I have something to ask you, something that is pretty important to me. Even before that I have to tell you something that I don't tell anyone because people just seem dissappear, stop speaking to me, and thats kind of sad because I am in trouble with very severe RA . You all seem so awesome and very nice. And I have alot of questions that I hesitate to ask when I need the help and the occasional opinion. I hesitate to ask about even simpler things like meds. I am just used to the consequences of things I didn't ask for.. Deanna, I believe you are pretty used to this idea having watched your daughter go through at least a little of this along the way. On to what I must tell you... I am an extremely High functioning person that was born with Bipolar Disorder. They believe It was caused by illegal drug absorption in the womb. I am adopted so we don't quite know. I am extremely well medicated and well managed. I have done very well in life, in general. I wouldn't hurt a soul and am quite used to people finding out somehow that this is the case, and deciding that I am something to be leary of, or avoided. I was diagnosed at the age of 12 after many years of my parents wondering what in the heck was wrong,and have lived with it my whole life. It's been a simple management issue for me. I feel pretty normal for someone who has this diagnosis hanging over thier head. Yet stigma is a factor in my life that I can do nothing about. That is what I have to say...Now... On to what I must ask you... Can you accept me as I am, here in this venue?.. I am, in my opinion, just the same kind of person, taking alot more meds, which I must always be compliant with (..and I am.). Sure, I get a little sadder sometimes, but I am A pretty nice Gal, and very human. I'm not deranged nor suicidal. In fact I don't believe in it. I am a christian, It's a bit against my religion and I think it's selfish. Those are my beliefs. everyone is welcome to thier own. I don't want that to change. So, I am a person with bipolar disorder. I took it upon myself to be proactive and be the best I can be. Can you accept me enough to help me with RA?..... Dispite this knowledge? If you could, I would be most appreciative, as I am having one of those "double whammy" lives and I could use the advice from your experiences.....I would be most thankful. I have alot of questions as I already am being put on alot of meds that I am not familiar with. I am scheduled for a carpal tunnel decompression surgery already, and I simply am a bit overwhelmed as I don't have people that I know might have some answers for me. (Educated guesses would be great too!) I have been in the situation of reading posts here about CBT and meds I have previous experience with. I could have helped alot. I know a great deal about things such as this. I want to help too! However I knew I must first get this out of the way. Having an Illness like Bipolar is one of those things that often has some repercussions in a public venue...But I am asking..... Will you still try and help me with the RA? Because, I am out of my league here. ...and this is the second time I have been hit with a life altering illness. Will you help me despite this knowledge? If I make you uncomfortable, I completely understand and will be content to read what I can. I just had to get this off of my chest, to let you know, and to ask for your help.... Thus heading off many problem in the past when I didn't mention it. This is a forum about health, and in my case it is bound to come up in conversation. Thank You for taking the time to read this.
Your honestly would be most appreciated. ~Jen~
Your honesty is refreshing! You sound like a wonderful, caring person. You dx of bipolar doesn't change my opinion of you. I'm sorry that has happened in the past. Something you wrote made me so proud...you wrote that your dx is a management problem and that you will never be off your meds. Sounds like you have a great understanding and respect for your disease. This is a wonderful and caring board. You will find that everyone here will welcome you with open arms. Please, ask your questions and come back often....let us know how you are! Lori Jen, Welcome, you will find a lot of support here. I admire your courage, not only in being open about being bipolar but in not feeling like you should have to answer to any one for it. If more people could have your acceptance the world would be much more honest place. Good to hear from you! Laura Hi Jen, I too, admire your courage. My older sister is bipolar. I have seen her struggle for years to keep it under control. She goes from extreme highs to the lowest lows. She hasn't been on any medication for years and is having a rough time. She just started a new job and doesn't have health insurance yet. I hope she is as brave as you are and seeks medical advise as soon as she can. So, yeah, keep posting and asking questions and thanks for your honesty. CinDee Jen, I am so sorry that you have (it seems) experienced discrimination and/or prejudice because of your bipolar dx. You have been very brave to tell us even if you felt it wouldn't be well received. I would like to think (but maybe I'm just an optimist) that people here, having their own experiences of how having a diagnosis of any condition can affect how they are treated by others, will accept you and support you as they have been doing. In my (limited) experience, people who work hard to manage their own condition (whether that be arthritis or a mental illness) are good at supporting others. My sister has been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder