My Life

By Chubby

1 min read

I am 53 soon to be 54 years old. I once was a very active woman.

I did manly labor and loved working in my yard. I kept my house spotless. Not anymore since RD has struck my body.

How RA impacts my life

I still try to cook a somewhat decent meal for my husband every day. If I don’t feel well he understands.

I was diagnosed on 8/17/2022. I had been in pain for years and didn’t think anything of it.

I thought it was because of getting older and doing the kind of work I have done. I could handle the pain until the fatigue hit and I was keeping a low-grade fever.

I went to my PCP and he told me I’m positive for RA.

What keeps me going

Thank God for blessing me with an understanding husband. He has read all about RD and he goes to my appointments with me.

I am also a type 1 diabetic, have beat cancer, and survived a heart attack, and mini-strokes. I have a 3-year-old grandson that is my everything. He is what makes me want to thrive.

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Kristina at 50 Member
I understand completely everything that you are going through because although I am not a student but I have always worked 2 jobs my entire life and I recently had to give up my second job because was pretty physical and I would be so sore the next day I couldnt get out of bed. I work in an office so other than the constant sitting that causes so much hip, leg & back stiffness that comes along with it, its about the only type of job I can go to if I am having a flare up and still get my work done. I used to love bowling but I am really afraid to join a league for the fear of failing physically and having to quit. The fatigue you mentioned,,,, its real! I have struggled with this the most. First, I tried to take naps when I could but I found that there is not enough time in the day to get the things done to start with so it made the remainder of the day more hectic stressing over trying to get everything done. If only we had a few rooms with beds in them at work just for people to stretch out on when they arent feeling well during our lunch break, life would be better. I still battle with the fatigue and I am willing to try anything except the things my Dr. suggests as I am already struggling physically and feel exhausted and he wants me to go to the gym and work out strictly on the machines every other day. I am feeling more like finding a dark corner somewhere and resting with my eyes closed until time to go start the next part of the day. Its a struggle and if I could find someone in my community that had similar symptoms, I would find it easier to exercise with a partner. Walking really helps me with my hips and if I had a partner I would probably do it 3 or 4 days a week. I am always here to trade ideas or failed experiences or if you just need someone to share how your day is. 
1. Lori Foster Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="Kristina at 50" user-id="3166177"/>. It can be sooo hard to get motivated to exercise when you are so fatigue. I understand why you doctor wants you to try the machines though. Weightlifting for even a few minutes can awaken the whole body. Would you consider trying just a couple of ten pound weights at home? Try them out for maybe five minutes when you are especially fatigued and see whether it makes a difference. It will help some people and, others, not so much. Have you also looked into other factors that might be making your fatigue worse -- vitamin D or B deficiencies, Iron deficiency, side effect of medication (Methotrexate can cause fatigue)? If any of those are issues, addressing them might make your fatigue more bearable. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
Chubby Member
I appreciate that, thank you. I too wish I had someone close to interact with that has this disease. I understand about being afraid, I am afraid to go walk by myself. I’m afraid I’ll get away from home and can’t make it back. My husband still works full time, so I don’t want to ask him to go, he has a very strenuous job and he’s pretty much wore out when he gets home. I want to find an old exercise bike for my house. Hope you have a nice rest of your day. 
1. Lori Foster Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="Chubby" user-id="4831775"/>. Is there a small loop you can do over and over near your house? Maybe a quarter mile or a block? You could even go up and down the same stretch several times. That way you are never too far from the house. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Chubby" user-id="4831775"/>. First, let me say that as the husband of someone with RA, it is always great to hear about supportive spouses (my wife, Kelly Mack, is a contributor here). You mentioned that your diagnosis is recent. Mind if I ask what treatment you are on and if you have noticed it helping control your RA yet? Concerning exercise, at home exercise equipment may be a good compromise for getting started. I can tell you that Kelly was diagnosed with severe juvenile RA at age two, over 40 years ago (before modern treatments), and has used a wheelchair since her teens. She has a stepper that she can use while sitting in her chair. In addition, we have peddle machine that can double as table top arm machines, so equipment doesn't have to be bulky (we have limited space for machines). Also, if you have access to a pool, swimming or aquatic therapy is a great way to build strength and stamina. Of course, any exercise regimen should be discussed with a doctor. Also, I noticed that you mentioned having type 1 diabetes. Our contributor Rick Phillips also has type 1 diabetes. Here is a link to his profile (<a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/community/experts/lawrence-rick-phillips' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/community/experts/lawrence-rick-phillips</a>) and you may also be interested in clicking on his name to be able to view his articles. Wishing you the best and know that you are always welcome here. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Chubby Member
Hello, I am currently looking for a used stationery bike. I take hydroxychloroquine a day and a vitamin D once a week. I do think it’s helping, but not all the way. I believe I’ve had RD for around 3-4 yrs and I was just confirmed in August of this year. I have juvenile diabetes. I have had it for 37 years. I do walk up and down my driveway everyday to keep things moving. Thank you for reaching out to me. Chubby is a nickname, my name is Linda. My papa gave me that name so I’m partial to it. 
1. Lori Foster Community Admin
 Hi Linda (<inline-mention username="Chubby" user-id="4831775"/>). RA medications can take a few months to become fully effective, but if hydroxychloroquine isn't helping enough by January or February, it might be time to ask your doctor for something new. There are lots of medications for RA out there, but it might take some trial and error to find the one that is right for you. I am glad to hear that your husband is so supportive. That can make all the difference in the world. I hope you find a used stationary bike soon. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)