by Niki Wyre

With Rheumatoid Arthritis, many patients report having a hard time tending to their bathroom needs or the excessive amount of energy required to meet those needs. When are hands are flaring, we may not be able to squeeze toothpaste, pump soap or even get shampoo out of the bottle to wash our hair. Last year Murphy helped turn my bathroom into a RA friendly one for just over a hundred dollars in total. Since then I save more time and energy doing things before that were hard to do. Often I still feel exhausted after showers but I am saving energy that I would rather spend on other activities. I wanted to share with you all some of the tips and gadgets I’m using in my bathroom to make things easier to do.

I hope by sharing about my Rheumatoid Arthritis friendly bathroom I am able to give you some ideas. The majority of the items in use in my bathroom are from Amazon or local drug stores, like Walgreens. These little improvements and gadgets can be a great help in your bathroom as well and only a fraction of the cost of renovating your bathroom to accomodate your needs. Adding organizers to eliminate clutter can add up on the energy and time you will save in the future looking for items or retrieving them from the floor. The dispensers turn out to be priceless in the help that they give, not to mention the time or frustration spent daily on opening and using products on a regular basis. Safety features are a must for an arthritis friendly bathroom.

DISPENSERS

Soap Dispensers
If you wash your hands any where close to how many times I do a day, a soap dispenser is necessary. Lots of companies have recently came out with battery operated hands-free soap dispensers at very affordable prices. No more soap pumps for me! All you have to do is put your hands under dispenser and it dispenses the soap into your hands. I have one that Murphy picked up at our local Walgreens in the as seen on tv section, but this image is of a cheaper and prettier looking one that is available at most stores.

Shower Dispensers
I absolutely love this gadget. I keep my shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in mine. You put one hand under pump and push button to dispense product into your hand. It’s that easy! No more fumbling to grasp bottles while in shower or fighting to uncap the product or bending over to pick them off the floor. Believe me, my hands are very happy about this addition to my bathroom. For greater ease, Murphy hung mine within reach distance while sitting on my shower chair.

Toothpaste Dispensers
Toothpaste tubes have been a nemesis of mine in the past. The amount of energy required to squeeze it out or roll it up to keep using drove me crazy when my hands were flaring. Not to mention those little screw on caps. Arrgh. After picking this up for, Murphy hung up next to sink in bathroom. Like the soap dispensers above, this one is hands free! Got to love that. Some of the dispensers, like this one, even come with an electric toothbrush. (If you aren’t using an electric toothbrush by now, get one! Save so much time and energy brushing teeth and you can get them cleaner too.)

Toothpaste Squeezer / Dispenser
An alternative to the Toothpaste Dispenser mentioned above is a squeeze tube squeezer. This cheap and nifty little arthritis helper allows you to squeeze out the toothpaste, to the last drop, without much effort. You would be surprised how much energy either will save you in the long run.

ORGANIZERS / ORGANIZATION

Over the Door Pocket Organizer
My absolute favorite organization tool in my bathroom is the over the door pocket organizer. I have mine hung on the back of my bathroom door. No more bending over to root through tight bathroom cabinets or having to pull out 10 items to find what I’m looking for. I love that this is lightweight and see through. I put heavy items like extra shampoo bottles down on the bottom since I use those less and most commonly used items in the middle. It’s so much easier being able to find things more quickly and not have to sort through cabinets or drawers.

Bath / Shower Organizers
If you have problems bending over to pick up products while showering or dealing with cluttered shower spaces, try getting a hanging organizer. This one hands on same hooks as your shower curtain so it barely takes up any space. I like to keep my poofs, razors and soap in mine. Like the over the door organizer above, its so much easier to get things when you can see what is in pockets.

Shower Tote

When I first got this shower tote, I honestly didn’t know how much I would end up using it. I have several long reach products that I need to pull out when my shoulders and arms are bad. I pop that and toiletries like shaving gel into this little guy. I keep it in my shower between showers. When I’m ready or a shower I move it to side and I’m ready to go. If you use more than one bathroom in your house, this can come in really handy or if you have seperate shower and bath in your bathroom it makes it easier to move products from one to another.

ARTHRITIS AIDS AND SAFETY

Shower Chair
Once I used my shower chair for the first time, I never turned back. I am completely hooked. Showering used to be so hard to do for me! The amount of pain in my back and knees from standing, stooping over to pick things up or shaving while standing up was off the charts. If you have problems with back or necks when standing, you won’t regret this purchase.

Handheld Shower Nozzle
These things are a lifesaver for me. Even when I’m flaring at my worst I can get a great shower with these. If you have a shower chair or are thinking of one, they are a must. I reccommend getting one with variable speeds or pulses. That way you can use water massage features when you need it and soft spray when hurting bad. They make washing my hair so much easier.

