Worth it.......

[Guest guest]

Well Doggone.........

Seems like you could use a good dose of hugs!

I've felt the same way from time to time - with the exception that I've never thought it wasn't "worth it".....rather, that "I" wasn't worth it! With or without joint repair. You ask "but what good is remission when there is extensive damage without joint repair?" Is there a reason that joint repair would be out of the question for you? You'd be amazed how different things look when you don't have so much pain to deal with. And, despite the joint replacements I've had (and will have), I do still have pain, just not those particular ones.......and that makes life a bit easier.

You say "I've got so much joint damage, I can't handle a knife to cut vegetables so I can't feed myself".........I can't cut much of my food either, so I have someone do it for me. I used to hate that, but now it's no big deal, for me or for them. Surely you can handle a fork or spoon and when you say you can't feed yourself you're referring to preparing and cutting your food? I'm hoping that's what you mean.

You say "I can't be on my feet for more than twenty minutes or so, so I can't walk through the woods with my dog (*%#!@, I hardly touch him I have to be so careful of my aching hands);?"..........I can't manage more than 3 or 4 minutes on by feet because my hip is causing my back to hurt so much I'm nearly in tears after that length of time. And boy, do I ever miss walking on the beach - maybe more than anything. Oh well......."my knees are shot so I can't garden.".......caring for house plants or flower boxes can be very rewarding - one doesn't have to get on their knees to enjoy gardening. "The only pleasure left to me is reading.".........well, who doesn't enjoy reading. I can't handle hardback editions (they are soooo heavy and awkward) so I get paperbacks. I'm hoping you're surrounded by some of the best books available........and someone to turn the pages for you if that becomes necessary.

It is so sad that you have so few pleasures left. Most of us can relate to "giving up" - things, not hope. But, my experience is that there is still a lot of things I can do to entertain myself - just takes a bit of imagination, some gumption, and a friend here and there to lend a hand. Not saying it's easy, but it is do-able!

You say "So I cure the arthritis? So what? I get to sit and do nothing with minimal pain instead of maximum pain?"...........I suppose you could do just that, but I imagine you'd find lots to do if there wasn't so much pain - joint damage and all.

You say "The story would be different if ".........well, yeah! And you can "what if" and "shoulda/woulda/coulda" till the cows come home, and it won't make a bit of difference, except to add to your depression.

What good is remission? I'd say damned good. Sure wish it would happen to me......and I can wish and hope till the cows come home and that won't change a thing.....so I'll continue actively trying to make myself better, try real hard to stay positive, and will not stop finding things to challenge me, both mentally and physically.

I'm not meaning to be "glib", or to make light of your situation......but I can't encourage your current thinking pattern, and I'm hoping that isn't what you're wanting from anyone. I don't have the answers - just my own particular take on the situation......which I'm sure can be refuted.

A simple thing that helps me when I'm in a "but I can't do that" mode is to remember the old adage "I once complained about having no shoes 'til I saw a man with no feet" (close enough). I never have to look too far to find someone worse off than I.....kinda puts things in perspective.

Try to be well,