Knowing What Helps and What Doesn't

Knowing what doesn't work for me can often be just as useful as knowing what does. As my condition progresses I've been exploring and learning what is useful, helpful and working for me. But that doesn't mean that everything I try works out. Or maybe it helps at first, but then quickly doesn't help anymore.

Baths always help

Physical therapy just became one of those "not helping anymore" tools. It was helpful at first and I learned a lot about how to sit, stretch, squat and move safely without further injuring my back. But I never quite hit it off great with my physical therapist. Today I saw his assistant (a woman) who I thought would be a better fit. But once again I found myself educating her about what RA is, what my limitations are and why 90% of the exercises she was trying to do were painful/exhausting for me. (I did the same thing with the other PT. It's a spoon suck!)

You know what? I'm better off doing my own thing. Thank you PT, but I'm good now. My last bit of helpfulness was having her check out Meg and make sure I had her adjusted correctly for my height and that I'm sitting in her the way I should be. Yup! Got the green light. Now I fail to see the need to go back. 

Support is helpful.

Something recent that HAS been helping me is getting support online. I joined a website called "My RA Team." It's a bit like Facebook for people with RA all around the world. You can post how you're doing, share a picture, ask a question and comment on other people's posts. I've found it to be educational, empowering and supportive. We're all struggling with our health, so it's very reassuring and non-judgmental. 

I think a lot of people cling to what doesn't help just because it's what someone else told them it's what they're "supposed" to be doing. I tend to always question, listen to myself and follow my instincts. If something isn't working for me then I drop it.

Another recent addition that has been helping is my Lyrica. My new neurologist (who ALSO is very helpful) put me on it last Wednesday for my neuropathy. I've now slept through the night the past 3 nights in a row. Something that hasn't happened for me in about 10 years. Sleep is always helpful.