and I can truly sympathise with the difficulties caused by other people's reactions (mostly borne out of their own fear or ignorance). I wish for you what I wish for everyone here - a life where good times out-number bad and where you find whatever it is that makes you happy. KT Lori, and Laura, thank you for answering this. I didn't think anyone would.... Thank You Sooo Much. I have to be honest with myself and others. I think When a person starts out so young with such an illness and is told it is incurable. Well? I just never questioned it. It demanded respect! I was in pain. I didn't know why. I did what I had to do to be as OK as possible. What I did had a huge affect on everyone around me and I noticed that! I hated My mothers crying, she didn't know any answers. I never could understand cruelty, and to this day can't be a part of it in any way. All I ever wanted to do was be of help. Not to hurt. I have incredibly good and kind parents. They are once again helping me through another devastating thing with RA. They once again don't know the answers to the questions, and I am trying so hard not to lean on them too hard. They feel pretty helpless. I don't want them to feel bad. So I hope I can find some support here, because I am more than willing to help out anywhere I can! I just can't hardly ask a question about meds without the other cocktail I take coming into the picture. It's not fair not to let people know. I didn't want either disease. All I can do is to do the right thing. I have to answer to myself for NOT doing the right thing. I hate them both. Both diseases. I accept everyone on thier own terms. And thats that. I have to go pull myself together because honestly I didn't think anyone would be ok with me being here after I told the truth, but it was unavoidable and thats just how I do things... I have so many questions but I was so scared... Thank You both Much..... (typing is hard today...) Peace...back soon at least to read.. Jen, being bi-polar is nothing to be ashamed of or feel that you need to hide or should be made to hide due to the ignorance of others. I would think that most of us on this board know someone who is bi-polar (for me, its my mum) and would therefore be loathe to judge you in ANY way. We are here to support each other through lots of different things, answer questions, give each other a laugh and generally listen and care when things go wrong. Welcome and feel free to ask, vent, giggle, cry, whatever you need to do at the time. Pam Jen, I'm very glad that you are here. I understand how hard it is to be vulnerable and let people in. Thank you for sharing your self. I look forward to your insights. Jen-
Hi Jen, You are very brave to post all this. I admire your strength. I suffer from severe anxiety/depression. I have it under control with meds too. I am a lifer on them as well which is rather bleak at times but I now accept it and am not ashamed of it. It is part of who I am. My best friend has bipolar and her diagnosis never changed my opinion of her. If anything, it strengthened our friendship in my wanting to help her and be there for her. So welcome aboard, once again, as we are all here for the loung haul!(both the good and bad) Jen, of course I understand. My daughter hits that prejudice and my ex boyfriend, still a close friend, has really hit it. It is terribly hard to deal with even when you have the best med management. A lot of people do treat you like you are some kind of psycho which is so far from what the illness is like. You will find many people here with close family members or themselves with some kind of psych disorder. There seems to be a relationship. Alan, Roxy and I all have children with problems to overcome. Then many of us, like myself, now fight depression as part of RA. Consider yourself safe. If anyone is ever cruel to you, call them on it and know that the rest of us will be looking out for you. I really understand your hesitation. Whenever my ex gets in a new situation, this is his biggest worry too. It takes tremendous courage to cross into new areas where you might be rejected and rejection, I know hits you hard. Here you are accepted as all these posters can testify too. So, ask your many questions. It is one way of dealing with the inherent fear that comes with this disease. The more ways you learn to cope, the easier it will be for you. Your parents are also welcome to read up so that they can help you. And, it is okay to lean on them as well. Believe me, I would rather my daughter lean on me some than know she is suffering when I could have helped her in some way. Well absolutely. I too have Bipolar disorder. I am extremely high functioning, (have a masters degree, was a teacher and worked with teens in foster care) My first episode came at age 11, but I was undignosed until age 31. My cycle is extremely wide, but right now I am in a depressive episode. Honesty helps, as does owning your issues. I refuse to blame BP or allow BP to take responsiblity for my actions. We are here to talk about and give support for people with RA. Your secondary diagnosis are often irrelevant. I think the way BP my affect us in terms of our RA, is that it becomes harder to get out of the depressive part of the cycle. Meds, especialy prednisone can affect in as well as the natural sorrow and depression and fatige that come from having RA. Welcome. Jen, all of us come here with things about ourselves that we are embarrassed about or don't want others to know for fear we will no longer be accepted. For many of us it is related to our illness, or our past, or the way