How I Thrive

By bee55

1 min read

People often ask how I can be so upbeat with all my limitations? My answer is "what other way is there?"

I WILL NOT let my diseases ALSO take away my joy!

I also have Behcet's disease, with lesions all over my body, my brain, & my vascular system, along with my RA. I spend most of my life in my nightie, or in bed.

Supporting others to support yourself

I find others I know & send them uplifting notes. I call the widows & infirmed from my church & listen to their woes. I refuse to allow autoimmune diseases to take my personality & my caring heart.

The steroids have destroyed my adrenal glands, I have more allergies than I can count, and my husband also has AS, so we complain to each other.

Combating depression from RA

I may appear as a pollyanna as you suffer yourself, but this is how I survive & thrive mentally.

I refuse to be prematurely old or bitter, I WIN! RA & Behcet's will never take my spirit.

I send you all hugs & feelings of peace & emotional healing.❤️

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Erin Rush Community Admin
I am so very glad you took the time to share, <inline-mention username="bee55" user-id="3184737"/> ! You bring up a great point that all of us are capable of doing something and making the world a better place. I am glad you find ways to brighten up other people's days. I bet it really makes a big difference to each and every person you help. Also, I think it's neat that you and your husband have each other to lean on. We do have a sister site dedicated to AS, if you or your husband are ever interested in checking it out -- https://ankylosingspondylitis.net/. Keep sharing your positivity, <inline-mention username="bee55" user-id="3184737"/> ! And thank you for being a part of this community; I'm glad you're here! Best, Erin, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> Team Member.
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="bee55" user-id="3184737"/>. Thank you so much for writing. I believe there is much joy in life and the world if one chooses to find and/or see it. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at two, has used a wheelchair since her teens, and has had JRA for over 40 years. She is also possibly the most joyous person I know, with an infectious laugh that lights up a room. I know our patient leaders often have written about finding joy and not letting RA steal it. I want to share with you this link to search results on the topic in our archive for you to peruse at your convenience: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/search?s=joy' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/search?s=joy</a>. Wishing you and your husband the best and continuing joy. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
CommunityMember1184 Member
Seen Dr yesterday cut my meds back some cause I stayed to tired I work a job that requires me to be on my feet 10 hrs for 4 days he sending me back in 2 wkswas woke up this morning with feet to my knees hurt can hardly walk without pain what would you guys do I don't know what to do any suggestions for feet Dr in Winston-Salem NC Ty for any suggestions also have little knots on front of knees ty ahead of time 
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember1184" user-id="4748042"/>, first off, I am so sorry you are hurting and tired. Did you see your regular doctor yesterday? He/she should be able to offer your a referral to a foot specialist (like a podiatrist) or a rheumatologist. Did you doctor offer you any treatment options, especially since he cut back on the medication you've been taking? Also, is there any way your work can accommodate your physical issues at this time? Workplaces are supposed to apply reasonable accommodations for employees, although I know it can be hard to push for those accommodations and it's not always possible, depending on your job and workplace. Here is a resource for finding a rheumatologist in your area -- <a href='https://my.rheumatology.org/find-a-rheumatologist' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://my.rheumatology.org/find-a-rheumatologist</a>. It's a good place to start and hopefully, other community members can chime in with their suggestions and recommendations. I do hope you can find a good doctor and get some relief very soon! Best, Erin, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> Team Member.