Re: Hi fellow kid people

October 11, 2005

Hi Angie and all--

I, too, am a daycare provider. I do it in my home and, although I do get a lot

of help from other people with the physical stuff, it's a great job for me.

Sometimes I think I'm a better child care provider than I was before. I spend

more time just being with the kids and listeining and not having my own agenda.

I don't freak over the housework that isn't getting done when I'm reading a

story or coloring or just talking to a kid next to me on the couch, because,

when I'm having a bad time I can't do the work any way! Besides, what other job

lets you still do a good job while you're stretching on the floor? The kids

love it that I'm down there with them. The trick is to not be stressed about

the things that you can't do--like scrubbing floors or vacuuming--and just hang

out and snuggle and talk. The availability to listen is the greatest gift you

can give a child. Although there are a few days that I just hurt too bad to

listen to anyone, usually I can at least be there for

them while they pour their hearts out.

along302003 <along3@...> wrote:

I wanted to say welcome to a great group. I am 32 years old and

have been diagnosed with RA a year and 3 months ago. I have my good

days and my bad I have learned that I will make the most of any

time that I feel good. I have a 10 year old son and work full time

in a daycare as a lead teacher with 2 1/2 to 3 year old.. Have days

that it is very difficult to be there but I make myself as we cannot

financially afford for me not to work My advice would be even on

days you don't feel up to being active enjoy time with the kids with

reading, singing, and anything else they like that doesn't take a

lot of energy and make you uncomfortable. I just wanted to let you

know that you came to a great support group these guys have helped

me a lot. If you want to talk you can email me at

along3@....

bye

Angie

--- In , " abbyhaarala " <abbyhaarala@y...>

wrote:

>

> My name is Abby. I am 34 an had a baby in January and was

attacked

> by RA in March. I had no idea what was happening to me and it was

> so hard to take care of my new baby and 3 year old. It started in

> my feet and then went to every joint. I could barely hold the

baby

> and nursing was excruciating. I am a stay at home mom and my

> husband had no idea how bad I was. Nights were agonizing and I

just

> wandered the house waiting for morning and stretching. Finally in

> June I went to a Dr. and by the end of July I had found out my

> diagnosis and an amazing Dr. Within 24 hours and Prednisone and

> pain pills I was able to pick up my baby almost pain free.

>

> I am sad about my RA at such a young age and fear the pain I may

> endure and the activities I may miss with my kids at such a young

> age. However, my rheumatologist is a godsend. I am now on Arava

and

> Enberel I feel pretty much normal. I have an elbow that won't go

> all the way straight but that is about it. They weaned me off of

> Prednisone too fast and I had a flare up but since then I have

> increased my dose and am slowly weaning again.

>

> I feel completely alone in this and wonder about my future. Can I

> still play tennis if I feel good or will it cause a flare? Can I

> ride roller coasters or water ski or do I have to be careful and

> just watch my kids do the fun stuff? I constantly worry about a

> flare but I don't want to waste my time on it. Any advice? I

have

> been healthy all my life and now I am pumping so much medication

in

> to me it is just insane.

>

> I am glad that I found this site. I went to a support group

meeting

> and peeked in the door and saw a bunch of senior citizens. No

> offense, but I keep getting told that my age is the prime target

for

> RA but I still have not met anyone young and with kids. Thanks

to

> you all for the information. Abby

>

October 11, 2005