July 15, 2004
Don't Go It Alone
Last night I had dinner with two friends, Joanna, a fellow RA patient and Allyson, who introduced us. I met Allyson when she was Director of Volunteers for the local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.
Joanna was diagnosed with RA as a child, and probably has a much, if not more, of a never say die attitude than I do. Even on those days that aren't so good, she has a smiling, fresh face. I value her friendship because she is the first person I've felt completely comfortable talking to about RA. People don't seem to associate the condition with people in their 20s or 30s (or, children, for that matter). I can talk with Joanna about things like dealing with RA while thinking about raising a family, or how to balance career and the pain and fatigue that are inevitable with the condition. And it doesn't slide into a big, "woe is me, woe is you" session.
It becomes a, "what looks yummy for dinner,"session (of course for me, without potatoes!). And then a normal get-together between friends.
Allyson is one of the easiest people to be around. I can see why she worked with volunteers! She tries to bring people like Joanna and me together so that we're not alone. When you're dealing with a condition like RA, you should never go it alone.
Recently a couple of other RA patients started a local a support group. We meet once a month -- both Joanna and I go to meetings, with about 4 others. We are trying to get the word out and grow. Having a group to talk to, I hope, will become another resource, not just for me, but all the others involved.
As the poet John Donne wrote, "No man is an island." It's helpful to remember when you have RA. Connecting with others -- on websites, in support groups or through friendships is vitally important to dealing with this condition.
Posted by renee | Filed under:
Comments
Hello, I also write on living with RA and Lupus and I see that you mentioned exercise and I was curious as to what types of exercises that you do.Thanks~Shelly Smiegal
Posted by: Shelly at July 16, 2004 11:43 AM
Shelly - great to hear from a fellow health diary writer. I'm planning an entry on exercise, but to answer your question, I do a lot of water-based exercise. There are classes called arthritis aquatics that focus on range of motion, strengthening and simply "getting the blood flowing." Typically these are offered in warm water pools, although some are in general pools. I was able to find classes through my local Arthritis Foundation office. You might also check with YMCA/YWCAs, senior centers or community centers too.I started with aquatic exercise and as I got feeling better worked with a physical therapist who works with other RA patience to go to the next level. But just getting in the pool and doing something was so powerful emotionally and physically. It was mazing to me the things I could do in the pool that I couldn't do anywhere else. The water takes stress off the joints, making it easier to move.Most instructors have been through Arthritis Foundation training, and will help you to modify any exercises you can't do. Let me know if you have any other questions!Thanks for posting,Renee
Posted by: Renee at July 16, 2004 2:14 PM
DATE: 7/30/2004 09:39:40 AM
Renee, Thanks for the tip on the exercises. I have so much weight to get off that I'm discouraged. I want so much to feel healthy again. I'm so glad you're there to talk to. Have a great day and I'll pop in from time to time to share with you.~Shelly
Posted by: Shelly at December 16, 2004 4:15 PM
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