The river is wide.... fibromyalgia & rheumatoid arthritis enriched life

Winter preparation 2012

2011-11-05T23:38:00.000Z

Winters are different if you have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. There are a list of things to do: Checks: Flu jabs - I can no longer take this, had a severe allergy reaction two years ago. Central heating is working Larder and fridge stocked up for bad weather days and have instant food for flares Double check your utility tariffs - you don't want to be caught with surprise

Arthritis and fibromyalgia - impact on my life in numbers

2011-11-03T23:33:00.002Z

It has been 10 years since I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and about 11.5 since my RA started. Impact? Post grad degree finished: 1 Post doc position: 0 Broke up with boy friend: 1 Getting married: 1 Suspension of studies because of RA/Fibro: 1 Number of years without a job: 1-2 Number of years with part time job: 2 Number of years settling for an overqualified job: 5.5 Almost knocked down

Being the "weird woman" on the bus

2011-10-14T19:30:00.000+01:00

This article was first written about two years ago, but I was so tired, that I had not realized that I did not press the "publish" button then. There were lots of problems with the writing, and I can't resist editing the more horrible ones. Other than that, it is what it was. I am so glad that I did not get into trouble with the teenager. p/s: I took the bus, because it was less crowded, and I

Those were the days - being told to "get a life" was "oh so common"

2011-10-12T15:10:00.003+01:00

I am down with a cold today, and have a little "fogginess". This blog had been "abandoned" for a while - it has been very painful to revisit the difficult times, and be totally surprised not only by what I had written, but how the posts were written. I have been shocked so many times by the grammar, spelling errors and places where I seemed to have skipped words in a sentence - all due to my "

Exercise helps for CFS? Check the definition

2011-03-05T20:42:00.001Z

There is a very good article in New York Times, explaining the findings of a study published last month in The Lancet, which reported that exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy could help people with the illness. That study is already quite well known, and used as a basis to push many CFS and fibromyalgia patients to exercise. My doctor had also suggested me to exercise, and to "be positive

Still alive and kicking!

2011-02-26T22:04:00.002Z

I am still alive an kicking! In fact, I am better than ever. RA and fibromyalgia still rears its head often, and can cause pain and problems, but most of the time, I am pretty alright. My mantra is simply God grant me the serenity, to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things i can and the wisdom to know the difference. I guess, my "prayer" is mostly answered. There

My weather predicting bones...

2009-11-20T17:54:00.000Z

agrees with the weather prediction man. I am aching all over!!Saturday day weather Heavy Rain Max: 15°C 59°F Sunrise: 07:29 Sunday day weather Heavy Rain Max: 12°C 54°F Sunrise: 07:31 Monday day weather Grey Cloud Max: 14°C 57°F Sunrise: 07:32 Tuesday day weather White Cloud Max: 16°C 61°F Sunrise: 07:34

Tired on the bus....

2009-10-31T02:44:00.000Z

The bus journeys are getting interesting. To reduce the risk of getting H1N1 or swine flu, I have been taking bus bus to avoid the crowded trains. Besides, I find taking the bus is usually warmer now that winter is almost here. A few days ago, I was mildly verbally abused by a girl - one of those angry teenagers.I was so tired, than I sat totally zoned out on the bus. As my hands were totally

Being the "weird woman" on the bus - in the name of flu prevention

2009-10-29T00:54:00.002Z

These days I look like a hypochondriac on the bus – “washing” my hands with alcohol gel after touching any surface, and trying to keep a tiny bit of the window open despite the slight chill. It is better to have slightly cooler temperature than being stuck for one hour in a poorly ventilated bus when it comes to transmission of flu (whether it the garden variety or swine flu) and all those cold

Swine flu or H1N1 virus - does it affect people with arthritis more?

2009-10-26T23:38:00.001Z

I have been keeping an eye about the latest developments of swine flu and checking the websites. The information on the Arthritis Care website is rather generic, I would say, compared to the information in Arthritis Foundation website which provided H1N1 information that is more specific to arthritis patients. Many of us would probably be on some immunosupressants which puts us on an increased

Cheap heater fans are perhaps not that great - "to invest" in better ones

2009-10-23T01:42:00.001+01:00

The cheap heater fan I bought in the high street store for next to nothing got really noisy. I was really afraid that it would break! At the end, I decided to send it back to the shop, while I could. Since the heater fan was really a good idea, I did not intend to give up on it, and decided to invest in something better. Surprise, surprise.. Amazon and Ebay still produced the cheapest options.

Fan heater - it is actually economical!

