A fellow blogger made my day yesterday!

When you are dealing with RA, very often you feel that there is just NOONE that understands what you are going through. I have been fortunate enough to find several blogs that, when you read them, just make you say "Ahhhhhhhhh- there's someone who knows!"

Yesterday, one of the blogs that I follow posted a "60 Second Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis". I literally rejoiced when I read it. The gentleman was kind enough to not only post it, but to also create a PDF version that we can use to educate...well anyone! I sent it to my family and friends, I posted it on Facebook and Myspace, I Re-Tweeted it on Twitter. Now I am sharing it here. The more people we can educate, the better. Like with everything, with RA- knowledge is power.

Enjoy the article. And if you read it and it helps you understand or if it helps you to educate someone- leave him a comment and let him know.

http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/?page_id=1671

Perscription drugs are my friend

I had a wonderful weekend with Mom and Dad, Jim and Harley but it was made even better by my new friends; Prednisone and Tramadol.

Since I got back from Boston (a whole nother gratitude post) I have been heading straight into a flare-up of my RA. Walking like a weeble, mass amounts of pain etc. It has not been a healthy week. Fortunately I had an appointment with my LPN on Friday who took one look at me, upped my methotrexate dosage, added the Tramodol for pain (permanently) and a dose pack of Predinsone for the inflammation. I have been sleeping a lot this weekend with really vivid dreams (thank you prednisone, at least it didn't mess up my sleep patterns) but I feel wonderful today. I feel better after this combo than I have in probably 2 years. It is amazing. Let's all hope that it pushes me toward remission because if remission feels this good, I can live with the slight deformities of my joints and the nodules if it means being somewhat pain free.

Almost a week away

I am working for two hours tomorrow then I am off for a week. Tuesday morning I am on a flight to New York and beyond and I won't be back to work until November 4th. I need this time off. I need to get away and clear my head. I need to be away from the store and prioritize. I am so grateful for this opportunity even if it means missing my honey and my Harley.

Whew!

It's been a couple of weeks since I blogged this- but I have been practicing my gratitude in small ways. Every morning when we walk, I think about what I am grateful for. When I am driving and stop at stop signs or in traffic- I find something to be thankful for. When I stand outside- looking up at the sky and marveling at the beauty of the moon and the stars- I am thankful.

I woke up this morning feeling like "blah- I don't feel like working on a Saturday" but I turned it around to being thankful to have a job to go to.

It has been a struggle some days- but I am finding that when I am in a gratitude state of mind, I just feel lighter. And I like that feeling. I like it enough to keep it going. <3

So it's Monday

So I last posted on Thursday. It has been a long weekend but I have tried to keep myself in a grateful place all weekend.

Friday- I was VERY grateful that Jim went with me to my doctor's appointment. He kept me distracted and laughing when I was nervous and encouraged me when I needed it. <3

Saturday- I was VERY thankful that the "side effects" were OVER!

Sunday I was grateful for a day to just relax and for the ability to go and enjoy a grocery shopping trip. I read a blog this weekend that really made me think and be thankful for what we DO have. If you are interested it is: http://onedollardietproject.wordpress.com/2008/09/01/it-starts-today/