we look. It is part of being human. And I am glad that we have this forum to share our humanity. It was very brave of you to share your story. Thank you for doing so. There is a phrase in a song which is from La Cage Au Folles that I often sing - "I am what I am, and what I am is an illusion" if I feel as though someone is judging me unfairly. Very few of us allow our soul to actually be visible to the outside world. We hold back a part of ourselves, our true identity, afraid to share it for fear of being judged. How sad that we can't accept ourselves and others as we are. I believe with every difficulty in life we are also blessed. Those with a bi-polar disorder have a very hard, difficult struggle, and each step along their path is a hard fought one. But because they feel everything so deeply, they can see so much of the beauty (and pain) in our world that many of us overlook. Learning to use that ability creatively is a true blessing, and many our the most imaginative, sensitive artists, authors, actors, and musicians throughout history have been bi-polar. I believe their, and your ability to see the world through different eyes is a true blessing. I am glad you are here, and look forward to your insight on everything, Jen! Jen, welcome to the board. I personally do not know a lot about bipolar and look forward to learning more from you. I am so sorry for the way you have been treated because of your illness. This is a great forum, I don't post much but read them all the time and it has gotten me through some dark days. I find the support here priceless. Take care and, again, welcome. Jen, It was very brave of you to share your story. I have great respect for you. I have been diagnosed PTSD from childhood trauma, and major depression, dissociative symptoms because I have blocked out so many memories. I'm a lifer on mood altering drugs, and I'm happy for [them.] Now, I've confessed also. I'm here for you and I'm glad your here on this board. Ginni Hi Jen welcome. The last drug I would give up is my anti-depressent, so I know half the story 1st hand. Welcome. Your diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder doesn't bother me a bit either. My sister-in-law is also Bipolar. She suffered so much until they finally diagnosed her. Like you, she is also doing quite well now with medication. This is a great board. I don't post very often, but had to when I saw your post - shy, I guess. I do, however, lurk quite a bit.
Welcome Jen and as far as I am concerned you are no different from me just some of our diseases are different. I am so sorry for peoples ignorance and it also happens with just having a disabling disease like they could catch it or something. Those are not true friends. This board is where I have learned most of the info that I needed to make important decisions concerning the diseases I have and I know that it will be a blessing to you as well. Welcome Jen~ You'll always find a friend here. I'm sure you've got much to contribute to this forum. Your honesty and courage has already been contagious! I'll look forward to getting to know you. Glad you're here. Geesh! You had me scared! I thought you were going to tell all on the board that you were a mass murderer or something and just got out of jail........... Being bipolar must be a horrible thing for you to manage along with the RA but that does not mean we like you less......it is nice to know that the people on here are honest, something rarely found these days. You are fine!!!!!!!!! not to worry! jode Jen you re who you are and dont apologize its the people who think they have it altogether and are judgemental that need the help. You will find this board very helpful and people wont judge,,,we are all in it together and this disease sucks enough without turning our backs on each other,,,so welcome aboard honey OMG Of course you're accepted here. I think you know that now. Everything I have to say is a repeat of what the other 80 people said. Haha. So I'll take it upon myself to inject the much needed humor, kay? Kay. Yer a goober. We love goobers. Come hang with us on AI, where all the RA afflicted goobers rant and rave and share and cry and hug and love and lose and aaaaaalll the things that come with life. And then some. There's always "and then some" isn't there? Hehe The only people that judge others on this board are the regular spammers really. And they've become resident jokes, so have no fear! Just be weary of Kokonuts and his female counterpart, whos name now escapes me. They are kinda funny people though. I'm so gonna get yelled at for bringing up their names. Hahaha Oh I was just trying to lighten the air. Sorry! I do hope you stick around though. The more diversity we have, the livelier life is!! Whee!! Katie <3 Wow!!! I take a nap and wake up to 3 pages?.... Of nice stuff?
I simply didn't know there were so many people that had some clue as to what I was trying to deal with, ANd thank you again.
There have been even more times I had questions...I am so Happy! I am so relieved... So here I go thanking everyone....
KT- The Predjudice is something I know very well. I don't expect everyone to have it, but I have met it from others more often than not. Your very Right about one thing, Before RA came along I was THE person in my small town the army wives headed to for HELP. Since very often they came from bigger cities they didn't mind my psyche DX. They had all had some sort of education about it. Since The RA I can only handle one family, My closest friends, I still help them all I can. With them Around the good times always outnumber the bad.