Safety Bars
There are many different types of safety bars avaialable for purchase now, from hard installed to temporary ones like this suction cup one. If you can have it installed or install one yourself, as long as anchored in wall properly, the stability can’t be matched. The only drawback to the suction cups one are that if both surfaces aren’t completely clean and smooth, they can slide down or even fall off the wall. Unfortunately I took one to the back of the head while showering one day. Ouch!

Bath Steps
If you have trouble climbing in out of tub or shower, a simple little step like this one outside the bath can help greatly. They come in a variety of height, materials and some are even stackable. Some of our members sit on side of tub and pull legs over as an alternative to using bath steps.

No Slip Shower or Bath Mats
These are a must for any shower or bath. One of my greatest fears is falling and hurting myself worse than I already do. You can pick up one of these at your local store for a few dollars. It’s worth it for the piece of mind. I put one under my shower chair because it would slide around in shower stall.

What gadgets or items do you think are priceless in your bathroom? Is there something you would recommend to fellow Rheumatoid Arthritis patients? Drop me a line and let me know.

Looking for more blogs by Niki? Please check here.

Interested in becoming a writer for rachicks.com? We are looking for volunteers to keep the knowledge going to all our members. Interested individuals can email Niki at ra.chicks@yahoo.com

How Rheumatoid Arthritis can be affecting the intimacy in your relationship

by Niki Wyre

*Note: This blog contains information and discussion that is meant for adults.*

One thing we often miss discussing when we are talking about Rheumatoid Arthritis and other Autoimmune Arthritis conditions is how much of an impact it has on our daily interactions with our significant others. It affects how we relate to them, our confidence, our emotional interactions and yes, even our physical or intimate relations with our partners. Chronic conditions, like RA, can change the dynamics of your relationship. Many of our members have reported that since being diagnosed they have had a relationship end, whether a friend, partner or even spouse. However, there are steps to can take to preserve your relationship.

Why do communication breakdowns happen? Can this situation be avoided and what can you do to prevent your condition from becoming a relationship barrier? Those are the topics this blog will address – to hopefully get you and your partner to better understand why there is a change in your physical and intimate relations.

So what about Rheumatoid Arthritis affects our intimacy? The following are common problems that woman with RA often experience in sexual relations.

1. Pain:
Yes, we all know that RA comes with a lot of pain. Most people don’t realize that it is something we live with 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It’s very hard to be in the mood when you can barely move a hip, or shoulder or even your back. Especially when every movement can excaberate such pain. Even when are pain levels are on the low end of our spectrum, we tend to shy away from hugs or embraces. There is a fear of additional pain and this inner alarm that tries to protect us from that. Soft, loose hugs are a great alternative to bear hugs or tight embraces.

2. Fatigue:
One of the greatest hurdles for our members with Autoimmune Arthritis is trying to overcome the fatigue that comes along with their health condition. Some members have said they would rather have more pain than have to deal with the constant fatigue. Sometimes our partners can’t understand how much this can put a damper on our libidos. One of my friends told me that she explained to her partner like this: “Remember when you used to work a double shift on a few hours of sleep? Were you in an amorous mood when you finally made it to bed?”. Of course, the answer is no. Without proper rest and restorative sleep, the chronic pain cycle worsens and can actually make the pain levels increase. In turn, this causes more sleeping issues.

3. Physical Limitations:
Many of us deal daily with disabilities, physical limitations, or joints that just won’t bend or straighten. Let’s be honest here, we aren’t going to be working on a second career as a contortionist any time soon. Finding positions that cause minimal discomfort can be discouraging for individuals. What works one week might not work the next week since our RA moves around on a whim from one body part to another.

4. Depression:
Depression is a very common side effect in dealing with chronic pain or illness. With depression, most women and men experience a significant decrease in libido or lack of enjoyment in activities. Some members have reported it as a bit of a numbing sensation on their emotions. Things they normally enjoy they do not get pleasure from when in the depths of depression, and they need an understanding partner in those times.

5. Self-Confidence and Self Image:
Many of our members battle with their self-confidence or self-image after their RA diagnosis. Why? Along with Rheumatoid Arthritis, we deal with swelling, weight gain or moon face from steroids, joint deformity, gait issues or reliance on mobility devices. Some medications can cause acne, rashes or dermatitis issues, while other medications can cause hair loss. Any of these issues can shake a woman’s self-confidence and most of our members deal with more than one at any given time.

