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Depression
Arthritis Gets Me Down Because...
Arthritis Gets Me Down Because...
Sometimes just knowing that there is
someone else who is struggling with the same things you are can make a
world of difference. You aren't alone! We asked: What part of arthritis
is the hardest for you to handle emotionally? And you responded:
"I fear growing old and becoming extremely
crippled and/or bedridden, and having no one to take care of me. My mom is dead, and I'm not married and have no prospects. I will have to rely on my dad's family, but they live in another state. It's scary to think about the future."
-Robin
"The fact that my husband does not understand why there are times that I just cannot physically do something that he wants me to do. He doesn't understand nor does he want to understand that I have changed for the worse permanently."
-Marion
"Not being able to run about or go up and down stairs. It makes me feel so stupid that at 25 years old I have to chuffle about at home at night if I have had to do a lot of walking during the day. Although people don't know what is wrong with me you get very strange stares when you get the lift instead of walking up one flight of stairs."
-Elizabeth
"Not being able to do the little things I once could do easily. Having to plan each trip even to the local stores to best get around."
-Barbara
"Prednisone side effects - thin, wrinkled skin, loss of body image. Look old beyone my years. This hurts!"
-Gaye
"I have always been a "just do it" kind of person. I cannot do this now. It makes me angry at RA, and sometimes angry at others, when I have to ask for help to do the simplest things. Or worse yet, have to explain why I can't accomplish something that most folks can handle easily. This in turn leads to sadness when pain escalates. I can't separate out the anger turned in, and grief when the pain is bad enough, long enough."
-Melanie
"Loss of mobility. With FMS for over 20 years, I am no stranger to pain. What does
hit me hardest is the inability to get around and just DO whatever needs to be done.
Getting groceries has become a nightmare due to the amount of walking involved and
I am still in denial about using the little motorized carts." -DeeTee
"That I will be old and alone with this illness."
-Vickie
"loss of independence; there are many things I just cannot do anymore"
-Peggy
"The fact that what I'm capable of doing is always changing. Sometimes it's large changes
due to the damage to my joints. Sometimes it's the daily stuff. Most of the time I don't
know how I'm going to feel when I wake up in the morning. I can plan something and then
not be able to do it because I woke up feeling rotten. There are times when I don't get
my house cleaned as often as I'd like to due to a flare. I miss being able to go camping,
to dance, etc." -Raven
"I am 34 years old, am the sole provider for my family, and have RA & DJD. I'm currently
struggling to find an occupation for myself. I cannot continue doing what I'm doing so I'm
going to school to finish my degree. Everyday in my head, I think..."What can I do?
I have limitations, doctor's appointments, and failing health. What career do I choose?
Who wants to hire me?"" -Terri
"The future." -Linda
"It is very hard for me to accept the fact that I can't always do the "fun" things that I would like to do. I make plans with friends with the stipulation that "I will have to see how I am feeling". Luckily I have very understanding friends and a warm, wonderful boyfriend and they all understand when I am in pain and down. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful supporting group of friends and family."
-Sharon
"Not being able to swim competitively has been the hardest thing for me to give up."
-Sue
"Not being able to do simple everyday "housewife" things like changing the bottom bedsheet, or reaching into the refrigerator, or cleaning my cupboards, etc."
-Marilyn
"Not being able to fulfill my life dreams. Not being able to dance and perform. Watching others do what I could have done. After spending your life since you were three years old working toward a dream, it's hard to see it crumple. And it's so hard to be around it, but it's all I know. It's my other love...theatre."
-Kashana
"not being able to walk as far or
as fast as I used to. My arthritis is in my knees and ankles. I see the
disappointment on my husband's face when I walk in pain." -Susan
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