Pam-You very fortunately know what the truths are about bipolar are. I wish more people in the general public where I am did. Then I would feel no need to hide, announce, apologize...and especially feel the fear of rejection from the very people I desperately need help from. God Bless You and your Mum!....and Thank You miles2go-Being vulnerable is more terrifying to those of us that hide alot. That's just my opinion. If ever you have need of insight, you are very welcome to ask, no matter what the situation may be. Thanks!
hessalina- I am so sure you all can help with my questions on RA too.
mamamiax4-Thank You for your understanding. Thank you for thinking I am brave. I just had to find out if Iwas eventually going to be "moved on" because of this as I have most of the time due to ignorance. It happens alot sometimes...At this point about the only extra time I have, is to do a lot of thanking. Then I must set about to learn to survive, and help as much as I can. The Long Haul is what this is all about. Thank You Also. Deanna-Just As your ex does, I too worry about this with every new situation. It's for lack of a better word, paralyzing. Rejection is doubly hard to take when it happens over and over for years at a time. I really appreciate the feeling of innate safety your post gave me. You know that I am more scared than anything. I really appreciate someone knowing that. I have always just swallowed the cruelty, buried it, and moved on. I can now say. "That wasn't cool!" Not that I think anyone here would be uncool, or I would have to say it, but I'm allowed to?..Whoa.. That's just a freedom I rarely, if ever, have. I thank you for knowing that also. My Mother and Father will really be happy to have a few answers! As I said they are again in the dark. As for them, I could never leave them out, but I think they should take a vacation occasionally.They have One planned in 2 weeks for Fla. I really want them to go this time, for some fun. My Mother has always been a Ma-Ma Bear and a Bull in a China shop....I love this about her. You better not put even glass between her and her cub. She is my Angel, my Hero, and my Best Friend of all. She is the biggest reason I have decent Doctors. There is no way I could say it any better than I am the luckiest person in the world to have the parents that I do. Rest assured I would never let her feel like you mentioned. There have been quite a few times I have identified with things you have said in your posts and wanted to answer. I also wanted you to know that it makes me very angry that there seems to be no advocate system for the physically disabled, and I am asking everyone I know in this bussiness of advocacy not only why it seems to be that way, but those who know the laws in your state (also) what can be done. I am all over trying to find out what in the heck is wrong with these people!
kathy_in_wlsv-WOW! All of those accomplishments! Oh, I so wish!.. I was born into the fine arts which seem to have been outmoded by technology, So that Is really even cooler to me!!! I sure wish for your sake your downtime would end. RA just started a whole new definition of that idea for me. I am trying to put into some form of "challenge" so that I may use it for something other than downtime if I can,. I don't know if I can do that yet......and I quote~"Honesty helps, as does owning your issues. I refuse to blame BP or allow BP to take responsiblity for my actions." I couldn't have said any better. Too many play the victim. I just am trying to find management solutions for a new painful discouraging problem. I quote again "I think the way BP may affect us in terms of our RA, is that it becomes harder to get out of the depressive part of the cycle. Meds, especialy prednisone can affect in as well as the natural sorrow and depression and fatigue that come from having RA." I am on alot of Prednisone (for me) at the moment and know exactly where you are coming from. You Speak the truth. I think if I don't get some help I will end up in a low point...so.. here I am, and there I go.. I am getting help now that the other doctors have eased a bit. I thank you for your welcome.
THank You AndyBK for the wonderful compliment
Hillhoney-First of all, Your right. Yet...I was never taught to be ashamed of myself for being ill.The world just doesn't like it and refuses to take a few minutes to learn about it sometimes. I was taught to manage and live with it. THen I learned to hide it later. You are welcome to my humanity, anyone who finds it valueable is. I don't mind hard questions either. The last paragraph really hit home. (Kinda hard too) I do see and feel things like beauty, sadness, and even God in things very intensley. Art and music, which I have been doing since I can remember, take so much out of me that I'm exhausted by the end of the process. I still help our local kids here with those subjects in the local highschool. I jump at the chance to do it. I often judge at the Drama meets and find alot of joy in it. I can't believe there is so much talent here. I have had to accept myself completely and learn that hiding things is what gets me in trouble. It is the "compliance" I have to deal with in that particular illness (BP), If you don't honestly speak to your doctor, In all truths, he can't help you at all. You are there in vain. I thank you for All of your kind words and all of your insight and encouragement!
I would like to Thank you for something else too. Many times I have been sitting here reading through topic after topic and there have been times you have popped in with a little unexpected humor and just "got me" so bad I was Rolling. Just what the doctor ordered! Just what I needed! Laughter really is the best medicine.... You have been really great there. Geeze!
