Most people when they think of arthritis, they think its a few aches and pains. I can tell you from first hand experience that is not the case. From the onset of getting Rheumatoid Arthritis, it was and is very painful. I have been living with RA for almost thirty years now. When I first got it I had a newborn at the time and just putting on his socks made me cry.
To better understand Rheumatoid arthritis, you need to know it is an autoimmune disease where a person's immune system attacks his or her own body tissues. It can be very disabling and cause deformities.
My first signs of the disease were waking up with stiffness in my hands. To date it has affected my hands, elbows, shoulders, neck, knees, and my feet. The above picture is the effect it has had on my hands.
I've taken everything from plain aspirin to infusions drugs. Living with RA is understanding the balance you need in your life. The right combination of exercise and rest. It you move to little, you will lose the ability and range of motion in some of your joints. Which I have done and regret now. If you over do it, you will definitely feel it tomorrow. Moving around now has been really painful, since my knee needs replaced. Not sure when I will be able to get it done. Since I am dealing with insurance coverage and all that fun stuff.
Everyone has their problems in this life they must live with. I choose to live life and find happiness. I believe having a positive outlook is essential to living with RA or any disease; you can't go around thinking poor me. So I get up everyday thinking this is another beautiful day God has given me.
8 comments:
It looks so painful...
So sorry to read this post about your arthritis. I know the pain is sometimes almost unbearable for you.
What a blessing to have the positive attitude that you have with this disease. I hope that others read this post and take your advice.
Just wanted to let you know that I am having another candy giveaway so be sure and enter
Take care
Maggie
Inspiring...
makes me feel like a whining baby, but just today the Lord brought to mind my blog friends, scattered from here to kingdom come, and the few things I know about their struggles.
We don't all share our struggles, but when we do it creates an opportunity for prayer for others and the know we ALL walk the journey.
My deepest prayers go out for your conquering spirit and also for your pain.
Bless your courage ;-)
hate it when that happens...
correction...
the know should be to know...
I'm so sorry Cherrie. Thank you for sharing your experience and your positive attitude. My daughter has a form of RA so I know a little of what it can do.
Bless you,
Kathlene
Oh my, I just lost my comment to you! Yikes, I am not sure where it went to, but suddenly it was gone from my screen. :-) Just wanted to say, that I am glad that you decided to do this post. It really does help to share it with others and talk of it! I totally understand the pain and having to live with it, and how it steals one's life away. I allow myself a "poor little me" day, sometimes one just needs that comfort of self pity. :-) but then I get up the next day and tell myself that I am still lucky to be able to do so much, and I try to block out what I no longer can do. I learned that from someone here on blogger! Wise words that I took to heart and have made my motto. Always stay positive my friend, it can get one through many a difficult day! keeping you in my thoughts over here, knowing that we are so similar in our pain!! hugs, Debby
I know it must be frustrating and I'm glad you shared your story. I can't change anything for you but I can empathize with you and tell you how much I admire your spirit.
Hi Cherrie
I like your attitude in the midst of difficult physical conditions.
Rhondi
Post a Comment