Just to say I've got blotchy legs!

The dr has said it's to do with the ra, but not sure what it is?

Anyone else got red small bruise like blotches?

Yep but since (for me) they don't hurt or have any adverse effect I just ignore them.

That's me too. Both my legs are red with loads, what looks like small burst blood vessels. It is mostly round my ankles. I have shown them to my GP, and she has told me not to worry about it. My mum's legs were dark red the last few years of her life, and she became 103. Obviously it did not do her any harm. She did not have RA, so I have never associated it with that.

It is lovely to see you posting again, Jean. I know, you have been through a hell of a lot the last 6 months. I do now hope, that things are beginning to look up for you.

Merete

I am afraid, Jean, life is a bit hard at the moment. My husband has developed dementia the last year, it is not Alzheimers but vascular dementia, which are small bleeds to the brain, most properly caused by his diabetes. I am now becoming a full time carer for him, as he can't do very much. I have got help in the house for 2 hours a week and a gardener every 2 weeks, but what I really need would be for my husband to go to a daycentre once a week, so I could get some time to myself, where I could go out a bit and meet my friends. I dare not leave him for more than 2 hours alone, so I am very stuck. At the moment he does not want to be away from me.

Meanwhile I have my RA to cope with, which you all know is always there lurking in the background. The aches and pains I can mostly tackle, but the fatigue and lack of energy I find very hard to deal with, and extra strength is needed now in my new situation.

Still not everything is gloom and doom, my younger son's wife is expecting their second child in november, and I am so looking forward to that. They already have a gorgeous 2 year old boy Alexander, who is such a lot of fun. We are lucky to see him most weeks, as they live quite close.

I am rambling on, so I will finish for now.

Merete

I am so very sorry to hear this Merete. It must be so hard for you coping, especially with the RA. Maybe Jenni's suggestion would help to alleviate things a little for you. Take care and much love to you xxxxx

Lord, Jenni, get off to the GP NOW. Wheezing is NOT good with RA, especially as you are sure it isn't hay fever. Please, please go. I
know you are very sensible and trust you will do whatever you think is necessary. Love you loads xxxxx

Thank you Jenni and Jean for your kind words, they warm my heart. I know, I am not alone, when it comes to life's challenges. I try like you both do to look at all the positive things in my life and that gets me mostly through the days.

Jenni, have you now been to the doctor? it's important somebody listens to your chest. I am having a chest Xray next week, as I get a bit out of breath, especially walking up and down stairs. It seems worse in the heat this last week. Otherwise I do enjoy this lovely weather, am sitting with he patio doors open, looking out at the garden, which is flourishing at the moment. There is a wonderful stillness around me. I have taken my painkillers and are waiting for them to kick in, before I start the day's chores. I have to take hubby to the GP for the nurse to give him a B12 injection. He is having 3 this week and next week, and then none for 3 months. Lack of B12 apparently can also trigger brain confusion, so I am hoping it will help a bit. Otherwise, I must say I am very satisfied with the NHS, since we have had my husband Max's diagnosis. The consultant has called twice to our home, as Max refused to go to the hospital, and now we have a mental nurse, who calls regularly.

Must stop, hubby is calling.

Love Merete