6. Medication Side Effects:
Ahh medications.. I know I personally have quite a stockpile of pills I have to take daily. Some of these medications, especially ones that are used for depression or nerve pain, can lower the libido or create a lack of sexual drive in their users. Some experience difficult becoming aroused or able to reach a climax due to these side effects. Obviously this is a very big hurdle in getting into the mood or enjoying intimacy with our partners.

Now that we have discussed reasons why Rheumatoid Arthritis can effect your intimacy with your partner, what can we do about it?

1. Open up communications line and be honest:
Don’t leave your partner out in the dark! If you don’t talk about what is going on inside your body, emotions or running around in your brain, it will cause an emotional distance between you. Try sitting down in a casual environment, not in bed, to discuss which of the issues above that are affecting you. When you are hurting, let them know. It’s not like we are using the “headache excuse” to get out of relations. Most of us enjoy relations with our partners but our bodies don’t always make it an option. Communicating this to our partners can prevent this becoming an issue in the near future or help explain something that they were afraid to vocalize.

2. Have queues or schedule for best times:
Try tracking in a journal your moods, pain levels or feelings throughout the day. See if you can find a pattern. Some of our members report that if they know they are going to be intimate with their partner around a certain time, they will take their pain and antinflammatory medications an hour to two before. Although it may take out some of the spontaneity or romance out of your intimate interactions, it can make things easier and more pleasurable for both partners. Let your partner know by queues or letting them know when you are feeling good to let them know what time are good for you.

3. Work around limitations or modify your activities to not inflame affected areas:
Don’t be afraid to experiment on modifying positions, adding pillows for comfort or having to move to make your intimacy more comfortable. If it is hurting you, you most likely will not being getting as much enjoyment out of it as you should. If decreased sensation or problems with arousal are interfering with your physical intimacy with partner, you can introduce lubricants and other sexual aids to increase sensations. Let your partner know if something isn’t working or something works great. They will enjoy knowing that you are enjoying it as well! Introduce new places into your sex life – an out of the way hotel, a bed and breakfast in the hills with a hot tub and a massage…a destination that takes you to a stress-free zone.

4. Talk to your doctor:
If you are experiencing issues with depression, medication side effects or don’t seem to be getting any relief from your current pain management, please talk to your doctor. In the case of depression or medication side effects, something as simple as a medication change can change things drasticallly. Lack of libido or lack of enjoyment can be addressed during your appointment. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your General Practitioner or Family Doctor, your OB/GYN or even therapist are another option to discuss this with instead.

I hope that this blog was able to shed some light on how our conditions can change our personal and intimate relations with our partners. It’s not something that we talk about very often, but it is something that should be brought out for discussion every once in awhile. Many of us are afraid to voice these questions out in the group or in a public forum. If you are going through any of these problems right now with your partner, I hope you share this with them or start discussing it soon. Don’t let your medical condition take this part of your relationship away from you.

*Note: This blog contains information and discussion that is meant for adults.*

Looking for more blogs by Niki? Please check here.

Interested in becoming a writer for rachicks.com? We are looking for volunteers to keep the knowledge going to all our members. Interested individuals can email Niki at ra.chicks@yahoo.com

Things  you can use Biofreeze for but probably shouldn’t….

by Niki Wyre 

If you have followed our group on Facebook or are a regular visitor on our blogs, here at rachicks.com, you’ve probably heard us mention Biofreeze a time or two or a thousand times.  While Biofreeze is amazing for achy joints or muscles, it is some potent stuff.   It is like crack for my joints, so I won’t give it up but it can make for some pretty amusing situations.  I thought I would put together a list of things you could but probably shouldn’t do with your Biofreeze….

 Use #1 – Biofreeze Fallout for Alone Time

Want some alone time?  Have visitors that just aren’t leaving your home and have extended past their welcome?  Maybe you have an annoying boss or coworker that hovers around you?  No problem!  Apply Biofreeze liberally over your achy joints.  The menthol sting in the air is a sure way to clean out a room or hovering people.  It’s like a solitude bomb or fallout.

Use #2 – Mace

Do you ever wish you had a weapon to protect you when walking out to car at night? Perhaps during an evening walk?  Keep a small bottle of Biofreeze Spray in your purse or pocket!  One well placed spray is just as effective as mace on your would be attacker.  Not only just it get in eyes but with burning nose and lungs…. well attacker no more.  (Note: Just make sure you have the spray nozzle facing away from you.  Unfortunately in the dark I have had the misfortune of spraying myself and not a body part before.  Not recommended..)

