I feel like such a loser, Having RA so bad I cant do what I used to do, which I was a preschool teacher. A long with RA I have other proublems. I feel so useless I dont make the money I did to buy the things my kids like. I cant even walk in walmart without being in so much pain I have to hide the pain from my kids when we go, dont want them worrieing. Not long ago I felt on top of the world now am on the bottom. I take anti-depress pills but I still feel so useless. Iam enjoying being around my boy more at home. I just cant seem to keep my head up, what do I do.
Cheri do you have anyone there to help assist, family or friends or someone to support you emotionally? From what your saying your a strong minded/willed person & can seek other alternatives for going through the slumps of this & your way far from being useless, gosh use to be a preschool teacher, my hats off to you, what an experience & gift to give others tips on raising/guiding/teaching kids WOW.
April
I was diagnosed less than a year ago with spondyloarthritis.. Its much like RA but presents itself in other areas of the body (mostly along the spine and in large joints).
Let me just say I am so sorry you are going through this. I know where your head is at on this and it is so discouraging. Are you undergoing any treatment right now? How long have you had symptoms?
I've never wanted to be on a medication and funny thing is I work corporate at a pharma company and could get a autoimmune drug for 100% free of cost. Medication just isn't an option for me.. Instead I stopped going to doctors and have started trial and error methods. Maybe some of this could help you?
Occupational Therapist: They do myofascial release, reflexology and sometimes just give a good rub down that really helps with pain. Myofascial tissues are soft tissues around the muscles. These tissues are where most knots form and when this happens it acts like a knit sweater. Once there's a pull it affects the whole sweater. The releases that they do allow the hardened tissues to again soften, releasing pressure on the muscles and joint... this allows your bones to also align in the right spots.
Yoga: Stretching, movement, strengthening, and peace of mind.. need I say more?
Elimination Diets: While RA is much more researched than other types of arthritis.. arthritis in general is just a diagnosis for inflammation. Treating inflammation is treating a symptom, not the cause. If you can find the cause you're only a few weeks away from paradise.. aka, a pain free day! Try eliminating gluten and nightshade foods. Many people have an intolerance to gluten and instead of allergy symptoms it can present itself as inflammation. Nightshade foods (tomato, spinach, bell peppers, hot peppers, white potato, egg plant, etc.) contain a higher amount of Oxalic Acid. There are some links between that acid and people diagnosed with arthritis. Its one of those things that you can either eat it or you can't. It may be worth while sitting with a dietician, many of them have access to preplanned elimination diets so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.
Changing my diet has made a big difference. 2 1/2 years ago I was conditioning to compete in figure competitions at 15% body fat and weight lifting 2 times my own weight. Its sort of insane to think that's where I was. When I first started getting symptoms all my doctors said my health was impecable.. that I was making this up. With in a few months I was having to work from home because I couldn't weight bare. If I stood up I'd get close to passing out. I passed out from pain while driving at one point. Who knew it was gluten and hot peppers that caused the inflammation!?!? I'm feeling so much better from eliminating those items that I'm going to start weight training again.
I believe you can restore your quality of life. Keep your head up and take time to say thank you for your blessings out loud. It may be the only thing to keep a smile on your face somedays. There is hope and the ability to improve may be right infront of you :).
Blessings to you and well wishes. Let me know if you need help researching anything.
-Andi