CathyC-I would be glad to answer any question for you I possibly can about bipolar disorder, all you have is but to ask.
Thank You for just being there.
Ginni Marian- AMEN! and Thank You...
Micheleb- I treat everyone as I would like to be treated also. Like I siad, the discrimination is in the past for the most part, just still new is scary. Thank for the offer. I'm there!
KweenB-Thank You For Posting! I lurk Baaaaad, I mean Baaad. I just so want to stop. I think I can Now!
bonny-I traded off the people that were like that when I was a kid. I guess I understood that they weren't"friends" at all. This board has already been a blessing...and I so hope I can help too. No one here in my family really has any idea how to make decisions with RA. (doctors,drugs,procedures etc.) I have alot of hope today thanks to all of you...Bonny, Thanks!
Lovie-Thank you so much too!!!
I thank you all as I can't afford to take anyone granted,a moment of someone's time reading. I can't even take a suggestion for granted nowdays. I am humbled by the kindness you have shown and will move on to the billion questions part of this lesson in my life as soon as I get another nap in here... but I couldn't stand not to thank you each...I am very tired now and must rest..I have said it a hundred times I am sure, But THank You...I am very grateful to you.... kindest wishes for your health and happiess tonight/today. One Tired, Barely coherent, ouchie....
Jen
Oh thats just what I needed...
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Hahahahaha YAY! I made smiles! *does a white girl dance* Oh yeah, I brought it. Now what? Hahahah Go nap lady!! We'll be here when you're rested :) Jen, Welcome! I must admit, I read your note and started to cry. I'm sorry you not only have to deal with RA but people who judge you for something you cannot control. I look forward to hearing from you on here....again, welcome.
Welcome Jen! We've been dealing with the norovirus in our household so for the past 2 days I've been running around spraying/washing every knob and surface my daughter might have touched. Had just a few minutes to check this space and what do I find... this huge thread with such wonderful support it brings tears to my eyes. Jen, I'm so glad you found this site. I think you're such a courageous soul. You'll never have to worry that we'll be judging you. You're in the same boat as many of us newbies... we're looking to understand our diseases. It doesn't matter how supportive our family and friends are...there's always a need to connect with people who have been through similar emotional experiences & health conditions. We come here for answers, scared about our diagnoses and thinking that the world, as we know it, is crashing on our heads. Instead of crashing, we're all going through a metamorphosis... and with each word of support and encouragement we receive and give, we change for the better. I think of us as beautiful exotic butterflies emerging from plain jane chrysalids. I figure I'm a blue morpho... one of those beautiful iridescent blue butterflies that show their gray side until they know it's safe to open up. Of course we dont mind that you suffer bipolar disease and of course youre welcome Jen. As you can see, and Im sorry, musta been napping myself, there is heaps of non discriminatory love and support here. Welcome to the fold and prepared to find much love and acceptance, help too. You have had it rough Sweets, but you are a goober and will be just fine.
I am depressive, but not bipolar, I fought the blues from a young child where I would cry for no reason. Im a Prozac lifer now and balanced and as normal as you are. I think
Big hugs and let us know how youre doing, and if youre down let us boost you up, and when youre up, you can pull us up, deal?
What did I tell ya??? There are such awesome, caring, warm and sensitive people here. your post is a true testiment to the love that is on this board. We love everyone here! Even the goobers!
Lori Hi Jen, Welcome to the board. I suffer from major depression and have for several years, and my counselor said I have dissocosiative syndrm (not very familiar with that yet) my mom was bi-polar. Glad you found the board. People here are very nice and supportive. A safe place to post.
I know a little bit about bi-polar as I have been diagnosed w/bi-polar type II. I know I am lucky as Type II is easier to manage for most people. JUst wanted to let you know how impressed I am with your attitude and sense of yourself. But doing battle with 2 diseases that are "manageable" but not "cureable" can wreak havoc on the depression side of things for me and when that happens I become very anxious instead of manic. Anyway, I hope we can answer some questions for you. Some of us have also been diagnosed w/more that one autoimmune disease as well. So ask away, we are here to help.
I can't thank you enough, all of you, for really helping me feel like I don't have to hide, and for really making me feel welcome, and Yep, A white girl obviously CAN dance!
If I ever need to know how? I know where to go...HERE is where it's at!
I know this isn't going to be easy, Two manageable but incurable things? Well. that's just hard, especially if you don't know anyone you can ask about it. So thank You!!!
wendyC, DEAL!