2009-10-21T23:51:00.002+01:00

I got a little fan heater :) It is just a tiny gadget and it consumes 2.4kW. Now that the weather is that that cold yet, I just need to turn it on for about 5 minutes every morning when I wake up and change and another 5 minutes when I get home so that it is all warm and toasty when I change. Because it is portable, and I literally "POINT n BLOW" to warm up a section. And I learned a

Winter heating - storage heaters are not that economical at all!

2009-10-20T00:24:00.000+01:00

Storage heaters are false economical solutions - I think. Although they use the "off peak" night time electricity to charge up (at about half the day time rate), it is still seven hours of electricity consumption per day. To make things worse, they make the room too warm in the early morning - when they are warm enough and start discharging the heat, but the room would not be warm enough in the

Signs that you are not keeping warm enough?

2009-10-19T00:01:00.001+01:00

When winter comes, keeping warm is a decision - do you want to spend that money to keep warm? Like many people, we try not to turn on the heating until November. Turning on the heating "on demand" would result in sky high bills. I have been putting on layers since the beginning of October, and going to bed early, before I really feel the chill. Perhaps that is a bad idea. I am now beginning

Autumn...

2009-10-13T15:06:00.000+01:00

It is that time of the year again. The colours begin to change, and Mother Earth is preparing itself for a long good rest.And it is also the time for me to ask that question again " How do I manage my arthritis in the winter?" "How do I prevent my fibromyalgia from worsening in the winter"? I have a strange love for winter. I love its quietness, I love the opportunity for a rest. No one bothers

Sibutramine-maybe it is good to stay away if you have fibro

2009-05-26T19:30:00.005+01:00

This is purely my personal experience - not a medical adviceI found some sibutramine capsules while cleaning up. They are still good, unexpired and I have been working hard to lose weight. So, I thought why not restart these weight loss pills.The effects were obvious - I felt less hungry. However, the suspected side-effect which prompted me to stop it more than a year ago was prominent. I stopped

Calm and happy = happy joints!

2009-05-20T16:46:00.002+01:00

There is no mistake in the title. I am just reinforcing the message -- to myself. It is funny when I would advise others about staying calm and happy , when my own life had been filled with some sort of heaviness. I have not really smiled or laughed for more than 3 weeks, apart from the time I spent in the at work. Funny, isn't it? Work is heavy but at least, I have some really funny

calm and happy = happy joints

2009-05-18T19:53:00.003+01:00

A friend with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis told me that he noticed that when he is calm and happy, his joints will not give him a problem, no rheumatoid arthritis pain.When he is stressed and busy with work, his rheumatoid arthristis flares up. How true! That is the character of this disease which make rheumatoid arthritis so difficult ot manage for the patients, and wear us down

Top tips for a good night's sleep

2009-05-13T19:21:00.004+01:00

I watched a programme about ten tips to sleep well, and I thought it is a good one to note down. Many of these are stuff we already know, but it is still a useful checklist.Take a warm bath 1 hour before bed time. The key thing is the warm bath increase you core body temperature. When they body temperature drops back to normal, you relax and feel drowsy!Try squeezing and relaxing of muscle groups

Swine flu is not a problem, until it istoo late.

2009-04-30T18:50:00.004+01:00

Reading the swine flu reports and the publics comments makes me wonder, are people not worried? It is now phase 5!There are some brave people wondering what is the panic about - so many people die of flu every year, anyway. Yeah. You might think differently if you healthy 25 year old son die from it. You may feel different once you see healthy healthcare professionals die from it.Then there are

Falling behind.. the quiet resentment

2009-04-29T15:54:00.007+01:00

Being off sick is an unfortunate excuse to check out facebook and catch up with friends a little on msn while having my lunch.It is both fun, and also depressing. Without catching up with school friends, I am perfectly happy in my own world, proud of my small progress from being in bed most of the time to working slowly back to a full time job, and fit enough for my 10km walks.However, all these

down with flu

2009-04-28T21:25:00.001+01:00

feel like rubbish. Aching all over. Thankfully, RA did not FLARE up my sister calls it "swine flu".. ie I am the swine. Not funny.

Wow, I am walking so much!

2009-04-27T18:55:00.002+01:00

In my valiant attempt to loose weight and increase energy level, i decided to walk more. In fact, I walked a lot. Last week, I walked at least 25 km, and I am just counting those "long distance" walks I did, not those "usual activities" walk. On two days, I walked for 2 hours per day in the evening, covering 10 km each time.My body is still holding up, but I suspect I was overdoing it a bit. I am

Good luck, Woman. Hope he gets well soon

2009-03-25T01:56:00.004Z

My best friend, who I call "Woman" just told me some bad news. Her husband has reactive arthritis, since a few months ago. The symptoms started not long after a flu jab, and he has been getting flares since. A myriad of thoughts and feeling went through my mind, and I just wish to hug Woman tightly, and tell her, "It is alright. You will manage". Woman is a strong woman. She dealt with

No goodbyes.

