Jennie,
You are such an inspiration, I'm only 3 years into the journey and keep falling into potholes on the way. Glad to heat the car has arrived and building work going well, have a great holiday,
Best wishes
Sheila

Hi Jenni

Great post and totally understand where you are coming from!

People do assume that because you have mis-shapen/strange looking joints, walk with an odd sort of gait/travel by wheelchair, take 12 different types of prescribed pills just to get you through the day that quality of life is zero. They also assume that the disease is all consuming leaving no time for anything else and probably worst of all you are brain dead!! Sometimes it's good to stop and reflect, as you have done, because it is only then that you realise that in actual fact you have committed more to life and consequently get more from it than many healthy/able people will ever do.

I too have come a long way since that first prescription for chloroquine and I have never been more determined to keep on top of this disease. It has taken so much from me, a career I loved and my passion for amateur athletics for starters, but in many ways given a lot too. It gave me time to be at home with my four children, a chance to retrain, study and learn new skills, involvement on PTA, coordinating our local NRAS group and lots of other bits and bobs too.

I don't see RA as being the end of the world, despite some nasty joint damage along the way. Yes, something sent to try us, and it most certainly does do that at times, but also an opportunity to change direction and widen horizons. I'm not quite sure how I would cope now if all of a sudden I didn't have RA and everything was magically repaired ... I just wouldn't be me any more

Lyn x

Yes, stunned Jenni, that even in hospital and in a massive flare you can still be so positive. I read this and felt ashamed of myself for being such a whinging, moaning minnie! If I ever have half as much positive energy as you do I'd be a happy woman. Have a great holiday, going myself tomorrow and I fully intend to make the most of it, hope you can too.
Sara
x

Jenni

I totally agree with all you have said. I have RA but I still have a life. I still manage to hold down a job full time and most days I am in a lot of pain. BUT it is the job which is keeping me going albeit a sitting down job. If I am busy then I do not think about the pain, RA and what may happen next. I do struggle from day to day but that is my way of coping. At weekends I also keep busy with a more sedantory pass times like cross stitch and card making (when the hands allow). I have failed on all medication so far but I just know that my salvation is only around the corner, I just have to wait.

I may sound sanctimonious but each day I give myself a little talking to and tell myself that life could be a hell of a lot worse. My Husband and I are ying and yang. I am an optomist and he is a pessimist so at least one of us in the relationship keeps us moving on and I think because he is a pessimist this has made me even more determined to be an optimist.

So no I am not glad I have RA but I count my blessings for what I do have. As Lyn says this disease does not have to define you as a sick person but someone whose life has changed direction and made you perhaps walk a different and better track.

Jackie
xx

I agree with you Glenys. Jenni is a real star.

Having RA is NOT the end of life! I have a very fulfilling and happy life surrounded by a fantastic family and some really caring and wonderful friends. OK, so I can't go climbing in my beloved Lakes anymore, but I can sit on the shores of lake Windermere or Wastwater and admire the sheer beauty of it all.

Hi Jenni

You are such an inspiration to us all...

Sue

Hi Jenni

I agree with the others. You are an inspiration. I agree that we must not give in to this evil disease. I won't let it stop me from doing all the things I used to. I may not be able to do things in the same way or as often or as efficiently as before but I will have a go and do what I can. I too have my wonderful family and nothing can change that so I am happy. I still have my sense of humour and can laugh at myself when I can't get up from a chair or climb stairs very well. What's the point in being miserable. It doesn't change anything. You should have seen my husband trying to get me over a style when walking on holiday. We laughed so much it made it far more difficult. Positivity gets you a long way. Keep smiling through the pain Jenni. God bless.

Sheila x