(Note to self ...Phatgirl2 = always right!)
TaraL, Thats where the "I" is devided or doesn't communicate well with the "self" ,I think... (Huge story) but I can help with it...
crispy, THanks alot,because I have a feeling RA may not be the only thing going on here.(I hope so ..but..)..so I may real confused at any time.. (That is a daily disclaimer!
meme, No problemo, I got a good chair for this sort of thing (foofy), and thanks alot!
dustyroad, I hope this medical technology speeds up for you and everyone here. I, however, will do my best to be of some help in the meantime. You are always welcome to say hello to me!
I simply have to go READ, I feel so behind now...Thank You all!!!!!!
Jen, This is the first time I have read this thread. I am so sorry I have not responded sooner. My daughter is schizophrenic and I have been around people with mental illness for many years. My heart breaks for you - I know about the alienation - my daughter suffers from it everyday. Jen, I am sorry. I could write and write to you but my wrists are flaring. I am so proud of all the wonderful people who have welcomed you here. I just thought you fit in perfectly. When I am better I will write you more. You are so so welcome here
Hi and welcome to the board. It's wrong for people to see the illness and not the person. I base my opinions of people on how they treat me-not what they are being treated for. Well I have not officially welcomed you to the board so I would like to do this at this time!! WELCOME! You will not find a kinder group of folk than here and quite frankly all together this group has an immense amount of information and experience. I know they have helped me through the years and I think I have been coming here for about .......I dunno, maybe5 years? not sure; time goes so wuickly it seems. DO not worry about the bi-polar dx around these parts that is for sure. It seems each day can be a struggle just with the RA and everything else wrong with my body and it is just reassurring that I can come here and get heard and people will help you problem solve. A few times I have even totally freaked out and since this place is open 24/7, there is always someone there to lean on. Glad you found AI! jode Oh Roxy, there have been many, many times I have wanted to encourage you! You have a supporter here, You are doing your best!
midnite, Thats true, It's not right...but I am glad so many here, including you seem to be of broader mind. It is really nice to see this! I kinda can't believe me eye's. I am just going to choose to believe them. How can I not?
jodejjr, I believe you! I have been reading here for a month (More really) and everyone has always been very cool to each other. That's why I thought I may just have a chance here. this is THE coolest place I have ever seen!
So I'm back in my Foofy chair for more reading....... I love this!!!!
Coolio!
Goob-Out
Hey Jen, that is such a cool avatar! My mothers cat is always unrolling her toilet paper and I keep laughing when I see your avatar. Thanks for the giggle. Hey thanks, I figured if I was feline that would be exactly what my hobby would be.......
Besides I have a black cat..I think those have a screw loose, but he's always doing stuff like that...Gotta love the little surprizes right? (Grit teeth. Smile anyway.
You are what you are. Many of us could come up with something that we fear would make people reject us. But here, on this board, we all have one common enemy - RA - and that make us brothers and sisters regardless of what otherwise may separate us. Pour your heart out here, dear - we'll be sympathetic (unless you need a kick in the pants! Then we'll be gentle!) Kathy Hi Jen-thanks or the description of dissacotiation. Good way to describe it. Welcome Jen - you will always have a safe haven here.
Kathy, I love people with "footpower". God Bless them!!!... Just as much as he does the kind ear ,I hope.
TaraL, Iv'e taken alot of classes on alot of things, I was hoping that was the right one. Ever since th RA got here, I "Live" in brainfog...I was wondering if that wasn't it.
Cassie , Thanks you,
Morinin all, Gotta go read..
I am sure we can help you with your RA questions.
I look forward to learning more about bipolar disorder.
hessalina
Im a newer member here.... with very little knowledge....
But I accept anyone into my life...with a smile...
I try not to judge other people by there maladies....but, rather by they're integrity... you. little lady,... seem to have oodles of that, with your post being a testimonial of that....
Some people are afraid of what they don't know....
You know what? When she's up, she's so darned creative - who cares how much she gets done? I've learned so much from her. And, because she has to struggle so much with her own life, she's an incredibly tolerant and accepting person.
A disease or condition isn't who you are. I don't want to be seen as my RA, even though there are days when it completely controls and restricts my life. What matters to me most here is that people listen and share. That's as much as you can expect from anyone.
Most of us have depression, anxiety or some other form of mental illness - it is no more or less an illness than rheumatoid arthritis is.
Kind wishes,
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