..........through months of previous topics and comments I was struck with how much pain, and how many
difficulties we all have to cope with daily. Some of the comments brought a lump to my throat.
Poor GP surgery care from the GPs, their receptionist and a many other's.
The unbelievable new NICE guidelines
Problems getting an appointment in rheumatology departments.
Poor pain control, long waiting lists for treatment, and the ever increasing length between appointments for
rheumatology patients (as you might know I have recently change my consultant due to poor care).

I don't know if any of you have taken a look down memory lane, it makes sobering reading.
Well done everyone, you're all amazing, quietly getting on with daily life with very few people being aware of just how difficult RA is and
how variable it is on a day to day basis. I'm sure most of you will get what I get ....'Oh, arthritis, I've had that for years, you just have to get on with it.
My knees etc. are killing me by the end of the day etc. etc.' Don't you just want to shout. but we don't, we just laugh and walk on.

Forgive my ramblings. I think what started me on this journey was the lady who bought a Samsung Galaxy 8 notepad, she was describing the difficulties
she had with her mobile phone, the pain, swollen fingers, wrists and also carpal tunnel syndrome - I just thought I'm lucky - I can still use my phone
albeit some days might be a bit difficult, and it's those days that made me think how sad I was for her difficulties which she deals with every day.

Gogs

Suzanne, your dubious goings on sound like lots of fun.

Like you I too felt that fear, still do at times as I'm not really 'controlled' yet. I stopped reading the 'posts' because rather than
helping me they made me anxious, even now I 'switch off' when I read someone's experience that worry's me.

There isn't an NRAS group near to where I live yet I am sure they must be very valuable. I had thought a few times I might like to
start one, but it hasn't been a good year and I'm not really ready. I did think I might go the the conference next year and stay in a hotel close by.
I'm sure there is so much to be gained from mixing with those who have personal experience and those who are trained in the care of RA.

My initial care has been poor but I'm hoping the future is looking better now that I have a new, interested consultant.

Even in the twelve months I have been a member I have seen some names disappear, and like you I wonder where they are, perhaps like me
they just stayed away because they didn't have the energy to participate - and it does take energy. Hopefully they'll come back again soon.

So, now I shall be on the look out for some of your 'giggling' moments
Gogs

happy vibes and giggles.. i'm up for that !!

Hi All
Well if you want a moment of panic event.........
We went to a firework show. I was driving because husband enjoys wine with his dinner and I don't dink, being on mtx. Parking was appalling, just narrow roads and I hate night driving anyway. Anyway, we got there and enjoyed the show - until the moment when I realised my car keys were not in my pocket. Talk about hearts stopping. Had I left them in the car or dropped them somewhere in the dark. To cut a long story short after a panicky hunt( of course we didn't have a torch) I found them - in the lining of my coat. I have to say my hubby earned lots of brownie points as he didn't say anything. Must sew up that hole!
Sue

just to say our fun posts used to be in the "bit of fun" section,

have a look back sometime

Hi Gogs
Yep, done the key thing too. Quite a few years ago took my elderly Mum plus kids for a picnic in the New Forest. Locked the car doors and opened the boot ( in the days before central locking). Decided that I didn't need my handbag so slung it in the boot and slammed it down( boot locks automatically) at that point I realise car keys are in my bag. This was in the days before mobile phones so I had to walk to nearest phone box, phone husband who had drive home, find spare keys and rescue us. Fortunately it was a lovely sunny day. Mind you my Mum let me have it - not a very patient soul I'm afraid.
Sue

My keys story - decided to take the train from Hexham to Carlisle for a change. Drove to Hexham station, parked car and caught train. Spent lovely day in Carlisle, took train back to Hexham, put hand in my pocket for keys and yes, you guessed it. not there. Phoned everywhere we had been in Carlisle - no joy. Had to have new electronic key from car dealer and reprogram the locking system. That cost £180. Yikes!!

My Carlisle story aside, my propensity for losing the car keys inside the house is prodigious. I went so far as to buy an electronic tag for the sets of keys with a locator that tells you when you are in range. That's all very well until you come to need it only to find the batteries in the units have long gone.

So I have another trick. Have you noticed how when you look for something hard you find other things that you had lost, in the process, but not the thing you were looking for? So, now, when I lose the keys I look for something else instead on the assumption that I will find the keys in the process.

Am I insane?

Hi Sue,

In our house there's usually a lot of truth in that comment since my better half tidies without realising it. The most memorable moment was when she asked me to fix a blown down-lighter in the kitchen. I knew the transformer would have blown so I took the tools and spares out of the drawer where they lived in the kitchen, went to get the steps, erected the steps turned to pick up the tolls and spares and they were gone.

Me: "What happened to the tools? I put them right there."
She: "They were making a mess so I put them away."
Me: "But you JUST asked me to fix the light. And I told you I was going to get the steps."

Hangs head in despair.

my brain is now officially fried.. stepdaughter " where are you door keys ? "
me " in the tumble dryer " ( ! )
stepdaughter " we don't have a tumble dryer "
me " no , no I mean in there " ( pointing at fridge but unable to remember what the hell it's called )
confused looks all round..
I was trying to tell her they were in the kitchen drawer ! oh dear there's no hope..