Use #3 – Nail Biting Deterrent

Do you have the horrible habit of biting your nails?  Perhaps you chew on your cuticles or finger tips when you are nervous?  No worries.  I tried almost every way to quit biting my nails since I was a child.  I even had my parents apply nasty tasting polish in order to deter me from biting away at them.  Nothing worked…. until I started applying biofreeze.  Even after washing hands a few times, it would linger under nails or in nail beds.  One finger placed in mouth, and you will remember not to do that again!  Not only the taste but the unpleasant sensation it gives your tongue and mouth.  It will take a lot of drinking to wash that away.

Use #4 – Checking for Paper Cuts or Shaving Nicks

If you ever applied Biofreeze on a knee after shaving, you might learn a good lesson.  Biofreeze is very good at finding each little cut or nick on your skin’s surface.  Can you feel the burn?  This is one of the uses that you really shouldn’t do unless you like burning and stinging.  However, it will make you stop thinking about pain in knee or wherever you applied the Biofreeze for more than a few minutes.

Use #5 – Not Tonight Honey

When you are flaring or hurting pretty bad, normally the bedtime intimacy is not on your mind.  How can you let your partner know that attention is unwanted?  Before bed apply your Biofreeze liberally.  You can almost guarantee that your partner will stay on the other side of the bed, unless you have tried this one too many times and they are immune or bought nose plugs…

Use #6 – Nasal Decongestant

Having stuffed up sinuses can be miserable.  Out of vick’s vapor rub? Not a problem.   Go into closed bathroom.  Spray a few applications of Biofreeze on the shower head.  Turn shower on to hottest setting.  They just sit down on the toilet seat and breathe in the minty fresh steam.   This actually worked pretty well for me in a hotel when I was sick.  (Note: Downside?  Make sure you let it run enough so the showerhead is clean of Biofreeze.  Otherwise the next shower user will be in for a big surprise.)

Use #7 –  Revenge on Cheating Partner

(Note: This is definitely one of the things you shouldn’t do on the list…. but after this story was shared with me, I couldn’t resist adding it to the list.)  Has your partner cheated you?  A woman scorned can be scary.  One of our members reported that she took out her partner’s underwear while he was at work.  She sprayed Biofreeze inside the crotch area of all the undies.  After drying they still smelled a little minty, so a squirt of Febreeze covered it up.  Then she put all the underwear back in the drawer as normal.  The unsuspecting cheater will put on underwear.  It will take more than a few minutes for it warm up to body heat level or sweat to start to activate the Biofreeze.  Then holy tamale!!

Use # 8 – Relief from Hot Flashes

Do you suffer from hot flashes or cold sweats at night?  Prednisone giving you flashes or perhaps a low grade fever from a flare?  Take a few seconds to spray your entire back, back of neck and shoulders with Biofreeze before donning your nightwear.  Along with the pain relief, it has a pretty awesome cooling effect so you will be able to get some cool relief without changing temperature in house or having to change your pajamas several times a night.

Use #9 – Smelling Salts for Fainted Person

Did a loved one or friend just pass out or faint?  No smelling salts on hand?  Not an issue any more.  Apply extra Biofreeze on hand before placing hand under the individual’s nose.   Instant smelling salts.  The extra menthol freshness should have them snapping out of it in no time.

Use #10 – Instant Air Freshener

Did unexpected guests suddenly show up at your doorstep?  Did you not have time to clean? Perhaps you ran out of air freshener spray? No problem.  Go stand behind a fan and put a few squirts of Biofreeze into the air flow.  It will disperse quickly and strongly.  Not many smells can override the might Biofreeze menthol.  (Note:  Please stand BEHIND the fan… not in front of it.  I, on more than one occasion, forgot to turn off the fan before applying the spray.  Instantly in my nose, eyes, and mouth plus it got Little Niki too in one shot. Oops)

I hope you smiled or giggled at the Biofreeze misuses as well

‘Tis the season…

by RA Dater

Ah, yes – the holidays are upon us. As we fight our way through tinsel, trees, family guests and shopping, do we have enough energy left to date? How does a single woman with RA date – or even survive – in the holiday season? A few observations from my perspective as I head wearily into 2012:

Turn down invitations that will cause RA pain/flares:

This includes, but is not limited to: Being out in the cold – no way, no how. Say you hate cold weather, and ask them for their jacket while they freeze – works well. Never agree to help a date put up their Christmas tree, attach ornaments to the Christmas tree, or – actually, just anything to do with Christmas trees. I always say “Don’t hand anything to me if you’re going to cry when you see the tiny shattered pieces on the ground,” and that clearly includes Christmas ornaments. If a date wants to come to your house and you haven’t put a tree up this year, tell him you lost all your priceless decorations in the “Unprecedented Storage Unit Fire of 2011” and appear shocked when he says he’s never heard of that tragic event. Also, pick and choose date times based on your energy level and interest. I have used the “that cookie/ornament party with my girlfriends went into the wee hours last night, so I can’t stay out later than 8pm tonight” twice this week. White lies are ok…

