Anyone else with rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune disease?

[Kfults]

I thought I would start a thread for anyone else dealing with an autoimmune disease. I have recently been diagnosed with Autoimmune Inflammatory arthritis.
I had to retire after 27 years of nursing because my body could no longer handle the stress or physical demands.
My husband supported my chicken endeavor because he knew I needed something to do and needed a little physical activity. The chickens also help with the loneliness of being isolated with this disease. I thought this could be a safe supportive place for those dealing with this chronic illness ( and fellow chicken lovers)

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Does juvenile diabetes count? I also have pretty bad arthritis that isn't rheumatoid. I'm looking at my fourth joint replacement this year. Chronic diseases stink in any form. They never go away. It's like dragging a box of rocks everywhere you go and it gets heavier every year.

My one grandpa had rheumatoid arthritis. His hands were pretty crippled. It's a horrible thing. I'm so sorry.

 

[ChickNanny13]

My Mom suffered from COPD, rheumatoid arthritis & shingles pain ... My Dad suffered from dementia ... It's so very hard for us to see such strong people affected with these horrible ailments Yes, chickens are great therapy & stress relief

 

[Kfults]

Does juvenile diabetes count? I also have pretty bad arthritis that isn't rheumatoid. I'm looking at my fourth joint replacement this year. Chronic diseases stink in any form. They never go away. It's like dragging a box of rocks everywhere you go and it gets heavier every year.

My one grandpa had rheumatoid arthritis. His hands were pretty crippled. It's a horrible thing. I'm so sorry.

Living with any chronic painful illness sucks! Robs you of the life you want to live! Prayers for a safe and successful surgery!

 

[Kfults]

My Mom suffered from COPD, rheumatoid arthritis & shingles pain ... My Dad suffered from dementia ... It's so very hard for us to see such strong people affected with these horrible ailments Yes, chickens are great therapy & stress relief

My doctor called my chickens therapy, he asks about them when I see him

 

[ChickNanny13]

They really are

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

When I went through chemo my chemo doctor told me to stay away from my chickens. I of course didn't listen. I put on my mask and went out and fed them and watched them. They helped me get through a lot of tough things in my life, them and my dogs were my main source of hope and comfort and continue to be daily in my life.

A chicken sees every day as the best day ever. I love their optimism, and they keep me positive and looking forward.

Living with any chronic painful illness sucks! Robs you of the life you want to live! Prayers for a safe and successful surgery!

Thank you so much. I have spent many years wanting better, but have come to terms with this being my life. I try to count my blessings these days and I try to not to be too down.

I will be only 51 years old when I get my fourth joint replacement, my first shoulder was at age 35, so though I'm not really old I feel very old. Thankfully like you I have a wonderful husband who helps me out, and gets me through all the surgeries I've had.

I hope you are able to comfortably manage your arthritis. It's such a generic term that sounds so normal, but for some it's extremely debilitating, and cannot always been seen outwardly so others do not understand what it feels like.

My Mom suffered from COPD, rheumatoid arthritis & shingles pain ... My Dad suffered from dementia ... It's so very hard for us to see such strong people affected with these horrible ailments Yes, chickens are great therapy & stress relief

I'm so sorry about your parents. It is hard watching our parents age.

 

[ChickNanny13]

@oldhenlikesdogs Praying for you as you go through your treatments & wishing you the best. Yes, our "pets" keep us going and animals could teach us humans alot more if only we'd take the time to listen.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

I have and suffer from psoriasis. When a serious outbreak occurs it can be so debilitating both physically & mentally.
Thankfully most of the time I keep it in check & at bay with steroid creams. An infection (mainly strep ones) sure cause the worst outbreaks for me. My last serious outbreak was horrendous. All the skin on my hands came away and my whole body was covered in patches. Raw red skin on the hands to the point of not being able to move them without then cracking & bleeding. Generally looking horrible all over really does knock your confidence. Especially if you go out & people stare. From a tonsillitis infection my immune system went in to full blown overdrive on attacking itself.
I’m being monitored for now for psoriatic arthritis. Always had aches & pains in my joints but for now it’s not too bad but who knows in the future.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have and suffer from psoriasis. When a serious outbreak occurs it can be so debilitating both physically & mentally.
Thankfully most of the time I keep it in check & at bay with steroid creams. An infection (mainly strep ones) sure cause the worst outbreaks for me. My last serious outbreak was horrendous. All the skin on my hands came away and my whole body was covered in patches. Raw red skin on the hands to the point of not being able to move them without then cracking & bleeding. Generally looking horrible all over really does knock your confidence. Especially if you go out & people stare. From a tonsillitis infection my immune system went in to full blown overdrive on attacking itself.
I’m being monitored for now for psoriatic arthritis. Always had aches & pains in my joints but for now it’s not too bad but who knows in the future.

I cannot even begin to imagine what that feels like.