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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/14/2010
Posts: 118
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I just wanted to say I had a lovely social worker came round and looked to see how she could make things easier for me, which was great. The trouble is I am feeling low at the mo and the items all arrived the other day. It really brought home to me the damage RA does and looking at the items really depressed me for a few days. I have come to terms with them now and with the help of the bath board managed to shower today, which was great. I am also getting a battery operated chair to lower me into the bath but they were out osf stock. I am looking forward to that. First bath for 3 years!! Love Melanie
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Oh Melanie, that is so sad but I know where you are coming from. I have times like that when suddenly you are faced with the huge reality of the situation, in small doses it is manageable! I admire your courage, albeit possibly borne out of necessity, to actually admit that you do need things to help you with daily life. I, in contrast, struggle rather than accept what will inevitably come my way one day. Hope your new 'toys' give you the help you need and the ability to enjoy life a little more, even if it is something as simple as a bath. Once in, make sure you luxuriate in the warm bubbles! Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 561
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Hi Mel agree with you 100% , i had put off getting a chair for the bath for a few years and just had showers probably because i was ashamed but i got one for xmas and i absolutely love it , a bath does you the world of good and its nice to relax , now i wouldn't be with out it !
Sophie x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,081
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Sorry to hear that this brought things home to you with a bang Melanie. I agree with Sophie and Lyn and hope you can enjoy the help your gadgets will offer. I know I am nosey - but did you get anything else useful?
Julie
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,110 Location: London
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Hi mel, its hard to accept the limitations. I would love to get into the bath, its the main thing I miss. Partly my fault as I still havent contacted the OT. The problem is we try to act like everything is ok. I do especially due to being with the babies, I cant let them see if I am having a bad day, so you get used to pretending that everything is ok. Its hard to have to "need" the equipment, but its worth it to be more independent. Hope you feel better about it now. BARBARA
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,740
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 Hi Mel im so glad you had the assesment and got the bits bobs to help you around home,i understand that feeling on wam so this is what ra does. youl love the bathing bit. it will take a while but once your used to using all new bits sure you will feel brighter. much lv hugs melly cuddly cats make my world seem so much more fun
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Hi Mel
So pleased you now have all your gear.
I know how difficult it is to come to terms with all this, but once you are used to the equipment you will be surprised at how much difference it makes. I just couldn't operate without my bath lift - it's my favourite thing ever (apart from the stair lift!) and I have a long, hot soak every morning now! You'll love it.
Take care
Much love
Jeanxxxxx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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Lol- I have a drawer full of stuff that people have given me to "help" I find that you often work out your own way of doing things and anyway the less clincal something looks the better.
An awful lot of dealing with the RA Is in the head if you ask me and these huge bits of kit dont always help but once they are integrated dont look too bad.
Jenni xhow to be a velvet bulldoser
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/10/2009 Posts: 653 Location: Notts
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I'm glad you've been given some aids to make life easier. You'll find they do make life better. I think you'll enjoy the bath lift. Like you I hadn't had a bath for a long while, just using the shower, but now I can do both!
Lyn
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 331 Location: South London
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Dear Mel Sorry to read you are having a tough time with RA.  I cant bear to go past shops with all these aids, I agree its so depressing and it does reinforce how the disease effects and limits you. I get quite depressed about having RA. Have you been offered counselling or any other psychological support? The NRAS helpline are brilliant, I call them from time to time when it all feels too much. However I have started to investigate counselling as at times i find it overwhelming coping with the disease. I hope you have an amazing bath with lots of bubbles. 
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/7/2010 Posts: 441 Location: Bristol
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Hi Mel,
Enjoy your bath chair when it arrives ... I wouldn't be without mine!! Nothing like a good soak to ease away all the pains even if it is for a short while.
Joanna
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Wonderful, isn't it Joanna - don't know how I ever managed without mine.
xx
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 19
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Hi Mel, I know how you feel, I felt saddened at how RA had affected me when all my disability aids arrived, but after using them I realised how so much easier life was and it no longer bothers me when i use them, just pleased I have them now. You will enjoy the bath when it comes. When I got my first lot of disability aids I just got the shower board, whioch was and still is a great help I was offered the chair to lower me into the bath but refused and said I would one day be able to get in the bath myself, after a year I realised it maybe wasnt going to happen so my OT got me the bath buddy and its great to me able to have a bath, it really helps my muscles and joints.
lizzie
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 327
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Hi Mel I do understand how you feel. I'm so embarrassed about all sorts of things which make me feel like a really old lady (okay, so I am old, but I don't want to appear like it ) but I have to agree with Jean, my bath lift has made such a difference, I wish now that I hadn't put off getting one for so long. the main thing is that your life will be better for having all your new 'toys'. Antheax
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