Many single men are lonely around the holidays:

This revelation has come as somewhat of a surprise to me – I think it’s actually a perfect time of the year to have a first date. There’s no pressure to exchange gifts because you’ve only just met recently! It’s a wonderful scenario for talking about your past holidays and family holiday disasters. Who of us couldn’t talk about past Christmases for hours? It’s an easy way to bring up RA and how you love the holidays, but wish the cold weather didn’t make your hands hurt. I have been trying very hard lately to listen back about dates’ health problems – everyone has health issues. Your date will very likely say there is something, anything about the holidays that causes him stress/joint pain/work pressures. I have been on a lot of dinner dates lately and love just looking at the Christmas lights because I don’t drive myself at night – I find it’s a wonderful time of year to look around at the sights, and really enjoy talking to men who are also alone in the holiday season.

Everyone has a story – probably not a painful RA story, but it’s worth listening to because pain and joy come in many varieties. I’ve yet to date a man with RA, but I can always find a connection if I try – music, movies, where they’ve been in the world – very critical in my opinion to focus on shared likes/dislikes – and you can’t find a better time than the holidays to find a common thread.

Be fierce and take a chance:

Ask a man out. Several men. There is nothing like a New Year on the horizon that inspires me to take a chance. I might even take a man up on his offer today to ride on his Harley downtown for New Year’s Eve date at a blues bar (Hey, it’s a nice bike). When I grow weary, I remind myself that love isn’t going to come knocking on my door.

Take time out for yourself:

Remember to relax and pace yourself – if you are in severe fatigue from meds or RA itself, there are many built-in excuses for backing out of a date commitment. “Aunt Edna just arrived unexpectedly from Idaho, and is sleeping over at my house…” Easy. Or, if you’ve have a date that wasn’t ideal and you need an excuse out of the next one, you already have plans for the next two weeks due to holiday commitments.

You are never, ever alone:

It’s been a long, long time since I didn’t have a husband or date for Christmas/New Year’s, but I refuse to let that fact put a dimmer on my holidays. Embrace your friends, your beloved pets and your family – it’s a good time of the year to reflect, enjoy and relax. Above ALL, do not attach any significance or importance to having dates this time of year – dating with RA is hard enough without all the tinsel and snow on top of it.
Wishing you all wonderful dates and true love in the New Year!

Sincerely,

RA Dater

Want to read more stuff written by RA Dater?  Check out Confessions of a RA Dater and her others musings here.

Interested in becoming a writer for rachicks.com? We are looking for volunteers to keep the knowledge going to all our members. Interested individuals can email Niki at ra.chicks@yahoo.com

Dating with Rheumatoid Arthritis

by RA Dater

Each day is a supreme challenge for those of us with RA…shall we add dating on top of that? It can be brutal – and remember that stress is our kryptonite. I’ve been divorced for almost a year, diagnosed with RA for almost two years – and I can tell you girls that love IS out there.

My advice for first dates:

Don’t be afraid to mention you have RA.

Perhaps not in the first five minutes…but I am a strong believer in laying all cards on the table on the first date (unless it’s a brief encounter!) There is always a chance to bring it up casually – I have been horrible about going on and on about RA because men just let me talk…and talk…. I would suggest a couple of sentences about RA and then change the subject, order another drink or appetizer.

Be upfront about your physical challenges.

I am lucky in that I don’t depend on a wheelchair yet, but I feel like HELL the day after my Enbrel shot, and it is difficult to open doors. I had to face the fact that the cute 40-year old workaholic who looked awesome in those pictures fishing at the lake would…..eh, eventually ask me to get up at 5am to go fishing.

Prepare yourself for questions if you are not working due to RA.

I am a CPA. This has been the worst dating roadblock for me….why am I not working? What could I possibly do all day…watch soap operas? Not that any man ever said that to me – I just inflicted the question upon myself. Be prepared to discuss what you do and don’t be afraid to just say “I am retired.”

Sex.

Takes all the pain away, trust me on this one.  Kidding – there are so many positions I can’t even begin to attempt. I like to date older men for this reason, but if you find yourself in love/lust with someone who wants to try every position in the book, you will need Biofreeze and strong pain meds!

Want to read more stuff written by RA Dater?  Check out Confessions of a RA Dater and her others musings here.