2009-03-11T23:38:00.003Z

Winter was peaceful. Everything is well. Just as things seemed to get better, I started to get excruciating pain again this afternoon. Stress. Things will get better, but I must persevere.

The cost of a bath...

2008-12-23T15:12:00.000Z

Or rather, the extra cost of taking a hot bath.. I need to turn on my boiler for another 1 hour. That equals to 3 units of electricity! Gosh! what a luxury...

Fibroaction UK

2008-12-09T14:09:00.003Z

I have added the link to a new patient support group for fibromyalgia based in UK: http://www.fibroaction.org/Default.aspxThe support group was founded by Linsay Middlemiss, who had been blogging for years. This is my favourite website so far for fibro support - it has such a positive vibe there! Plenty of information and actions to raise fibro awareness! Check out their events section too.

Pay people who are ill to stay at home please, would you?

2008-12-08T14:25:00.005Z

At home today... with an stomach flattening cough, sticky sputum and a nose that can put Rudolf to shame. The URTI infection had triggered my RA and fibro symptoms. I am sore all over the place. My right wrist is swollen. Last night, my thumb and index finger was numb, and weak, ie pretty useless. thank goodness my left hand is still doing fine. so, dinner was prepared with my left hand, so is

2008-10-26T18:44:00.003Z

I had this comment for my post about keeping warm while at home."I can't believe you. You are very lucky to be able to do what you can. Some of us fibromites as you call us do not have the luxury of not working. I get my self out of bed every weekday and go to work no matter what pain level or fibrofog level. If I didn't work, I wouldn't have a home, healthcare, or food. If you are going to hurt

Slow cooker meal : Caribean Chicken

2008-10-18T19:10:00.000+01:00

Caribbean Chicken3 tbsp veg oil2 large onions, chopped4 sticks celery, chopped3 carrots, sliced500g mushrooms, sliced2 red peppers, sliced8 chicken joints, skinned400g can sliced peaches400g can pineapple chunks10 tbsp cornflour3 tsp paprika3 tbsp soy sauce3 tbsp worcestershire sauce8 tbsp malt/wine vinegar1 litre boiling watersalt & pepperFry onions, celery, carrot, mushroom and pepper in a

Autumn food - curry

2008-10-17T23:10:00.003+01:00

Kicked off the autumn winter food yesterday with curry!!I was really tired yesterday, and don't even feel like doing my simple (cheat's) curry. I decided to make something that is more easy that the simple curry - testing out cooking curry in my slow cooker!I tried a brand new recipe - with lots of lentils. Food price is going up, honey. At the rate this is going, some adjustments need to be

Keeping warm - while at home

2008-10-15T21:06:00.005+01:00

Here are some tried and tested way to keep myself warm while at home. Keeping the whole house warm is going to cost most that just keeping one or two rooms warm, we all know that. So, one of the key things that I do is decide where I want to be most of the time, and keep that room warm and toasty. In my first winter as a fibromite, I noticed that it did not take too much effort from my small

Keeping warm in winter- handy tips

2008-10-14T23:43:00.000+01:00

Keeping warm in winter is essential. Big temperature changes do seem to cause my arthritis and fibro to flare up.However, keeping the heating bill down is a challenge. Therefore, I am trying to come up with ways to keep warm this winter!

Winter 2008 for a fibromite and RA patient

2008-10-12T17:29:00.007+01:00

Winter is coming! I try my best to sound cheerful about this. In reality, I know that this is going to be a tough winter for most of us. Fuel poverty is going to be a problem for many. Keeping warm. Keeping warm in the face of electricity and gas bill increase. As for myself, I am faced with a 50% price hike. If it had cost me$100 per month in winter last year, it will be $150 this year. Factor

Obama for health care? This is what a rheumatoid arthritis patient thinks!

2008-10-12T16:48:00.005+01:00

There are many analysis of the pro and cons of the Obama vs McCain healthcare plans, and there is no need for me to even bother to analyse them. Lots of analysis that is pro-Obama and pro McCainBut how about from the perspective of someone who had a chronic, recurrent illness?How is it like for us?McCain's plan is no good fo us -people with pre-existing illnesses! No good for people who have

Back from back packing!

