RA victim

[Dianne in NC]

Hello......my name is Dianne and I was diagnosed with RA several months ago.
It was no surprise to me when the doctor told me. I lived this disease with my mother for years so when my symptoms started I knew what it was.

I have been on methatrexiate from the beginning, now on Humira...I took my lst injection last week. My doctor wanted me to take Remicaid but could not afford it. I have to take cortisone injections in knees, ankles and shoulders alot.

I worked in a textile plant so I have been forced to come out of work and have recently applied for my social security disability...any comments on the chances with this disease please let me know.

I was always so active and busy, but now my life has totally changed..and of course I wonder where all these friends I once had are now.

Don't know about ya'll but most of the time I feel as if I am a prisoner in my own body if that makes any sense at all. Each day is different, never know what tomorrow will bring other than I know the pain will be there. Sitting here typing my hands are hurting really bad. I will try to post as much as I can. I really need to know that I am not alone.

God Bless you all,

[BrendaH]

hi Dianne,
I'm new to this disease and I too am very active, I kept wondering WHY I'm always in pain and feeling fatigued. So now we know and I know I am in for a life change as well. Please know that you are not alone, just reading all the post here I already feel comforted (so to speak) by the fact we have others who know what we feel.
Take care of you!

Brenda

[uplana]

Hi,
I can understand your pain and problems as we have a same case of RA in our family. Its the complexity of this disease that one has to continuously take pain killers and injections to get rid of pain and perform his normal work. I advice you to try some herbal oils and medications to decrease stiffness in your joints.

[Mac]

Dianne,
You are far from alone. It just feels that way. I've heard 1% of the U.S. population has RA. If that is true, you have over 3 million partners in pain.

Use the forum to talk things over with the rest of us. It will help.

Mac

[DaisyGirl]

Dearest Dianne,

When you said you feel like a prisoner in your own body, it really touched my heart. I feel exactly the same way. This weekend was my birthday. I managed the Zoo on Saturday, and come Sunday I wanted to go to Six Flags so bad for frightfest. Halloween is my favorite holiday and time of year. And even though I could have taken my wheelchair, which I did not use for the zoo, I was just too worn out to make it. I let my 11 year old son down. I let myself down. And all because of this horrible disease. Days like this get me down and I tell my husband so often that I'm a prisoner in this body. But I live for the good days and make the very best of them I can. When it's hard on you and you're having a bad day it can feel like you are all alone and no one can understand. But you can turn here to all of us. I like to say, when life gives you lemons, make lemon bars and have a friend over to share them.

I lived in North Carolina for quite a while. I love there and I know how pretty it is this time of year. Let the beautiful fall colors warm you and bless your heart. You aren't alone. We're here.

Your new friend,

Daisy Girl.