Interested in becoming a writer for rachicks.com? We are looking for volunteers to keep the knowledge going to all our members. Interested individuals can email Niki at ra.chicks@yahoo.com

Holistic Approach for RA Sufferers

by Patricia Curley, MS, NC
RA, is an hereditary, autoimmune (AI), degenerative, inflammatory joint disease characterized by cartilage destruction and chronic pain and inflammation. RA can affect joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, the heart, lungs and eyes, but is seen most often symmetrically in hands, elbows, wrists, ankles and feet. Joints can become deformed and surgery may be required in some cases.

But what causes our bodies to attack our own tissue? A combination of genetic, lifestyle and dietary factors are involved – food and environmental sensitivities, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, intestinal permeability resulting from food allergies and sensitivities, nutrient depletions, and Hypochlorhydria. Candidiasis is frequently a trigger. Heavy metal toxicity may interfere with collagen synthesis. Increased homocysteine levels have been implicated in RA. A significant number of studies have concluded that RA is caused by an allergic reaction to a virus-like microorganism. These are all physical stressors, but our inability to handle emotional stress can be a trigger as well.

Standard medical treatment may fail to address the complex causes of RA. Common drugs prescribed, such as Methotrexhate, ENBREL, steroids, and DMARDS, and NSAIDS, while alleviating symptoms, may further exacerbate the underlying causes by contributing to nutrient depletions and carry with them serious side effects.
A holistic approach to healing focuses on lowering inflammation, addressing hypochlorhydria and small bowel bacterial overgrowth, eliminating allergens and environmental pollutants, toxins and stress, and detoxification. Employ the 4R approach to support GI health and healing: Remove, Replace, Re-inoculate and Repair. Use foods, nutrients, supplements and botanicals that support cartilage repair, reduce inflammation, swelling and pain without side effects, reduce damage from free radicals, heal the gut, and support the liver. Cellular acidosis is a metabolic disorder common in AI diseases. Restoring the body’s acid/alkaline balance is essential – our bodies must be slightly alkaline to support health. Case studies have shown that these methods can ease symptoms of RA, and may even bring it into remission (Jaffe).

References:
1. Bland, Jeffrey and Benum, Sara. Genetic Nutritioneering. Los Angeles: Keats Publishing, 1999.
2. Bland, Jeffrey, et al. Clinical Nutrition, A Functional Approach. Gig Harbor: Institute for Functional Medicine, 2004.
3. Bucci, Luke. Healing Arthritis the Natural Way. Arlington: The Summit Publishing Group, 1997.
4. Carty, Sarah, Snowden, Neil and Silman, Alan. “Should Infection Still Be Considered as the Most Likely Triggering Factor for Rheumatoid Arthritis?” The Journal of Rheumatology. 30:3 (2003): 425-30.
5. ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies. Clinical Update # 15.
6. Germano, Carl and Cabot, William. Nature’s Pain Killers. New York: Kensington Books, 1999.
7. Goldbeck, Nikki and Goldbeck, David. The Healthiest Diet in the World. New York: Penguin Putnam, Inc., 1998.
8. Healthnotes. Gaby, Alan R., Ed. A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions. New York: Random House, 2006.
9. Jaffe, Russell. The Alkaline Way: Enhance, Performance, Repair. ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies. IAACN Annual Symposium. 27-30 Aug, 1998.
10. Lipski, Elizabeth. Digestive Wellness. 3rd Ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2004.
11. Mateljan, George. The World’s Healthiest Foods. 1st Ed. Seattle: George Mateljan Foundation, 2007.
12. Murray, Michael. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 2001.
13. Murray, Michael. Total Body Tune-Up. New York: Bantam Books, 2000.
14. Pizzorno, Joseph and Murray, Michael. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 3rd Ed. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 2006.
15. Rybacki, James. The Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs 2006. New York: HarperCollins, 2006.
16. Scammell, Henry. The New Arthritis Breakthrough. 1998 Ed. Lanham, MD: M. Evans 2006.

Interested in becoming a writer for rachicks.com? We are looking for volunteers to keep the knowledge going to all our members. Interested individuals can email Niki at ra.chicks@yahoo.com

Disappointed friends

by Chronicle Disease
I hate being disappointed about something, or someone. I hate someone being disappointed about me. A few weeks ago, I wrote an email to a dear friend in which I told her that I didn’t like her being disappointed in me but that I was disappointed in myself too.

What happened?

I cancelled too often on her during the past 3 years. While the 1st year was marked by such severe hip pains which (chronically) prohibited basically all fun stuff, the 2nd year was marked by the blessing of my own little wonder: great meds. Suddenly, I was nearly pain free and nearly all cautions were gone. Nearly. I got a big ‘but’ instead.