2008-10-01T18:07:00.003+01:00

Yes, I survived the trip, and lived to tell the tale!!RA patient back packing - woahhhhFibromite back packing - this is a small personal victory for me!I managed to survive with only a 20L back packing for a 10 day trip. My bag weighted about 7 kg, on the days I did not wear my jeans and had damp clothing. Otherwise, it was less than that. Not bad right? Take into account that the places I

The credit crunch - have you been affected?

2008-09-26T21:51:00.003+01:00

Darwin's law dictates the survival of the fittest. Cruel, but true? It is difficult to deny that there isn't an element of truth in it. When the times are hard, people would want the best from what they pay. As a worker, are you contributing as much as the other person? Are you at work, with no sick leave?Why would you employ someone with a chronic condition that requires time off now and then

Traveling!

2008-09-04T19:39:00.004+01:00

This will be my first real travel in 6 years and my second attempt to back pack after my rheumatoid arthritis started. This would be the first trip since my fibromyalgia began.I look forward to the trip with both excitement and worry. Excited, because I will be back packing with my sister, and yet at the same time, I worry about a relapse. Without hubby around, there will be no one to help me

Stiff fingers

2008-09-04T01:10:00.002+01:00

My MCP and PIP of my right hand ( and now my left too!) were swollen painful and stiff as soon as hubby went away for a few days for a meeting.I have left home without a warm breakfast these two chilling mornings. Soaking in hot water seems to help, but I am no where good enough to handle a kettle.Soldier on. To my colleagues, I am normal. Thank goodness I have always made it a point to be

If the patients say it is good....

2008-09-02T00:58:00.005+01:00

.. it is good!?It is interesting how the BMJ article on Alexander technique generated so much discussions both on the internet from medical communities and at work.There are the people who call it another crappy research, and another demanding that it needs to be proven scientifically. Does the current science knowledge base knows everything there is to know? Can't people have a little humility

New study on alexander technique for back pain - BMJ report

2008-08-27T23:25:00.000+01:00

What is already known on this topic Combined manipulation and physiotherapy-supervised strengthening exercises helps functioning moderately (1-2 activities no longer limited by back pain) Preliminary evidence suggests that massage and lessons in the Alexander technique might help in the short term What this study adds Six sessions of massage, prescription for exercise and nurse counselling, six

I am tired.

2008-08-13T20:20:00.003+01:00

This is how I feel, except that I am not so cute.RA party is in town again.Enough said.

Recovery- post massage

2008-07-26T16:31:00.002+01:00

I blew some real money on a good massage, and now I ache less, and feel more energetic. A throat infection had thrown things off balance, leaving me totally drained and in pain.Weekend is my recovery time. There is lots of work to catch up with, I brought home my work.

Sardine curry: Very simple and cheap curry recipe

2008-07-23T15:06:00.005+01:00

This is what I cooked for lunch. It is a perfect flare day food.Curry and sardine is a delicious combination and provide two great ingredients for RA patients like me. It is particularly useful when I have a flare, and too tired to cook.Here is another recipe of cheat's curry - sardine curryHere is what you need:1 table spoon of tom yam/ Thai curry paste (see my chicken curry page for photo)1 can

What to do when you have a fibromyalgia/rheumatoid arthritis flare?

2008-07-23T12:41:00.004+01:00

A flare is not fun. No, there is nothing much you could do. You are sore and painful in many places, fatigue, and perhaps even having some brain fogs. Typing, like what I am doing now, may be quite limited too.For me, a flare days means I move from bed- sleep or trying to sleep, to getting up to make myself some food (important - hunger creates more fatigue and fog, in my experience), doing

Down time

2008-07-22T11:08:00.002+01:00

After more than 1 month of this continuous low level flare, my body finally can't take it anymore. I woke up this morning, felling much more stiff, sore and tired than in the past few weeks. I am also coming down with some throat infection. I know this is my body telling me - you to rest.The warning signs are all there. I won't want to trigger a big one!So today, i rest at home. Slept. Totally

Fog, fog stay away

2008-07-19T02:45:00.003+01:00

Just half an hour ago, I found myself analysing a scientific paper, and developing a structured argument and commentary about it.It is so late at night, I am awfully tired after a long day, but still, my brain worked! I am a scientist. Yes, I am a scientist. This should be normal??Yes, and No!I had this sudden sense of "Hallelujah", "thank God", "Amitaba" "Insya Allah". Awww.. I just wished to

Are you well?

