Scared

By carolbaca

May 4, 2017

Feb 3rd, 2017...the day I couldn’t move nor open my mouth. Day after day it's been something new...finding small lumps in places I didn’t even know I had a joint there. Work is hard and bosses don't understand because they can't see it. I’m a severe case with 2 little ones at home. Our diets have changed too we are eating healthier. My husband teaches Kung Fu so I started Tai Chi. I feel so good at the end of it. I cried one day for hours and noticed my 3 yr. old was depressed about that so I decided to stay strong and do what I can to delay the process...my poor babies’ mommy is doing all she can to handle the flare ups I promise.

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Join the conversation

By Kelly Dabel
May 5, 2017
Hi carolbaca, Thank you for sharing part of your story with us. You are not alone here. Good for you for trying new strategies like changing your diet and taking Tai Chi! It's okay to be down and to take rests when you need them. Your positive outlook will also help. Please reach out anytime. Let us know any questions you have, we're here to support you in this. We appreciate you sharing and being part of our community! Kelly, <a href='http://Rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>Rheumatoidarthritis.net</a> Team Member
1. By carolbaca
 May 5, 2017
 Thank you glad to have found this site...ive finally stopped crying and have taken action aqua aerobics also gavr mr a feeling of accomplishment i got that idea from here...super awesome
By kristen42
May 5, 2017
Hi Kelly just read your post I know it's hard I have a 5 yr old at home and also work full time. Thankfully my sed rates are down take a biological drug and two others. Hope u feel relief soon.
By kristen42
May 5, 2017
Sorry I posted the wrong name I was side tracked brain fog opps
By Richard Faust
May 8, 2017
Thanks for sharing your story carolbaca and glad to see the positive attitude and fortitude to do what you can to stay strong. My wife, Kelly Mack, is a contributor here and has had RA for most of her life (I think she may be the person you got the idea for aqua therapy from) and I never cease to be amazed at the perseverance she and many others in the community exhibit. Thought you might be interested in this article from Kelly looking at research pointing to a positive attitude physically helping those with RA: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/pain-relieving-happiness/.' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/pain-relieving-happiness/.</a> You also mentioned Tai Chi, so thought you might like this article from one of our other contributors on her experience with it - including becoming a certified teacher: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/teaching-old-dog-new-tricks/.' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/teaching-old-dog-new-tricks/.</a> Please know that you are always welcome here, whether looking for information or simply to vent. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
By enya
May 23, 2017
Dear carolbaca, What a strong woman you are! This decease is a formidable enemy, but it can be beaten. And any one can do it, it is you. A different community of RA sufferers helped me, and I would like to extend a hand to you in sharing my story. It just might be of help. When I was diagnosed I could not walk 3 steps down the stairs and was considering if I want to face the road ahead. With immune suppressing drugs for the rest of the life, I understood it was only a question of what's doing to give in next. As luck smiled on me I found Paddison program for RA, joined the community and decided I try this vegan diet and cardio exercise for a month and see what it does. My body responded, and within 3 months I was symptom free. Not everybody does as well, but a lot of people do have good results and get off their meds. So my point is keep looking for what works for you. One thing the RA taught me is that I am my best advocate and I need to be educated and observant about my body and its reactions. I believe my doctors, but at the end of the day I am the best judge of what is good for me in the long run.