It wasn’t visible anymore. It didn’t come with sharp knives anymore. It made people forget about my health issues. But it became my new daily fight – low energy and a weak resistance. Too little sleep? Low energy. Too much work? Low energy. Too much stress, unhealthy food, too many good/long/dancing nights? Lower energy. A combination of these? Lowest energy ever. So I had to start taking care of myself and get myself a great resistance.

But that’s a tough thing to learn. I have a ‘normal’ career job, a little less ‘normal’ social life, and combined with some ‘normal’ travelling, it feels like I’m a normal 27-year-old girl. That’s what I want. I want to be normal. I want everyone to treat me like I’m normal. I do everything to act like all is going normal.

With all the acting and wanting to be, I sometimes neglected my health big time and myself. Working over time and running behind a diary filled with appointments turned into sleeping on the couch instead of dancing at night and sometimes even being too tired to eat healthy. So, multiple times during the past 3 years, my body wanted me to slow down. And showed that rigorously. I got two big infections, a few weird bugs, continuous tiredness, crazy recurring headaches, and sometimes, hip pains. And it caused that I had to cancel quite a few times on friends.

My friend set her limit on my cancelling. And told me so.

I hardly ever set a limit. My health does. I don’t like talking about health stuff. I don’t like to complain about my tiredness. I don’t want to be a pity-case. I want to be ‘normal’. So my friend couldn’t read my mind when I cancelled, nor had a clear idea how I was really doing.

However, thanks to my friend, I have learnt my lesson. I should take my health and problems to the stage once in a while, so that I don’t have to act ‘normal’, and my best friends become actors in my ‘so called life’ show. They get the big roles they deserve and that I (secretly) would love them to give.

So, I’ve started being more honest about how I’m doing. Revealing my real feelings. It takes friendships to another level, and myself too. But, of course, sometimes it’s also great to leave heavy stuff back stage, and put on a nice dress, some make up, heels and wear nice jewellery to forget about life as I know it.

Share the happy moments with your friends, but do also try and involve your friends in the rest of your life. They are the ones who can support you in the rougher times. If they know.

Interested in becoming a writer for rachicks.com? We are looking for volunteers to keep the knowledge going to all our members. Interested individuals can email Niki at ra.chicks@yahoo.com

CHRONIC PAIN IS A VICIOUS CYCLE…

by Niki Wyre

Living with chronic pain can make the most simple tasks hard to do.  It is a constant drain on you physically and emotionally.  The image above is the best diagram I have come across to show exactly how chronic pain feeds into the constant cycle.

Chronic pain can cause loss of sleep, stress, anxiety, increased pain, increased depression and more.  Getting out of this cycle can be almost impossible to do.  The best way in lessening the cycle above is by getting a doctor who will effectively manage both your pain causing condition as well as your pain levels.   Almost 80 percent of our members don’t feel that their pain is adequately managed!  That’s 4 out of 5 individuals with Autoimmune Arthritis.   If you aren’t satisfied with your current management, please talk to your doctor about it or seek another medical professional.  Some members have reported better results in keeping their pain managed by utilizing a pain management specialist.

Interested in becoming a writer for rachicks.com? We are looking for volunteers to keep the knowledge going to all our members. Interested individuals can email Niki at ra.chicks@yahoo.com.

Arthritis The Habit

by pmoyni

Think back to your youth. Remember all those admonitions, “Stand up straight!” Don’t slouch!” Well, they were not just to make you look more beautiful. They were very much health related. A straight spine balances your vertebrae. A slouch puts pressure on all the wrong places. Worse, a slouch is habit forming. It’s easier to slouch than stand, walk or sit up straight.

Fast forward to today and your older, more mature self. You have arthritis. It doesn’t really matter what your posture is; you are in pain now and you’re miserable. And, of course, when you were diagnosed, your doctor told you that there is no known cause for arthritis. And there’s no cure. So you take the pills prescribed because your doctor tells you that they will help the pain, stiffness and swelling of this awful disease. And they do! In the very short term only. The symptoms return. We need more, better, stronger drugs and they all come with horrible side effects.

One of our problems is that we expect creaky joints and stiff limbs as we get older. I mean, we’d all like to be Jack Lalanne but we lack his motivation and determination. So, what can we do? Other than pop another useless pill, that is.

There are a few very simple steps we can take. They don’t involve Baryshnikov moves or esoteric cooking or drinking weeds. Arthritis becomes a habit. We get used to slightly stooping to make movement easier and to ease the pain. That’s the habit we must break.

