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Question for Sunday

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Joyce0

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2007 11:37 AM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 1:18 PM
Posts: 128, Visits: 0

I'm fairly new here and would like to pose a question for the day:
How has having RA changed you for the better?
~ Joyce

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Grandpavan

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2007 11:49 AM

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Last Login: Today @ 1:52 AM
Posts: 4,500, Visits: 3,621

I think I am much more sympathetic to the pains of others. I didn't understand what a chronic illness can do to people till I got RA and I have learned even more from reading message boards. God bless.

Age 82, diagnosed RA 12/2001, married since 1952, 4 sons no daughters, 4 grandsons 1 granddaughter. Doing well on Methotrexate and Remicade.

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Pam3

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2007 11:58 AM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 11:46 PM
Posts: 2,399, Visits: 2,481

The RA and my other health problems have made me a little more likely to open up to others. These issues have made me a lot more patient with myself and more likely to give myself rest when I need it. Thanks for asking.

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chris 2

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2007 12:28 PM

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Last Login: Monday, October 12, 2009 10:00 AM
Posts: 1,059, Visits: 742

Ditto Grandpavan and Pam. An added good thing - it has made my DH a lot more understanding of mine and other's problems. He's much more tolerant now than he ever was before.
God bless,
Chris

Friends are just angels who have forgotten how to fly

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valentineMI

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2007 12:45 PM

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Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 1:17 PM
Posts: 202, Visits: 0

Ditto Grandpavan and the others. It is difficult to understand what others are going through when you haven't been there yourself. I look at people very differently and find myself looking for ways to help people who appear to have physical difficulties. Much more patience with everyone. In many ways, it's been a blessing and helped me be less self-centered. I've also learned to be more realistic in my expectations of what I can accomplish in a day. Enjoy each day and stop to smell the roses and forget the dust bunnies!

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Geneva

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2007 1:00 PM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Sunday, July 26, 2009 10:37 AM
Posts: 1,069, Visits: 312

I used to feel compelled to keep my house as clean as my dear MIL, who was "Mrs. Clean." Now I need a sign that says, "I cleaned last week - sorry you missed it." Just as surely as I clean some windows on the outside, it rains and they are all dirty again, so I don't worry about it. I used to think that, if I was having company, everything had to be perfect - not any more. It doesn't even bother me if someone drops in unexpectedly like it used to. My husband and I do what we can and that has to be good enough. In fact, at 76 and 73, we have finally gotten someone to come in to clean twice a month. We love it!
Geneva

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Jessica4

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2007 3:32 PM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 1:18 PM
Posts: 80, Visits: 0

So far my change has been that I am more tolerant of my family and want to spend more quality time w/my boys and husband.

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Jennifer15

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2007 3:59 PM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 2:09 AM
Posts: 563, Visits: 1,122

I make sure when I am having a 'good day' I enjoy it. Little things like a small walk to the shops I love. I have missed things like this since being unwell and now I am feeling better with the drugs I make sure I do then and enjoy them especially with the people I love!

Take care Jen

RA since I was 13yo, MTX, Actemra, Pred, Mobic, Nexium, Atacand.

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Monica10

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2007 6:49 PM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 1:17 PM
Posts: 91, Visits: 0

I have an "RA" bracelet that I made for myself a few years ago...I never take it off. On one side it says "SIMPLY BELIEVE" to remind me that a cure will come, one day and that I am stronger than it.

The other side says "EMBRACE THE GIFT" because, it some ways, it has been a gift. Like others here, it has made me more tolerant of those with any kind of disability, especially ones that have chronic pain. It reminds me to enjoy my good days and look forward to the future.

Thanks...good question!
Monica

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Joyce0

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2007 7:48 PM

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 1:18 PM
Posts: 128, Visits: 0

I'll answer my own question. Since being diagnosed with RA 3 months ago, so many things have changed for the better. Certainly, I have much more compassion for anyone with a disability or disease. In addition, I am more spiritual, I meditate regularly, I spend time reflecting, I read more books on spirituality, alternative healing modalities, psychology, philosophy, and the like. I connect on a deeper level with my intimate group of friends, I am more conscious of my emotions, feelings, and thoughts, I have re-prioritized what is important to me in my life, I have certainly slowed down, am eating much more healthier, and have even lost a few pounds. I am using RA as an excuse to go after what I really want out of life. I feel I am a better person because of RA.
Thanks for all of your responses. I so enjoy all of you!
~ Joyce

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SusanOnWhidbey

Posted Monday, October 29, 2007 5:52 AM

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Last Login: Yesterday @ 2:10 PM
Posts: 607, Visits: 1,303

ttt. Seeing the glass half full is a worthy goal for all of us. Susan

SusanOnWhidbey

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