Psychologically Speaking....

I've always fancied my brain in charge and when my body is insubordinate I get very frustrated and angry with it.

Like most of us 50-ish, I've been through some challenging times... multiple surgeries, child birth etc. and through all of them managed to deal with it pretty well, you know, mind over matter.

But RA is proving to be a formidable adversary. For the first time in my life, instead of "willing" myself back to good health, at times I'm extremely sad that, no matter my determination, it always seems to win in the end.

This newsletter has helped me tremendously though. It's of great comfort to know that others are experiencing the same things that I feel I'm being a real "wimp" about.

I'm trying to "learn new tricks" in finding things that make me feel good and productive, painting, woodburning etc. things that are a little more sedentary. I really want to start going to our local YMCA pool for aquatic exercise. I know it would make me feel better but I can't seem to muster the energy.

And in regard to energy, does anyone know why fatigue seems to be a big factor with RA? It's almost as maddening as the pain and stiffness.

I'd really enjoy hearing about how any of you who feel this way deal with it.