Quote From: onehotdiva Dear Melitta
I am so sorry of your new diagnosis of RA. I have been diagnosed with Lupus for 13 yrs. I know how you feel about feeling guilty making your family suffer too over your illness. I have been on steroids
and chemo since diagnosis. I am 55 yr old an RN who works part time 30 hrs a week, has a 16 yr
old son and husband. When I'm having a flare up some times I can't function normally. My brain
doesn't work right, I am a Case Manager for a managed care co. I am no longer able to do bedside
nursing due to my illness. Chronic diseases impact every one not only the patient. but famly, friends and employers. I find If I'm open
and upfront about my illness to my employer and family I get a better response to help me when I
need it. People are very receptive to help if they know you really need help and when you are better
you'll function on your own. I know we don't want to be helpless and dependent on others but sometimes you have no accept help when you need it. I find support groups @ my church are also helpful. Keeping my mind busy and as active as possible also helps. and faith in God to see my through the hard times. God Bless you. I will pray for you
sincerely
shirley
Dearest Shirley,
I can't thank you enough for your reply, kind words and prayers.
I am hoping that one of these days they are going to find a medication that will ease some of the guilt by making me more self-reliant, and until then I am really trying to ask for help without taking on guilt.
I will also keep you in my prayers in hopes that pain free days out-number the others.
Blessings,
Melitta
