Readers Respond: Has Arthritis Knocked Your Life Out of Balance?

Responses: 9

Having arthritis can affect your quality of life. Balancing your life can be quite a challenge. It takes effort to strike a balance in your life -- so that every minute isn't centered around pain, stress, and problems. How well have you done at balancing your life? Could you do better?

Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

I got RA in 1998 I could not get relief on any medication until I started anti tnf therapy 4 yrs ago..and my life has improved but having my husband leave me 6 yrs ago and 2 children to care for...all the stress doesn't help at all.

—Guest crystal

RA and still fighting

At age 44 I am still fighting these awful and extreme painful flares. I was diagnosed in 1996. Put on Disability in 2000. I cannot find the cocktail to end my nightmare. I may have one good day lately. It moves from joint to joint -- today shoulder and neck and oh my God pain pills, rubs, moist heat, ice -- nothing is working. I am back on prednisone and also getting facet injections in back. I have two grandchildren that I cannot even enjoy because it is so hard to hold or play with them. It has consumed my life and I need to take it back but how??? It is a constant battle day to day. I can no longer keep up with normal household stuff. Driving more than 30 minutes, it goes in hands. And the worse is I hate feeling different. I can go out and enjoy my friends company. In reading all these stories I can relate so much to Carol and wish there was one true cure with no side effects. It is inhumane for one to live with such pain and be so young.

—Guest Rhonda

Still's Disease

I was diagnosed at 10 and it was really hard on me. I put on alot of weight because of steroids and became inactive. When I got home from hospital, I didn't want to talk to anyone and I hid myself away from my friends. Recently I have had another flare up and can't go back to school until I get the swine flu jab because my immune system is seriously low. So I have started to isolate myself again. I feel fed up all the time. I can never sleep and I hate the way I look. I only feel comfy in hoodies and jeans. I'm now 13.

—Guest marna

Muscle tightness

A few years ago I was experiencing upper back muscles that were tightening up my neck and closing my ears up. It lasted for a few minutes. The tightness going up my neck makes me dizzy. I am a hairdresser and have my arms up alot. Could be from 30 years of doing hair. Anybody ever have those symptoms?

—Guest Tashi

Osteoarthritis

Hi Guys! I'm new to the group. I just thought I would share my story. I had scoliosis(curvature of the spine) when I was younger and had an operation when I was 17 to correct it. A horrible age to have to cope with an abnormal body image! I thought things couldn't possibly get any worse. Boy was I wrong. At around age 22 I began having pain in my left hip and after seeing numerous doctors thinking it was related to my back, they finally diagnosed osteoarthritis. WHAT, I'm only in my 20s, you have got it wrong was my initial reaction. The pain gradually began to get worse and over the next 10 yrs I took numerous painkillers and then injections under x-ray until 2 years ago I was told the next step would be a replacement. I also began having pain in my right hip and am told this is also osteoarthritis. I am only 34! I had a baby 20 months ago and cannot take him for walks or play with him on the floor because I am so stiff and in pain. I just wanted to talk to others who also suffer.

—Discodiva3000

gout

I have been diagnosed with gout and find out it is a form of arthritis and it is suggested to stop drinking--I don't drink at all, lose weight--I am not overweight, and stop eating fatty foods which would be the only thing that might have caused it. I am at a loss as to what to do. I am trying to watch what I eat--I was eating mushrooms, and other things that are a no-no like lunch meat but never to excess. I was taking medication which has helped, but wonder if it will come back now that I am done taking the medication.I can't afford to buy the very expensive "natural cures" that are offered on-line. I am very frustrated. Any suggestions?

—Guest Carol

out of balance

i have dealt with OA for a year now, have had cortisone shots, and my life is on pause. I quit my job, quit my volunteering, and do almost zip everyday. I am so frustrated and depressed. I have no insurance til next year when Medicare will kick in for me. I am in pain most of the time, and very overweight, and just plain a mess. I have no support to speak of, and have no motivation. just hanging on.

—jeanpeewee

Tired of Being Tired!

I've been dealing with RA & Fibromyalgia for over 17yrs. now, but only treated by an RA doctor the past 10! It still makes me very angry, I come from a long line of hard workin' women who at age 90 are still going strong & at 51 I can't keep up with my 75yr old Moma! By the time I get up in the morning, hurrying (which hurry & RA don't work!)to get ready for work, I too am already exhausted wishing I could stop to rest, but of course can't...so it's off to my busy job, no break during the day & by the time I get off work I'm wore completely out, but there's a list of things to do at home before I can go to bed, the next day it starts all over again! I'm tired of being tired! If you look like you feel good, you must be OK..looks can be deceiving! I take predisone daily & Remicade infusions every six wks, but they wear off to soon. I know I need to be on disability, but fight it as long as I can & I know that's not doing my health any good either, could be worse....so I grin & bear it!

—Guest Cyndi

outa whack !

I was diagnosed 11 months ago and my symptoms just galloped away with me. Both my husband and I are worried, exhausted. I am in such pain and I never knew the true definition of "tired" til now. This morning, after getting ready for work,I told him I was ready now to just lie down and take a break. I start taking a biologic next week and we are praying I will feel better. I have had to take early retirement from a job I have loved for 14 years. I am 63 years old. My whole life, at this point, is RA.

—azkaren