encouraging

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to share with you something that for me was exciting because I

know you'll understand how special this is for me. For those who don't

know, I have had severe RA for 23+ years and have 3 joint replacements as

well as major damage to most of my joints. Recently, I was diagnosed with

serious neck damage caused by mechanical problems due to the many years of

RA. However, on Saturday, I put in a 12 hour day: I was training volunteer

speakers with the Arthritis Society in the morning and early afternoon, went

to a shower in the mid-late afternoon and went out again in the evening,

came home and watched a movie (without falling asleep). I had ENERGY and

felt great!!! The next day, I was really tired, but went out again in the

evening. Today, I went to therapy, am going to do some baking and am out to

a meeting tonight, having recovered from Saturday. I haven't been able to

work (as a teacher) for 7 1/2 years due to my RA. And Saturday was

literally the first time in years that I have been able to do so much and

feel so good! I have such an overwhelming sense of being thankful!!

(RA 23+ years, AP since Nov. 97)