2008-07-17T01:20:00.002+01:00

This question goes to other fibro and RA bloggers, whose blogs I regularly read, whenever they stop blogging for a while.I would wonder, are they well? What kept them away from blogging?Felt better? Discovered more energy and therefore enjoying life?Felt worse? And therefore desperate for energy, and sanity to blog?I hope you all are well. I regularly read some of your blogs, and let me let you

Bruises - is it the RA or fibromyalgia?

2008-07-03T18:55:00.002+01:00

Before I my swelling starts, I would notice bruises on my arms and legs. Sometimes they even appear on the thighs.What cause the bruising? Is it linked to my fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis? Any other patients/doctors noticed the same signs ?Will someone please do the research?

I am amazing

2008-06-28T02:09:00.002+01:00

Yes I am. I am amazing. I have to remember that. This had been such a hectic week at work.I pulled myself out of bed every morning, and took the pain on my swollen feet with a grimace. It really helped. It really helped that the workplace allow people to start work as late as 10 am.I timed myself to get on a train which is empty and got myself a seat - to rest my feet before torturing it during

Still swollen..........

2008-06-28T01:41:00.002+01:00

and painful.Reward? Any rewards for this?Yes, an excuse to buy shoes. No one would have the hear to tell a women with swollen legs, and feet of changing sizes she had too many pairs of shoes.It is summer, it is the sales, so pluck up all your energy and get something!

14 days since the DIP started to swell..

2008-06-18T23:29:00.002+01:00

It had been 14 days since my DIP on my ring finger started to swell. I remember really "noticing" it on Thursday, 5th June, when it became painful at work.I was probably there since Wednesday. As usual, before any "symptoms" started, I was drinking like a parched camel finding an Oasis. When I weight myself that day, I noticed I "put" on 2.5 kg in 2 days. Clothes seemed tighter, and shoes - i

Living with Arthritis

2008-06-12T18:58:00.001+01:00

I was pleasantly suprised by the booklets published by Arthritis Care, UK. http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/LivingwithArthritisCheck it out :)

Added a "subscribe" button

2008-06-12T18:30:00.003+01:00

I have added a button for Google feed, so that any publishing from this site could appear on your Google page. I know a couple of you do pop by regularly. Thanks for your support. I must apologise that I do not write as often as I wish. There is a great deal of energy preservation going on :) Hopefully, the button is useful.

New fibro support forum (UK)

2008-05-30T08:35:00.003+01:00

There is a new fibromyalgia support forum for UK.http://www.fibro.org.uk/Hope this forum flies. Good luck. UK patients will need all the info/help in getting help from the NHS system, and understanding their rights.

A fogged moment!

2008-05-13T19:02:00.004+01:00

It was just another day at work. My manager was going to go through with me how data could be analysed with a new software.The alarm bells started to rang when I realised I had "blank" moments about what she said 5 seconds ago. Therefore, I tried to write down "notes", so that I could refer to it when I became blank again. I tried my best to listen, asked questions, get confirmation, and write

Research- Fatigue(felt) related to heart functioning!

2008-05-13T18:49:00.002+01:00

A new research published in the very respectable annals of internal Medicine showed that fatigue is related to cardiac functioning yesterday.Basically, it showed that the amount of blood pumped out by the heart is lower among individuals with high reported fatigue, both at rest and in response to stress compared to low or moderate fatigue people.The authors concluded: "This study demonstrates

Exercise made 1/3 of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients feel worse..

2008-05-13T18:40:00.005+01:00

Saw the report about exercises prescribed for CFS patients made 1/3 of them felt worse, and resulted in some of them to be bed bound for the next couple of days.I certainly feel a lot worse after a "good work out". The kind of fatigue and soreness, the flares in my joints I experience is not just plain after excercise sort of tiredness. I make no mistake about that. The jury is still really out

Getting up is hard to do..getting to work is a military plan

2008-04-30T06:48:00.005+01:00

Getting up in the morning is not easy.That is an understatement for someone with rheumatoid arthritis.How would you feel, if you wake up every morning feeling stiff and sore all over the place? You might also feel like you need a few more hours of sleep. That sense of "tiredness" is completely different from the "tiredness" that most people have.The first step of the day for someone like me is

How frequently do I blog?

2008-04-29T23:29:00.002+01:00

Rarely.Someone left a comment, wondering why I do not blog EVERYDAY. This person is starting a blog about rheumatoid arthritis (cures!) and wonder why I don't blog everyday.Hmmm... if you truly understand RA and FMS, you probably won't expect the patient to blog every single day? Only those who are very well controlled could probably do that!I hardly have the energy to blog after a full day's

TGIF!

