Thank you
Hi, this is my first time posting so I hope I am doing it right. I have been "lurking" for a while, reading everyone's posts and checking out the articles you have and I have gotten a lot of good info. I have had RA for 21 yrs now (am 63 yrs old). Back when I was diagnosed, there weren't support groups and online groups like this. I didn't know anyone with RA, so never had anyone to ask questions or compare things with, until 3 yrs ago when I moved to my current home. I had to find all new doctors and after a few visits, I found out my podiatrist also has RA. It was wonderful to have someone to talk to that understands what you are going through.
Anyway, after I found this group, it also felt nice to know there were other people out there that understand.
Sorry, I'm rambling. I tend to do that at times.
The reason I am posting today, is that I wanted to say Thank You to the person that suggested using a reacher/grabber thing when doing laundry. I was reading the discussion a couple of weeks ago about what tools, etc have people found to be helpful in their every day life. I had never even thought of using a grabber thing to help with the laundry. I went on Amazon and found a shorter one, 19 inches, and oh my, has that been so wonderful to use!!! : )
Besides the RA, i have torn rotator cuffs in both shoulders and have just been diagnosed with hip osteoporosis with bone spurs. Between the not being able to stretch my arms and having pain with bending, doing the laundry is not fun. But with the grabber thing, I can reach the bottom of the washer and get the things out of the dryer with hardly bending!! Thank you again.
Hi
. Thank you for the kind words and so glad you find the information and community so helpful. I noticed that you mentioned your shoulders, have your doctors had any thoughts on treatment? I ask because a couple of years ago my wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here) had her shoulder damage assessed and eventually had a reverse shoulder replacement. I'm not remotely saying this is what is needed in your case, but thought you might be interested in this article she wrote, before any decision was made, on the considerations: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/exploring-surgery. Also, please feel free to let us know if there are topics you would like to read/learn more about - this community is here for you. Best, Richard (Team Member) 
What a positive first post,
! I’m so glad to hear you’ve found our online community helpful! It’s wonderful that you’ve been able to connect with others who understand what you're going through—especially after navigating RA for so many years without that support. I completely agree that it’s such a relief to share ideas, tips, and experiences with others who truly get it. And thank you for sharing your experience with the grabber tool! It’s always great to hear when a simple suggestion makes a big difference. I’m so happy it’s made laundry a bit easier for you! Keep sharing your thoughts; it’s great to hear from you! -Latoya (Team Member) 
I feel your pain, I just got through the both shoulder rotator cup injury it was very painful and I did 6-8 weeks of PT to get through it. lots of stretching every day. if you do not have access to PT, there are lots of resources online to direct the proper exercises and stretching needed for rehabilitation.
That sounds like a tough recovery! How are your shoulders feeling now? Are you back to full strength, or do you still have to be careful with certain movements? -Latoya (Team Member) Hi
. I've heard that the recovery from rotator cuff surgery can actually be harder than from the shoulder replacement. Did your PT stress continuing strength exercises for after the initial stretching/PT? Hoping things continue to improve. Best, Richard (Team Member)
I don't what to hijack PortlandRosie's thread, but I've been doing really well with the shoulders. I've been working in the yard, working in the garden, catching up from last falls things I couldn't do due to the rotator cuff injury.
and welcome here PortlandRosie, good group of people to help in the support, and I do have one of those grabber thing's I got at Walmart for like 10 bucks, got it for picking up litter around the neighborhood but it hasn't left the house.Hi
. I'm tagging so that she will know that you wrote above in response to the Forum post. Best, Richard (Team Member) 
, I'm glad your shoulders are doing so well! That's great!
Best, Erin, Team Member.
