This is me.

[barbieg]

Hope I don’t frighten anybody. I was ready to go to a handbell concert. I used to play them, even managed 2 bells in each hand and loved it. Had to give it up when my hands got worse and have never got over the disappointment. That’s life though and I really enjoyed the concert.

[Shalf]

Hello Barbieg, Nice to meet you I feel so sad when I read and hear of folks who play instruments and get struck with RA. The hands appear to be the first and worst for many. It is a great disappointment. Do you still go to the concerts for enjoyment? You look very smiley - It makes others smile. Thank you for sharing! X

[barbieg in reply to Shalf]

I try to keep smiling, no one likes miserable people do they. It’s been a very painful year as my medication stopped working. They tried upping the dose (Sulfasalazine) but that didn’t work. I then had a depo steroid jab but that didn’t work either , so I’ve just had Methotrexate added in. Only on 3x2.5 dose at the moment, no side effects so for but it’s early days. I’m thinking ahead and picturing next year when the added Methotrexate had worked a miracle and I can go back to my handbells. I can dream can’t I?

[Shalf in reply to barbieg]

That's the best chain of thought to have! Dreams do come true alot of the time! And I agree! I prefer fun to miserable and the Photo-Sharing has been great fun! X

[BUDGIEBURDEKIN]

Playing with your bells ust take some practis.

[barbieg in reply to BUDGIEBURDEKIN]

Yes, it took some time to learn, but very rewarding when you could actually recognise the piece of music you were playing !

[BUDGIEBURDEKIN in reply to barbieg]

Certainly clever lol, I couldn’t take anything on if it involves memory lol.

[sylvi]

hat is a lovely photo of you darling not scary at all.xxxx

[barbieg in reply to sylvi]

Thank you, that’s very kind of you.

[Mmrr]

Hello and welcome lovely lady , you are not scary at all !

[Typsey]

Hi Barbieg and welcome. When I saw this picture it made me smile. What a gorgeous lady you are with a beautiful smile. I hope your hands get some relief soon, we all know what it’s like but as you say keep smiling cos it has a wonderful effect on everyone. Take care x