Sharing Arthritis Pain Stories : There’s Comfort in Knowing You’re not Alone
Posted on August 30th, 2008 by Aud under Marfan Syndrome, Osteo Arthritis, Pain Management, Rheumatoid ArthritisWhen I was first diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2005, I didn’t know anyone else with this condition. I was overwhelmed, a bit frightened and felt very alone. I thought RA was a disease that only affected the elderly and had no idea how I was going to cope with it.
Immediately I started researching and educating myself, not only wanting to find relief from the pain but to understand why this was happening to me. I found that age has nothing to do with it which made me think that there may be others, my age and station in life, going through the same thing.
No one in my little corner of the world, except a neighbor I see occasionally while I’m walking the dog, is dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis pain. It wasn’t until I started getting involved in some forums that I found people in the same situation. A whole new world opened up, there were people who really understood what it is like to live day to day with arthritis and Marfan’s Syndrome.
Living with chronic pain can make a person feel isolated, especially if they are the only one in their family and network of friends going through this. It’s comforting being able to ask questions, give advice and share what you’re going through. Somehow it seems to relieve some of the discomfort and it definitely helps with the stress.
I personally have had a lot of positive experiences with being involved in a few forums, coming away with a satisfaction of being a part of a community I can fully participate in! When I’m feeling down, maybe tired, in pain, or even if I’m having an amazing day, it’s a place I can unload.
What support do you have in dealing with your arthritis pain? Good experiences or bad? Let me know!
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Tags: arthritis forums, Rheumatoid Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis pain relief
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I did not have a clue what RA was until I got it. Oh the pain, never have I experienced so much pain as the pain that is associated with RA.
At first, being a bloke, I tried to fight it for three weeks until I collapsed from exhaustion and pain. I could not even crawl like a baby, my life was done, death was the only way out of this.
That’s the way I was thinking at the time.
Bit by bit I discovered that this was not the end, others had it and were still alive and doing things.
Nearly two years down the track and I can do things and appear normal to the outside world.
Finding other people (via forums) was a god send that helped one to understand what was going on.
I do not participate that much these days as I find constantly talking about what ails you only helps to keep you in a mind set that is not beneficial to recovery.
I’d much rather talk about photography (or anything else) than always be looking out for the next bit of discomfort that I may feel.
Here in Aus we might be heard saying “Shit happens, build a bridge and get over it”
I guess I am lucky in that the meds have control of the disease at the moment and I can do things.
Regards Stephen.
Stephen,
I’m glad to hear that you’re able to get on with a normal, active life. It was really horrible the first 2 years for me as well, I would NOT want to go through that again! There’s such a relief having things somewhat under control.
Being able to participate in something you have a passion for is such a blessing, especially if you can get your mind off the pain and the disease!
I hope the RA continues to stay in the side lines for you.
Thank you so much for your comment!
Take care~
Audrey