2008-04-25T20:59:00.001+01:00

Thank God It's Friday!Although I love my job, it had been a stretch this week! I have not been feeling well, and had been sleeping late!The boiler had broken down too. It is amazing how many days it takes to "cure" a boiler.

scared.......

2008-04-13T23:22:00.002+01:00

I am scared. ...I am scared i am onto a big flare...I have had a sore throat last week, i got better, but my joints get more active, and i am really getting more tired each day.But hubby cant get it... he is fighting about he being more tired than I am this week, since he did the cooking and quite abit of the washing.When is he going the get it? I am tired beyong words. I am simply fatigued and

Alternative therapies-on BBC

2008-04-03T00:35:00.002+01:00

BBC is running a series about alternative therapies, investigated by the very good looking Professor Kathy Sykes. You could view them at this link.http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/Just need to search "alternative therapies".Last week was about reflexlogy. (This week was about meditation, but I have not viewed yet)Although they found no solid "evidence" to show how reflexology could work and therefore

The end of another work day

2008-04-03T00:29:00.002+01:00

Yes, I made it to the end of another work day. And goodness, it is only Wednesday!The week felt extremely long, since the RA is having a party right now.The good news is my GP could finally refer me to rheumatologist, after my former rheumatologist wrote a long letter that I really had RA! Bless that good man. And bless my new GP who was willing to listen and did what was needed to get pass the

Too hard to understand?

2008-04-01T23:59:00.002+01:00

I survived 4 full weeks for full time work. Amazing?Yup, I did it. Despite a bit of flare and bad stiffness in the mornings, I braved myself to work. It helps that the new place practice flexi hours, so you could go in anytime you want to before 10 am. No one bats an eye lid.The spring is here, and I am eyeing some long weekends away- a host trip will really be good for me. It is some sort of

I am fine...

2008-03-18T01:43:00.002Z

Just a note to say,I AM FINE.It has been tough... but I am ok. I braved myself and pushed myself out of my bed to work.Hanging on.The goings gets tough.. so the tough cookie gets going.

At the supermarket- can you pack your bags?

2008-02-29T11:27:00.003Z

If yes, you lucky fella.Two nights ago, I was a the checkout counter at the local supermart. I had a friend coming over, and wanted to buy some stuff, before picking him up from the station. My time was a bit tight.I went to the shortest queue. 2 persons in front of me. I saw another customer left the queue, and I was the next customer.The man had trouble packing his grocery. It took him a few

I lost 1 kg!

2008-02-29T10:30:00.006Z

Nothing to shout about?For someone with RA, fibro and PCOS, that had been pure hard work (and pain). And I have been trying to do it in such a way which will not trigger my fibro or RA. Previous plans have been foiled whenever too much exercise or too low calories caused RA flares.GYM=FLARE for me. I have to be very very careful about how much I do, type of activities and the sequence. I have

God.. in times of despair?

2008-02-23T01:46:00.000Z

Perhaps people turn to God in times of despair?I have been thinking of God, and talking about God, and used the word God, both privately and to myself many times recently.But which God I am refering to?

2008-02-21T16:55:00.002Z

I want to smile but could only sigh........I want to just concentrate on what I CAN do now.. concentrate. Yes, concentrate.

Job offer- jeopardised

2008-02-21T15:04:00.005Z

After happily telling me she will provide me a reference, and asked my future employer to approach her, she now emailed me the she cannot do so without jeopardizing my job. She asked me to tell her what to write and she "might consider" it. She "has a duty" to tell my future employer " the truth", and "telling the truth will jeopardize my job".How mean can a person be? I did not need her

Another short gym session Plus massage

2008-02-20T15:59:00.003Z

I did only about 20 minutes worth of gym.Couldn't finish the 10 minutes stationary bike. after 5-6 minutes, could see my knees hurt. I can tell you that I am scared of triggering another "full blown" flare. I cannot afford it.So, I tried to rotate the joints used. I dont think the "trainer" understood what i meant, or he had his own ideas. I dont think i could do what he recommended- it used the

Two days after another gym session

2008-02-18T13:35:00.004Z

I spent another 45 minutes in the gym 2 days ago.Now I see "results" of my workout:Joints: swollen.Muscles: sore.Sigh. Sigh. The body is broken but the soul is not. I will have another gym session tonight! Perhaps all I need is just a little sports massage.

