Mind Over Matter So I get it, Arthritis is painful, and it sucks. Having to live with this never ending pain. Never knowing that "normal" or one day without pain is. Especially at a young age. I was diagnosed when I was just under 2 years old. I started showing symptoms at 6 months old. I have grown up not knowing normal. On top of the natural problems growing up, I've also had this. I'm not turning this into a pity party, I am actually glad I have arthritis, but it would be nice to go one day without feeling like I was hit by a car. Now when I said I am glad I have arthritis, I didn't mean I was glad to actually have the disease. I didn't mean that I want it. I'm just saying it could be much worse, or it could be thrown on someone else who may not be able to handle it. Plus it has made me a stronger and overall better person. Back to the constant pain, there is a way to control it. Mind over matter. You know how when you are doing something you love, you forget everything else in the world? Or when you have to do some physical activity and don't feel pain? That is what I'm talking about. Think of the aches and pains from this as just a little obstacle. Once you get that into your head, it is so much easier to cope with the pain. You can make yourself not think about the pain and bam! You don't feel it. Just don't think about it. I know those of us with arthritis have a tendency to blow this up into a huge issue. I am guilty as charged. But this is one of the biggest parts of our lives, if not the biggest part. So just take these tips and hopefully you can cope better. Support and Flares So this last weekend I went to this support group/mini Arthritis conference like thing and it was fun... up until the day after it was all over... I am having problems now because I ignored my body and didn't stop at my limit. It is frustrating for me and those who have to be around me and take care of me because... it was stupid and now nobody is happy. It was my own stupidity, I will admit that. But when people are insensitive about it or treating me somewhat poorly... it just makes it all worse. I get that it was a mistake, ok? People like to rub it in or whatever, like I don't deserve sympathy because it is my fault. Well news flash, it isn't entirely my fault. I completely and totally place all blame on arthritis. But in all seriousness.... I get that it was my fault, just please let it drop. Holding our mistake against us will not help us or you. Please let it go and show sympathy. Because days like this, I don't need a lecture. That is the last thing I need. I knew my limit, but keeping up with others who don't have the same limit as me and are more able physically, I forget my limits. And then that's where this happens. It's a vicious cycle. It's tempting to do the 'I told you so' and point out that you knew better, but it just makes us snappier and both parties will be even less happy. So please just do us a favor, bring the pain pills and food and leave the lecture. For everyone's sake. back - (Page 6) - next