I am new...

[Guest guest]

Hi...

I have just joined this group and have enjoyed reading all of the

messages so far...I would never ever wish RA on anyone...but I am glad

to know I am not alone in this! <<I will try to get this message

typed...and sent sometime today...but,

I am somewhat slow going today with my hands.

I am 40 and was diagnosed with RA when I was 25.

I have severe RA and have recently been told it is

starting to cripple some of my joints.

I am blessed that I am able to be a stay at home mom....

for now.

I would like very much to get out and be able to handle

at least a part time job. I fight the feeling of worthlessness when

money is tight...you know? My husband works 12 hours rotating shifts

as a police officer and then part time...when he can get the hours...as

a security guard.... My two daughters are in their teens and do help

out quite a bit. I do have so much...I know... but I still at times

get very discouraged from my RA.

This past weekend I had a sudden very bad flare up in my back and

hips...the pain was so bad I was not sure if it was just from my

arthritis. After talking to my DR he referred me to the ER...as it was

after clinic hours and with the kind of pain I was having it could have

been any number of things. My right hip and surrounding area was

painful and very hot...my lower back and up my spine...etc...

I did go to the ER late friday night...

and then finally

after tests and exams and costing me about $100. it was decided that

the pain must have been 'just my RA after all'....as precaution I was

on bed rest for a couple days and given pain pills...

I was relieved to find out there is nothing 'more' wrong with me...but

damn---how can one be sure? I also felt like an idiot because after

having RA so long I should have known that's all it was....??

Has this ever happened to anyone else............??

I also struggle with trying to explain to people who just don't get

it... I am sure I am not the only one who has been given the comments

something like... " oh, I have arthritis too...I just take a tylenol and

deal with it " ...there is much resentment towards me from my husband's

family ... why can't I just wear a brace or carry a cane...?? If only

it were that simple....

Anyway....

blah! I needed to get that out...

;o)

thank you for accepting me into this group!

Hey---at least my arthritis has not stopped me from being a friend...I

do look forward to talking with many of you and giving support where

I am needed!

May you find warmth today...

Joyce

**I know that I might be in a wheel chair or one of those funky scooters

soon...I am wishing for one that is similar to a mini zamboni...how

fun would that be??