Her last words: shivers down my spine

2008-02-18T03:16:00.003Z

Great things: Job offer received!Worry: The woman's last, parting words. She has to tell the truth in my reference. The tone and the way she said it sent chills down my spine. Trouble. Well, she only wanted me to know how references work , and its importance to get the next employment.Sigh...She just got to tell the red words, perhaps keep the blue and leave out the black?She arrive late

Hurt by peanuts

2008-02-14T15:45:00.003Z

I love peanuts-In fact I love any type of NUTS!But nuts are a luxury nowadays-Many types are expensive. Because of the health benefits, nuts are increasingly treated like health food. I eat them because I love it.However in the recent years, eating nuts could be tough. No, I still have my teeth intact. It is just that my jaw joints would hurt. Yup, that is fibromyalgia plus Rheumatoid Arthritis.

I am a HAPPY survivor

2008-02-14T14:56:00.002Z

Yes I am. Yes I have to be.No matter what fate is writtenNo matter what shit or dirt is hurledNo matter what people sayNo matter what people doI know life is about choicesAnd everyone will have a choiceIn the worst of situationsYou either smile or cryYou cant prevent deathYou cant stop the painBut you can still decideTo smile or to cryI decide to add another "column". A column "called inspiration

50% of rheumatoid arthritis patients give up work within ten years, says new study

2008-02-11T17:43:00.002Z

Are you still in employment? How long have you been having RA?This "headline" certainly spell trouble for RA patients who are looking for a job!Fifty per cent of rheumatoid arthritis patients give up work within ten years, says new study A new study into the costs associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has shown that many people with the disease are forced to retire early.Researchers from

Lack of confidence

2008-02-11T16:27:00.002Z

At job my interview last week, I was able to "psych" myself up. I was feeling really sick, worried about my joints etc, but I was able to "psych" myself up to be positive and upbeat, between coughs and deafening sneezes. I hardly had good sleep because I was sick, but I went in to the interview feeling that I had a chance and have to fight for it. I did not get the job offer, but I knew I put in

What keeps you awake at night?

2008-02-10T03:12:00.001Z

As I am preparing for another interview, and struggling with " to tell or not to tell", I also had to prepare for some answers to questions like "why do you want to do this"?My two previous jobs were more in the commercial side, and people are often skeptical why you would give up jobs with more earning potential and "glamour" factor for less glamorous ones. And bear in mind, the person sitting

To tell or not to tell

2008-02-08T13:33:00.001Z

Perhaps it is a consolation that every CV I sent out returned an interview.However, ,I flopped at the spot where I had to account for the "gap". More than 1.5 years away from the workforce. Young professional. How do I account for that? I am bad at telling lies, but if I tell the truth... well. I have had enough of prejudice.TO tell or not to tell?

Not telling the whole truth

2008-01-28T18:14:00.000Z

I chickened out from telling the whole truth. I did not tell them I have RA and fibro.I have a bad feeling I performed badly. It is so difficult to not tell the truth. IT holds me back in many ways.

New York Times Article: Drug Approved. Is disease real?

2008-01-27T03:14:00.000Z

I saw this article which is upset many fibromyalgia patients, after reading some discussions in other blogs about it.This is a clear example of irresponsible reporting. I can't believe that we are going "backwards" again, and this article was published in the front page of NYT.What motivates the publication of articles which questions the "realness" of illnesses? Pharma bashing? It seems so easy

under payment

2008-01-26T00:34:00.001Z

just as I thought I have put behind all the problems with the previous job and moved on, I received my final pay statement."mistakes" here and there. I get paid less that I deserve.Payment in lieu of annual leave less than it should, reimbursements lumped into "salary" and therefore taxed, etc etc. I was really angry when i punch the calculator to check the weird amounts. This is really annoying.

What happens if your landlord do not provide the heating and water supply?

2008-01-25T18:12:00.001Z

What does the law say about provision of water and electricity? In this case, the tenants have just move in.The landlord need to do the "repair" within "reasonable" time. How long is reasonable? It can be days, weeks. It is very difficult to define.So, what will happen to my friends? Tonight will be particularly cold, and I cannot imagine them living in a house without any heating. They are miles

Tell me, what is "reasonable"?

2008-01-25T17:29:00.000Z

My faith in "law" is diminishing. Where is the justice?When two parties are involved, the law always seems to protect the more "powerful" party.Examples?Employment laws: To what extent are employees protected? To what extent are disabled employees, young mothers etc are protected? Although there are "acts" in place, they are pretty useless, as there are so many loop holes. "Reasonable adjustments

Life's little achievements.. like baking a cake..

