All posts filed under: RA Solutions

These are the things I do to hep me cope with my RA.

Memory Palace for those precious memories

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I’m sure that you have heard how helpful a memory palace can be.   Generally, a memory palace is a system for remembering information.  It is a very special system and can be used in a variety of ways. It is an excellent way to store all your favorite memories so you know where they are located.  It is a place to visit when you want to feel good.  The memory of a feeling, the  feel of a breeze on your cheek. The smell of the fresh morning air. Hugging your chubby baby. Hearing your favorite guy laugh. The good feelings of friends and family happy together. Happy carefree times with children. Valuable memories. It can be memories of favorite books, movies maybe. A memory palace can be anything. Mine is a comfortable old white house with a wrap around porch. An old fashioned wooden screen door. Hardwood floors. Library where many of my memories are stored. A kitchen. Back porch and trees.   I can add rooms but I do think mood more than specifics. I can …

Surviving Covid-19 with RA

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Those with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to become ill with covid-19 and they are more likely to be hospitalized or die. In addition, if you are on an immune suppressing biologic your  covid-19 vaccine will only be about 65% effective as opposed to the 95% coverage most people enjoy. The reason that a third vaccine will soon be available to those who are immune compromised is because those hospitalized with breakthrough infections are from the immune compromised group. This is not a booster shot. It is a third vaccine. Those with RA who are on an immune suppressing biologic will be eligible. Although those who had RA were included in the vaccine studies, those with RA who were on biologics were disqualified from participating.  So, there was no data on the effect of immune suppressing drugs such as the biologics on the effect of the vaccine. The vaccine is safe for those with RA. Protection from the virus is limited for those on the biologics. It has been found  that those with RA who …

RA Solutions Gardening

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I have the misfortune of having a painfully, progressing rheumatoid arthritis. My RA started when I was older. An older onset RA tends to be more severe like it is trying to make up past time. After eight years, most of my joints are affected. I have neuropathy in my feet and joint damage in my hands and feet. I walk with a cane when I’m out and frequently use a walker to get around at home. I am disabled. It has taken me a long time to admit it. But the upside is that I can make changes to my life so that I can manage in spite of disability. The long cozy nights by the fire have given way to the longer days of spring. It is time to be out in the garden. My roses were amazing all through May. My clematis is covered in large dark blue flowers. Hosta fill one corner of my patio. All my herbs have renewed themselves. I enjoy the fruits of past garden labors and am …