I Am Totally Embarrassed......

By snapcracklepop62

1 min read

Last year it was so easy to get up from a sitting to a standing position. Now it has been almost a year and it is becoming increasingly difficult to stand without grabbing on to something (hopefully sturdy) to propel myself into a standing position.
Case in point; I had to stand in order to receive recognition at a church gathering and it was a difficult fete to just stand to walk up front.
Every since my knees have been giving me problems as I've stated before each encounter has been terribly embarrassing.
Is there an exercise or position that I could utilize in order to help me propel my body into a stance without the obvious embarrassing moments.
The physical along with the physiological impact on my mind is so hard.
I'm open for any suggestions, thank you.
Jennifer

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Kelly Dabel Community Admin
Hi Jennifer, Thank you for sharing. Sorry to hear that your knees are giving you trouble. You are not alone here. I hope others in our community respond as well with their personal experiences to share. I'd encourage you to speak with your doctor about a referral for a Physical Therapist, if you haven't already, as they can better direct you as to what exercises will be safe and most effective for you. In addition to speaking with your doctor, these articles may be helpful to you: Joint Protection: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/what-is-this-thing-called-joint-protection-or-how-to-keep-your-joints-strong-and-stable' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/what-is-this-thing-called-joint-protection-or-how-to-keep-your-joints-strong-and-stable/</a> Physical Therapy: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/physical-therapy' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/physical-therapy/</a> We're here for you. Wishing you some relief to your knee problems soon. Kelly, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>Rheumatoidarthritis.net</a> Team Member
1. snapcracklepop62 Member
 Thank you so very much for your encouragement and your very insightful ministry. It's a ministry because it serves to encourage teaching myself and others that we're not alone. Thank You!
Richard Faust Community Admin
Thanks for writing Jennifer. It may be a natural emotion to be embarrassed by not being able to do what you think should come easily, but remember you did not do anything wrong to get RA and it is the disease, not you creating these difficulties. It is great that you are interested in finding out what you can do to exercise and help yourself. Know that you can make progress. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here) has had RA most of her life and writes in this article about learning to walk again for the fourth time after a surgery: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/learning-walk' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/learning-walk/</a>. This article from our editorial team looks at RA and exercise, with links to specific kinds and therapies: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/exercise' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/exercise/</a>. Finally, you mention the impact on the mind. Know that it is not only o.k., but good to reach out for help and support when needed. In this article one of our contributors writes about being thankful for the support framework she has been able to build: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/an-attitude-of-gratitude' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/an-attitude-of-gratitude/</a>. The article has great links to information on sources. Know that you are always welcome here and that we are happy to have you a member of the community. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
1. snapcracklepop62 Member
 Sir, It is indeed wonderful that I came to this site, it's informative and encouraging. I appreciate you and your wife's insightful information. I've never been to a site so replete with a knowledge of resources. Thank you again for letting me know I am not alone.