It takes 21 days to break a habit and make a substitution. So, you’re not going to see instant results, which is what you really want. But you will see results and you will feel lots better. Here are the steps:

1. Stop thinking “Oh poor me and my arthritis”. Make small changes. Remember your childhood admonition. Straighten that back. We all know that when arthritis pain starts, you move a little better if you stoop slightly. Desist. It’s a false fix. It will help avoid this if you stretch. Before getting out of bed in the morning, make your toes reach the bottom of your bed. Make your hands touch the ceiling. Five stretches to start.

2. When you get up, do five more stretches. You will get twinges. These particular twinges are good for you. Not pain, of course. If you feel pain, stop.

3. Into the shower. Back to the showerhead. Let a strong spray play over your neck and shoulders. You think “Oh, I don’t like to get my hair wet in the shower”. Yes, you do. It’s good for you. If possible knead neck and shoulder muscles under the spray. You might not be able to do this at first, but it will come before the 21 days are up.

4. As you creak your way around home or office, keep that back straight. Of course, it’s difficult at first. But it gets easier and it has great and long lasting results. And it ensures that you don’t wind up looking like a question mark.

5. If you are near a pool, swim. Swimming is the best possible therapy for arthritis. It energizes all our muscle groups, limbs and spine. And it is soooo good for you. Your local county has a senior center and many of these centers have really good lap pools. And it’s FREE for us wrinklies! You go in with your ID, register and they give you a card that you swipe each time you use the pool. So use your local seniors’ pool.

When you’ve completed 21 days of breaking and substituting, add a few knee bends to your stretching routine. Just simple knee bends. This is not an Olympic try-out. It’s you taking back your mobility. When you feel yourself slipping and starting to slouch, think of every beautiful baby you’ve ever seen and how they sit up with a perfectly balanced straight little back. That’s what you’re aiming for!

Would you like to submit a blog or article for our RA & Diet center? Email Niki at ra.chicks@yahoo.com to contribute.

THE REWARDS OF PET PARENTHOOD

By: Missy Chauvin

I’ve had RA for 42 years and for all those years I’ve also had pets because I absolutely love animals. Plus when you’re sore and in pain from the RA & the only thing you can do is rest on the couch, there’s nothing better than a furry friend to cuddle up with you. For the majority of my life I’ve had miniature daschunds (wiener dogs). They are the perfect pet for people with RA because they’re little & easy to carry if you need to and when they get older 90% of the time they get arthritis in their back (as they have such a long spine) so the two of you can comfort each other! Throughout the years I’ve been blessed with Tuffy, T.J. (Tuffy Junior), Penny, Oscar, O.J. (Oscar Junior), and now Molly (all mini wiener dogs). Molly is now 14 years old. She is light brown and although she can’t hear or see very well anymore, she knows the sound of my voice and whenever she hears me come home her little tail wiggles so fast that sometimes I think she might take off like a helicopter. She loves to give me kisses and she always knows when I need someone to hug or snuggle with when I’m feeling blue! She suffers from arthritis too and when she gets up in the morning, the two of us stretch and then try to walk to the stairs to go upstairs for breakfast. This is quite a task for the two of us as we both have a lot of morning stiffness. I’m sure we’d make quite the “You Tube video” on our crazy early morning routines. She somehow knows when I need comforting from the pain of my RA and I return the favor by comforting her when I see that she’s in pain too! We are the perfect pair! Sometimes in the winter when I’m so cold and my joints are very sore I’ll snuggle under a warm blanket with a heating pad and Molly will be right by my side too. In the fall when it’s damp and cold, Molly has a hard time going up and down the stairs, it’s then that I carry her and I know on the days that I’m so sore that I can barely do the stairs that she’d carry me too if she could! Instead she waits for me patiently at the top of the stairs and when I finally get there she gives me a reward by licking my face as if congratulating me for achieving such a hard task. I know that I won’t have too many years left with her because daschunds usually don’t live much longer than 16 years old. When Molly is gone I know that I will have a deep hole in my heart because I will have not only lost a dear friend but also someone who’s shared the ups and downs of my daily life with RA. It’s hard enough to find such incredible human friends but it’s even harder to find such remarkable furry friends that bond with you for a lifetime. I know that I’ll probably get another dog because my life just wouldn’t be complete without a pet in it but I don’t think I’ll ever find another “Molly.” I’m sure there are many people out there that have special pets in their lives too and you can relate to the closeness you can feel with a dog like Molly. For now I will cherish each and every day and all the special moments that I have left with Molly because I know our time together is limited. I only hope that when she does pass away that she’ll remember all the good times we had together not the pain that her arthritis caused her. I hope and pray for the same thing for myself! I want to remember all the good times, people and pets in my life (the important things) not the RA that weakened my body but not my soul!