Rheumatoid Arhritis About This Page:

[tigger_03]

I now have my official diagnosis and know what we are dealing with. Scary and comforting at the same time. Looks like I'm be posting even more in this section. I know our future trips will have to take into consideration my disease and everything that comes along with it. I plan on buying the Open Mouse book soon. Any other books those of you with RA recommend?

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Sorry to hear you have RA, but I understand it is good to know just what is going on with yourself..Don't know about other books, But I do like Open Mouse a lot..
You can do some research by googling RA..

[tigger_03]

Thank you. I had considered getting Open Mouse even before the diagnosis because I figured it would help even without knowing exactly what was wrong. Our trip last August taught me that our future trips will have to be adjusted a little.

I'll probably be making a trip to the book store to look at the RA books they have or going by the library to see what they might have as well.

[MMMD]

I have RA but the only symptom that bothers me at WDW is fatigue. So I just take it easy and get plenty of rest.

[olendl01]

I have RA, PA and OA....it's a lot to deal with especially while at vacation. I take Enbreil shots once a week to manage mine. Not sure what your RA Dr has planned for you. I agree with MMD on the rest, lots of rest. Don't over do it. You will find it worse as the day's progress. I can generally tell that I need to rest based on how my hands feel, if they start swelling, then that is a sign my joints are bothered and I rest then. I find the early mornings are my best and the afternoons are my worst. Evenings are great for me if I rest in the afternoon otherwise the fatigue will get to me. I also drink Acai juice. 2oz in the morning and 2 oz in the evening. I don't know why but it helps I also eat/drink pineapple juice, it is said to help with joint swelling....so perfect excuse to get a Dole whip!

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Any reason to get a Dole Whip Float is good for me!!!!!!!!!!!!
Think it will help my Fibromyalgia???????
Here's a Rx, Take 2 Dole Whip Floats & call me in the morning !!!!!!!!!!

[olendl01]

Originally Posted by Eeyore Tattoo

Here's a Rx, Take 2 Dole Whip Floats & call me in the morning !!!!!!!!!!

Love the RX! I want to take it and give it to my Dr.!!!! LOL

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by Eeyore Tattoo

Here's a Rx, Take 2 Dole Whip Floats & call me in the morning !!!!!!!!!!

Personally, I'd suggest a differenrt RX. The 2 Dole Whip Floats are fine, but I'd definitely suggest one Mickey Bar to counteract any side effects from the Dole Whip.

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Yes, Good Idea Sandy!

[mechurchlady]

Food is the answer to my ailments. Dole whips and chocolate are the best for what ever ails you.

[Tracy M.]

Originally Posted by mechurchlady

Food is the answer to my ailments. Dole whips and chocolate are the best for what ever ails you.

It makes me feel less isolated with my medical problems when I read about everyone else on this forum not letting their problems keeping them from my favorite place

[Kynna]

I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis but I'm glad you have answers.
I have RA among other things. I think the main thing while traveling and in life in general is that doing a little bit of what you love is better than not doing it at all. I used to stress about going out and doing the things I did before it got bad because I couldn't handle the disapointment of not keeping up with others.

I've found ways of particpating in things without depleting my energy. Like volunteering for the sit down tasks for PTA or coloring with my kids when I just can't play ball with them.

At times it feels like a blessing having a built in priority gage. I only have energy for the things that are truly important like family time at WDW!

I hope you find balance and a medication plan that works for you very soon!

[mechurchlady]

I do not have RA but I am a neurovariant with a lot of minor to major problems in life including celiac, allergies, damage to the skeleton and other stuff, and arthritis is setting in. I need total calm for me to do any task. One thing I read has stuck in my brain. Depending on how calm I am and other health factors I get 10 to 50 spoons a day so it seems and I dole them out carefully. The site that I got this from is a great site for those with hidden disabilities and even obvious disabilities.
ButYouDontLookSick.com

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/na...poonTheory.pdf
How many spoons do you have today? I am so tired and think I am out of spoons and knives and forks. That site has some great stuff. They might have something to help you. Remember to not just look at RA sites and books. I learned from ODD and autism related matters how to handle my mother for example though she is neither of those things.

Remember that when life is hard check them boards. There are a myriad of chat rooms, Pogo.com games, and places on the internet to find people suffering as much or more than you. I thought life stank until a friend told me about how she has diabetes and fibro and 3 nights of pain.

[jhoshowski]

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia (as you probably know) and I haven't had too much trouble at WDW. I try to take it slow - no running around all the time, enjoy my surroundings, stop to smell the roses. Sometimes if it gets to be too much, we head back to the room and I lie down for an hour or two while DH takes the boys swimming. One thing that REALLY helps me is early nights. We try to be back in the room by 8 PM or so, unless there is a parade, show, or special party we want to hit. I have found that a good night's sleep plays a big part in feeling good.

Good luck!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by jhoshowski

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia (as you probably know) and I haven't had too much trouble at WDW. I try to take it slow - no running around all the time, enjoy my surroundings, stop to smell the roses. Sometimes if it gets to be too much, we head back to the room and I lie down for an hour or two while DH takes the boys swimming. One thing that REALLY helps me is early nights. We try to be back in the room by 8 PM or so, unless there is a parade, show, or special party we want to hit. I have found that a good night's sleep plays a big part in feeling good.

Good luck!

Hi there! That is great advice! I especially like stopping to smell the roses!