't recognize what you're feeling,

or will make light of it. Don't let that get you down, YOU know how

you are feeling! If you need to get a handicapped parking permit,

get it and use it, and don't feel bad.

Above all, be good to yourself and do what your body needs. There is

still a lot of beauty in the world, and I have learned new things

that I never would have tried had I not gotten sick.

This group is one of the best resources, and the moderators are the

tops!

Take care,

Judi (59 YO grandmother of a 5-year old boy and 2-year old triplets)