And there are those who have had RA from childhood. I believe it's those people who know how to cope best, because they can't remember life without it and have had many years to get used to it (38 for me).

My husband's not the emotional sort and I wouldn't want him blubbering over me, life goes on. I wouldn't mind him doing a bit more around the home though!

Hi Tabbycat

You are of course quite right.

Hi Mrs Woman

Thankyou
Yes i agree not letting our anxities pass onto partners etc,
For me i have alot conditons now not just rA,so in all forums are my way saying how thing are.
prayer is my biggest help.
know this isnt so for all.
thanks for your help on this subject,Im also finding there are certain members my faimly who only care about themselves.
so i dont bother discussing naything with them only ends in grief.
as stres something affects us all im sure.
i have to now limit my stress,and found i have to not give full answers to m in law lets say or all i get id abosue,stres,and talking behind my back.
this in past ahs made me more ill.
so im leanrign to disclsoe to and who not.

not easy by far.

lv inky07

Only just caught up with this thread and it seems to have got a bit out of hand.
Each of us has our ways of coping and if works then go for it.
Let's not fall out, let's just be happy that people DO have their own coping mechanisms.
I think having RA and being the partner of someone with RA can frazzle everyone concerned so it's not surpising that things can get a bit heated at times.

that is one thing I would not do
fall out with any-one I thought this was just a discussion I have had my say I know not every-one agrees with it but I am just going to carry on as normal
I hope none of you thought I was rowing with you
Mary L

I would like to think that we are all now friends again. I hope I am right. My last intention was to make waves.

Hi John
Do keep posting as i find it quite interesting from all the posts i read how all of us have different coping stratergies & i'm sure someone has already said what does for one does'nt for another. i think you said just before it started to get a little heated you were feeling emotional, and thats ok. we are all allowed to do and to be able to come on here and voice different views and feelings. (can't quite put into words what i want to say). But i generally feel that we all like to support each other in what ever way we can and respect each others beliefs or non whatever.

I am in agreement with Lizzie that stress is a trigger for RA as I also went through a prolonged period of stress when the symptoms of RA appeared.

I havent told many people about the RA and I didnt want to tell my family as I wanted to live a normal life as possible. however I would tell them if it could prevent it happening for them. Is there a way of preventing it. On the other hand if there isnt then I wouldnt want to cause them any unnecessary worry about having it themselves. So its a bit of a weigh off between teh two. Any thoughts?

I think you are probably right Sophie! In my case I was injured quite badly at work and developed RA shortly after. I also developed Type 1 Diabetes after being treated with steroids. In both cases the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board accepted that the injury had triggered the RA and the steroids had also brought on the diabetes!