2008-01-23T18:54:00.000Z

I find "little achievements" in baking. Still out of job, and waiting for responses from a few potentials, life is suddenly "quiet" again.It is almost a decade ago since RA strike me. It is not the pain which is a pain, it is the fact that it takes a way my energy. And even on days I feel totally energetic, I am still at its' mercy. If I " overdo" things, I get a flare.Full stop. So, energy is a

Blueberry cake recipes

2008-01-23T18:31:00.000Z

Tried a couple of methods to do blue berry cakes. I can summarise that there are two which are worth a go.A) Bad Day Blueberry Cake recipe- when you could still do while you have little energy, with almost guaranteed achievementB) Good Day Blueberry Cake recipe. Need a bit more work, but you could always cheap by getting an electric mixer.Bad Day Blueberry Cake recipeIngredients A pack of

Working with Rheumatoid Arthritis...know your Rights

2008-01-14T17:56:00.000Z

...and your limitations.After taking a couple of weeks off, I am now ready to go into my job search again. I have spent these few weeks reflecting on what went wrong, and what could be done better. It is very very sad but true- my RA had formed a big component of my work related problems. It is not all negative though. At times, I feel that I can understand and deal with issues better because of

Beautiful soul

2008-01-03T17:49:00.002Z

I am beautiful... I believe...The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.-- Aristotle.....for I can still feel happy, laugh, and hold my head high despite one blow after another. Not a fan of boxing/wrestling, but I understand that you are not lost no

New Year resolution

2008-01-02T07:01:00.000Z

Everyone asked me if I have new year resolutions.Nope!Was it surprising? I gave up doing these years ago. You can make a resolution anytime, and not procrastinate till the new year.

New Year, new me.

2008-01-01T04:11:00.002Z

This year, I have not failed to wish people to have a happy and HEALTHY new year.I have been telling myself not to wonder what 2008 will bring to me, but what I can do to make 2008 the best it can be for me. 2007 had been a mixed year. In 2007, I had met with such unbelievable kindness, and also saw the worse in human kind. 2007 ended in significant way for me, especially career wise. I made

Numb

2007-09-16T13:50:00.000+01:00

numb, numb.That is how I feel?No pain, no tears, no sleep, no smiles...No wish, no hope.Only silence, some resigned sighs..Resigned to a thing called fate, or destiny?Is this good enough?Is it unacceptable?Do I deserve something better?Am I not worthy at all?Do I live with it?Can I walk out of it?Am I hoping for too much?Do I deserve something less...now?Because the body is broken, so must the

Spring time energy crisis.

2007-05-09T13:42:00.000+01:00

Life seems to be getting back to near "normality"-i.e. I could juggle a few things at a time. I have been very busy at work, revising for an exam and enjoying the spring time activities!However, I go get tired very easily. I sleep in the car journeys when we go out. I slept & snored(!!!) at the end of my yoga classes, and tries hard to keep awake beyond 11pm. Last week, I had to go for a deep

Fibro---> Bruises?

2007-04-22T23:12:00.000+01:00

The cold had probably brought on my fibro. Now I have about 15 painful points, at least. My forearms are bruised, after I tried to massage myself. The bruising seems to be part of my fibro.If I dun massage, I feel that my muscles are tight and tender. If I massage I look like a battered wife.

Conquering mountains?

2007-04-22T23:05:00.000+01:00

It has always been my wish to conquer a mountain.Last week I thought I could start small, by trekking a national park, and checking out a few waterfalls. Unfortunately, my hubby passed me his cold and i was so lethargic that the trip became a "driving holiday", with me sleeping in the car. I still have a long way from being fatigued to conquering mountains.Being fibro means clumsiness is part of

trying to forget

2007-03-26T22:50:00.000+01:00

Sometimes, I try to forget that I have RA, I have fibro. Sometimes, for a couple of days in a stretch, or even a week or two, I can "forget" about these things-when I am extremely busy, and barely have extra energy to think about my health, to get bothered about the stiff hands in the morning, the achy ankle, the wobbly knees. I try to live with these discomfort, without really wanting to "notice

Best wishes for your incurable illness- an article from BMJ

2007-03-13T10:22:00.000Z

I took the liberty of reproducing the content of an article from BMJ here, as I believe many fibromyalgia and chronic illness patients will fully agree with what Trisha Greenhalgh says. Trisha's articles always strike a chord with me, as I believe she is one academic out there who truly understands patients' views.Best wishes for your incurable illness by: Trisha Greenhalgh Events which generate stress---> More fatigue,

sick leave

2007-02-21T17:31:00.000Z

Sick leaves make you unpopular.Do we have to prove that? Despite the fact that I replace my all my "sick leave"-made possible by the fact that I only work part-time, I can sense the unhappiness in my boss's reaction. Sigh.. but what do you do when you come down with a flu or a strep throat like everyone else?The other guys may just brave it all and stay in the office-productive or not, but for