I can't take credit for that realization.  it was an older friend who helped
me see that people who care about us NEED to help.  It isn't weakness on our
part, it's a meeting of our need for help and their need to do something to
make things easier for us.  I should tell Doug how his lesson took hold, one
of these days.

The kicker though is when they insist on doing something that isn't really
helping you rather then something that IS helpful.  Then I have to remind
myself it's about their need to help rather than about what I need.

Gail,
I am so happy for you.  It really makes me happy to hear that your
replacement was such a huge success.  To be out of pain and to be
walking better is the best outcome ever.  Good luck with the knee if you
have it done.
Ann

Those are my thoughts too.
Harv

I agree with you.  What I have in mind would not be covered by insurance,
but really can't justify spending the money on it.  Nobody will see most of
it.  After four pregnancies and losing 20 pounds, I really need a tummy tuck
or whatever they call it now, when they lift the whole bottom up and take
out the skin in between.  I hate the droopies I have under my arms, but I
can ignore those as long as I don't wear a sleeveless blouse or dress.

As to the rest of the questions:
1.  How many years have I had RA or a cousin?  They told me in 1960 that I
had OA, but didn't really have any symptoms for years.   They really started
getting bad in the 1980's.  In the past two or three years, Morton's
neuromas have turned up in both feet.

2.  What meds am I on?
Arthrotec, glucosamine/chondroitin, ACTIVon, Lortab for arthritis,
Cephalexin treatment to stop UTIs
Colchicine for gout of pseudo-gout,
Evoxac and Restasis for dry mouth and eyes (no indications in blood of
Sjogren's Syndrome)
Ionil Plus Shampoo for Itchy scalp
Lortab 7.5/500 for pain
Miacalcin drops for Osteopenia (to be replaced by Reclast this month on the
18th)
Neurontin for burning feet and legs
Qualiquin (quinine) and tonic water for leg cramps
Trileptal for seizures (had once in 2005, but must take if I want to drive)
Xanax for Essential Tremor (only in left hand, thank goodness)
Zoloft for depression
Multivitamin/mineral (Iron free), calcium, vitamin E for general health

3. What works?  all of the above - except knees are getting bad - consult on
TKR in three weeks.  May have to have hip replacement eventually - get
spasms when standing.

4.  What complementary practices do you use that have worked for you?
(supplements, heat, ice)  I just got a lift chair like my mom's with heat
and massage.  Oh, feels so good.  It's new and I'm having some problems with
the wave massage, but it should only need just an adjustment.
Most of my symptoms can be calmed down by getting off my feet, so I use a
stool in the kitchen for any cooking that requires time at the stove.

4. What, if anything has this disease taught you?
We were never promised that life would be fair, but how I take it is up to
me and no one else.  I've found a great deal of support here in this group.
At times, I don't feel in as bad a shape as a lot of you, and so, I feel a
little guilty.  I promise not to let that feeling out too often.  It has
helped me to understand some of the mysterious pains I have had in the past.
This newsgroup has provided me with a large group of people who understand
all the different ways that we can feel.  It has provided me with solutions
to try to different problems.

6.  What support do you have as you manage your disease?
A mom who understands and can also help me to understand different aspects
of a chronic disease.

7.  What tips do you have that help you get through your day?
There are helps for pain, but suffering is up to me, as StrangeDiva said.
When things get really rough, I go to bed with a heating pad on my pad,
elevate my knees and get lost in a good mystery or science fiction book.  I
have a cordless phone, so I can take it with me and don't have to jump
(hah!) out of the chair if I am expecting a call.

8.  What assistive devices do you use, if any?  I use the motorized carts at
the stores and amusement parks.  I use a walker, now, to get around because
my left knee and right hip are weak.  Whichever side I've used a cane on,
the other side complained.  I do use a cane to get from the car into the
restaurant when my mom and I go out for Sunday lunch to minimize the
congestion as she uses a walker, too.

9. What do you know about RA that you wished you had known when you first
developed RA.
I'm still trying to keep straight the difference between RA and OA.  I've
also learned that the best treatment is to use proven methods first.  I've
also learned that it's not going to go away, but it can be controlled
through one way or another.  So, if something doesn't work, there are other
treatments that will.

10.  What is good about today?
The sun is shining here.  I don't have any relatives in the areas threatened
by Gustav or Hanna.  Well, my son does live in Myrtle Beach, but lives an
adequate distance from the beach, so won't be affected by "surge".  Today I
feel fairly well, though my back was kicking up earlier.  The temperature is
reasonable.  I only had to run the sprinkler system once in August, so water
bill will be low.  The main thing good about today is my mom and I have good
insurance coverage and don't have to dread getting medicines that cost an
arm and a leg.  She is there for me to go to and I'm here for her.  Neither
of us has major dietary restrictions, even though she does had diabetes type
2.  And, most important of all, I have you guys to ask about various things
or to whine to when things aren't going the way I think they should.

DIane,
Two of my aunts had eyelid surgery (and I inherited their droppy eyes),
One came to live with me for two weeks because she needed help putting
the drops in her eyes and the cream stuff around the eyelids.  Yes, she
looked like she had gone 15 rounds in a heavyweight fight at first, but
the bruises faded to pretty yellows and oranges and soon she was just
fine and looked much better than before the surgery   Don't get
discouraged, you will be prettier than ever soon.
Ann