Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Do any of you remember what it was like to just walk through the house or eat a meal or take a shower without having to consider the moves you need to make or the effect your choices will have on your body?

I'm forgetting what that was like.

I was also wondering if all the snow lovers have had enough snow for awhile?!??

I wish for all of you painfree days with much love.

On the really good days, I am totally aware of every tiny movement my body makes. Every single one. I never take anything for granted anymore.

I guess it is because I know it does not last and I want to savor it. Hmmm...not in my wildest dreams would I thought something as simple as sitting or standing, naturally, would give me such joy. Then again, I never thought such things would hurt me so much.

Before remission I had become used to living with RA. When remission left, I had a very hard time returning to RA life. Still not quite there, but much better than 3 months ago.

I think I didn't forget what life was like before RA. I think I just became used to what life is like "today." Adapted. Made the best of it.

NO, NO, NO....I want more snow. I try not to think of Spring coming because I love Winter so. But, it is as it should be...season after season. So, I accept it and find something beautiful in all the seasons.

Still, I count down the days till Fall and my beloved Winter.

bearlie, I think what is happening to you is pretty normal. Always praying for you, dear friend.

Gentle hugs

Bearlie

I moved to get rid of the cold and piles of snow wisconsin offered. N. Virigna has been nicer to me for that reason.

My days without RA symptoms are wonderful, so much so I even do the laundry just because I can. Going up and down stairs, yipee! I was told about a web site that explains Illness, by using spoons in a drawer as an example energy levels. One starts the day with a full drawer of spoons. We have to be careful how we use them. 1 spoon for dressing and showering, one spoon for the first hours at work. At the end of the day if we did not consider making and eating dinner. we could be out of spoons and have to do with another dinner of left overs. So every spoon used has to be contenplated wisely. How will I use the energy I have for today. I think the web site is " but you don't look sick" I had my sons and husband read it, and my older son refers back to the saying "are you out of spoons? I wish you atleast 3 days without pain, that should cover a week end CLAP

Post edited by: claphappy, at: 02/17/2011 04:42 AM

You know I guess it does sound strange to a person when we tell them something like, "I can cook a light meal but I can't clean up afterward." "I can go to lunch with you but I can't go shopping." "I can wash the clothes but I can't put them away." "I can dust the top of furniture but I can't vacum the floor." "I can take a bath but I can't wash my hair or shave my legs." "I can comb my hair but I can't style it."

Of course we have to add the reason being is we have to choose. Yes, choose. We no longer have the luxury of "just" doing anything without regard to after effects.

The thing that can't comprehend is we have to make choices for such simple, everyday things. Stuff that came easy once upon a time. Things we never gave a second thought to. Things that were so common in everyday living that have become luxeries to us now.

clap, I so agree concerning the spoons.

Hugs dear friends

Yes, I've had enough snow but only because it's stressful for Steve to get it all plowed, etc. otherwise it wouldn't bother me. My body, for some strange reason does better in the cooler weather than it does in the warm weather.

I do remember the "old" me and all of the things I took for granted There are certainly days I miss her but I come to appreciate so much about the new me and feel so blessed to not miss the little things anymore that I would have never given a second thought before. I simply try to focus on what I'm blessed to still do and not dwell on what I can no longer do. One very difficult thing for me was to accept or learn to ask for help....that was never me but acceptance IS a big part of RA.

hugs and prayers,

That spoon story is on here - on one of the older forums. It is a very good story and tells it like it is.

We have another family member that will be moving in - for 2 or 3 months. I look at my hands and much of the rest of me and wonder how on earth i'm gonna get thru this year. I know the symptoms aren't new, they're just inconvenient (isn't that always true).

We have a full house of early birds and night owls and fussy eaters and the oldest and youngest like to play on the staircase (ages 75 and 2). I am trying to be patient and to remember that the world won't end if i can't carry the laundry upstairs after i get it all picked up. BUT... knowing that and feeling good about that are two different things. Like a good nights sleep or accomplishing anything or waiting on people when i can barely move. I'm telling myself i need the attitude change and the exercise and the discipline. Sigh. I'm also eating much chocolate.

I realise the LORD isn't finished with me yet and i have to carry this every day. I'm in training. I started out wanting someone to reassure me that this is normal but now - today - i just want to hear that its survivable.

WE are chess players... all day long...

Clap your son actually asks if you are out of spoons? That is sooo sweet

Laura, you can survive, you have before, you'll the strength to. You are a survivor!

Cata- Yes he really did say that,and at 16 it's a miracle. But he has a heart of compassion.

bearlie--I think you need to sit down, just over see things from afar.I think you have a good attiude but need to say As I often say "the butlers are coming tonight" I have 2 boys who are now the butlers.lol

My husband works from home on Monday. His work area is so close to the clothes washer and dryer he just does the laundry.

I thank God for my helpful family, yet they can stress me out at times to.

I'm A spoonie

Post edited by: claphappy, at: 02/17/2011 05:29 PM

Sometimes I think back, and yes, I do remember life before RA....

I am filled with mixed emotions..as I can see myself running miles, getting awards in the gym, being able to do heavy duty work with no problem...helping others with energy left over to do more...life was great! and I then wonder?..will I ever get that back?..my thoughts immediately go to the answer..no, not really.

I still have goals, its just that they have changed..they may not be as grand as they once were but they are still things I strive for....

Another thing I have learned having RA..is that you do have to take one day at a time.

I enjoyed lifting weights, working hard outdoors, and riding my mountain bike. I will miss those things. In fact, I cannot remember the last time that I broke a sweat from physical activity. Now, I miss that too. Oh well.

I am turning to ask myself it there life after RA. That seems to be the more important question.