Welcome to The Rheuma Mill!
Hello out there and welcome to my Rheumatoid Arthritis blog!
The Rheuma Mill is designed for all those of the rheumatoid arthritis community. That includes anyone who has a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis or are connected to rheumatoid arthritis through someone you know and/or care about. This forum is a place where all of us can meet, compare, vent or offer advice. It’s been a place where people have come to discuss symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis medication and treatments that have worked and just how to cope with rheumatoid arthritis in daily life. You can join our discussions in The Rheuma Room here.
Gosh, if you had told me 2 years ago that I would be starting my own blog, I would’ve thought ‘ppffttt, got no time for THAT!’. If you had told me I would write a blog on rheumatoid arthritis, I would KNOW that you need to go to Spec Savers cos you talkin’ to the wrong person. But here I am, starting my first blog… not about food, not about travel, not about fitness but about Rheumatoid Arthritis. Who would’ve thought? When they say ‘you never know where life leads you’ well, no kidding because I would never have thought that I would be here writing a blog about arthritis. About MY personal experience with rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
It’s my worst nightmare is what it is! It’s something I thought only affected old people. Like old, old. Like 1 foot in the grave, you don’t use your joints much at that age, old. Not 38 years old, old. It’s an affliction that changes your life as you know it. It makes you not recognise your own body, your own strong, healthy active body. Clinically, it’s an autoimmune disease that affects your joints. The joints it affects differs from person to person but in my case, it’s ALL my joints. Luck me right?!
Why blog about it?
Because I needed (still need) a way to process the grief. Grief? What died? My life felt like it had died, my body felt like it had died, my happiness, my confidence, my sleep… everything in me felt like it died. At 38, it’s not a common thing amongst my peers, my colleagues or even my family. I had no-one to talk to about it who could understand what I was going through and what I was going through honestly felt like hell. This is my way to talk about it, hopefully with others, about what it’s like to live with this disease.
Have you seen those zombie movies where just about the whole world population has been eradicated by a virus or plague? Think Will Smith – I am legend. In those movies there is usually a survivor on a radio trying to make contact with other survivors. ‘Hello, is anyone out there? I too am a survivor. I have food, shelter, medication and weapons. If you’re out there, please respond. You are not alone. Together we can find the cure.’
Well, this is my attempt at being Will Smith minus the food, shelter, medication and weapons. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a friend for people like you. If you don’t need help now that’ll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you, but if you do, I will look for you, I will find you and I will HELP YOU. Gosh… sounds like something out of a Liam Neeson movie…..
What you can do!
Be a Will Smith and help others with your Rheumas! It WILL make you feel better. Contribute to The Rheuma Mill by sharing your story in the Rheuma Room or join our Facebook community. Feeling shy? CONTACT me privately. I’d love to hear from you.
Hi I’m just trying to figure out whether I should be tested or go to a rheumatologist, I started looking into why my eyes are so blood shot and hurting all the time, regular eye dr. Can’t figure it out. then as I read on, I have a lot of symptoms, swollen 1rst knuckles in my hands, pain in both feet, nodules in my arches, pain in my big toe joints, numbness in toes and fingers, Carple tunnel in both hands, and fatigue and the list goes on any comments or thoughts would be appreciated, thank you
Hi Lauri! From what you’re describing, I definitely think it’s worth going to see a rheumatologist. Symptoms of RA can get very bad very quickly and it’s important to start treatment early to control the inflammation, if that is the cause of your ailments. You definitely do not want to let it get out of hand. If it is rheumatoid arthritis and it’s not being treated, it can lead to permanent joint damage. I am actually just finishing an article about how to get the best out of your first appointment with a rheumatologist which I will publish in the next few days. You may want to come back to read up on that or subscribe so you can be notified. Keep in touch and let me know how you go, I’ll help any way that I can. Can you also let me know how you found The Rheuma Mill?
Thanks for recommending the best cbd oil for pain
What a great blog! Thank you so much for shining a light on RA. I really like your sense of humor and have ordered Omegawalk shoes based on your recommendation. I can’t wait for them to arrive! I need some motivation to start walking and exercising again.
Hi Viviane! Thank you so much for your kind words and contribution to The Rheuma Mill. Let me know how you go with the shoes! I am absolutely in love with my Omegawalk shoes! If you love them as much as I do, please leave a review on the page. http://www.therheumamill.com/shoes-for-rheumatoid-arthritis. I don’t know if you have seen my free stretch & exercise program? Check it out! http://www.therheumamill.com/stretch-exercise-program
What a great blog! As someone who has had RA for many years, it’s great to have a centralized platform to find relevant information pertaining to our disease. Thank you for your time and efforts.
Hi Brandon! Welcome to The Rheuma Mill and a big thank you for your contribution. It means so much to have your support.
Hi Maly,
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your blog and the time you take to help me on my journey. You’ve made it so much easier and less stressful. Your resources page was a Godsend when I needed it most. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Great blog! Thanks for shining a light on our disease. It’s great to see someone taking time to help others in our shoes. Looking forward to learning more.
Hi Manat! Thank you so much for your contribution and kind comments. It’s my absolute pleasure! I’d love to hear more about your journey. Please share it in The Rheuma Room or email me. Best wishes.
Hi Marilyn! Thank you so much for your kind words. It means so much to me. It validates what I’m doing and pushes me to keep going. Always here for you or anyone who needs it.
Lots of great resources here for RA. Thank you and keep it up warrior! I’m going to be a regular of your resources page.
Hеllо! Great blog. Nice to have something not so girly. RA affects us men too. Subscribed and got my handy guide. Thanks
Just purchased your book and thought I’d check out your blog. Really enjoying the book. It’s a great little resource especially for beginners looking to add natural remedies to their lifestyle.
Thank you for shining a light on rheumatoid arthritis! Great blog. Subscribed.
Hi Joyce! Thank you for your comment and compliment. Welcome!
Hi Rachel! Thank you for your purchase and feedback!
Hi Mike! Thanks for your comment and feedback. I try to make The Rheuma Mill as inclusive as possible!
Hi Kevin! Thanks for your comments and feedback. My resources page is very popular indeed. http://www.therheumamill.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-resources