Am I ill? A post I read today prompted me to consider this...

[Brushwork]

Am I ill?

I have a chronic disease with a couple of bolt on secondary conditions. Does that make me ill?

My answer has to be no, not ill. RA and its sidekicks cause me to feel unwell and in pain at times but I am not ill.

RA is a gremlin in my DNA, it is a part of me, it needs to be kept in its box because when it escapes it causes destruction, mayhem, exhaustion and pain. But - I am not ill.

I do battle with the gremlin inside me, but it doesn't define me, it is a part of me but not the whole me, it just is what it is and I live with it, sometimes struggle with it but I am not ill. I am fine, mostly...

[Soundofmusic52]

Good description we have no choice but to live with it 🎄🎅🏼

[sylvi]

That is very good darling.xxx

[Green230461]

What a great way to describe RA! I fully agree we are not ill. And those little gremlins causing problems in our bodies do it for fun which is why the ache is never in the same place twice. I definitely have the crazy one with the Mohican in me .......

[springcross]

Great description Brushwork. xx

[allanah]

Deep thinking . I always think , I just live with pain but try to live well !

[AgedCrone]

No we should not regard our selves as ill....that way just lies misery and a sense of hopelessness....that is not what we should succumb to.As you say.....we happen to have RA.....it certainly is not the definition of who or what we are.

If other people don’t understand the disease....that is their problem not ours we are dealing with it and we will beat it.....eventually!

[Gnarli]

Beautifully put

[Gigi71]

Well put Brushwork, you have described having RD, plus add ons so well. X

[ldwilliams]

unwell is another word for ill

[Brushwork in reply to ldwilliams]

Perhaps, but for me even being unwell is a passing phase, rather like having a cold. RA or RD is not an illness, it is a chronic disease. It can cause so many problems, I know, but we have to deal with it in a way that doesn't impede or invade all of our being, it really must not define us.I am also Dyslexic but that too is just part of me.

We live with the body and the DNA we are given. We then make choices about how we thrive and enjoy our time on this wonderful planet. We adapt and overcome, we are in control (not completely as RA has a mind of its own), but we make our own decisions.

I completely understand and accept that for some people being a victim or a prisoner of their DNA/condition or whatever, is the way forward, it brings them some rewards. Some never 'own' their condition, and seek help for every aspect, never being in control. This is fine, for some people. I also understand that there are many who fall between the extremes.

Not everyone wants to know all there is to know about the conditions contained within. I do, I want to know It/them, I want to understand, I want to do all I can to allow it/them to sleep or step aside, while I get on with living.

[Sheila_G]

Absolutely right. I look on it more of a condition to be dealt with rather than an illness.

[stbernhard]

Very well said, Brushwork, I live with my chronic conditions, but I am the boss. We are not defined by what we cannot do, but by what we can do. Thanks for your post.

[Goldsky]

Brushwork, you have put into words exactly, exactly how I feel thank you.RA is like Covid it is a gremlin that has to be kept in it’s box. We are so, so lucky these days to have drugs to help us and clinicians who understand our condition.

I try to stay positive because what is the alternative?

Thank you so much for voicing my thoughts.

I do hope you go well and enjoy the Festive Season.

[Typsey]

Absolutely. Well said. I try and just get on with life and live it . Deal with the gremlins when they appear then just move on. 🤗🤗

[AgedCrone]

How refreshing Brushwork, May you live a long & happy life accepting your RA, dealing with it bravely & so sensibly.

As you say we are not ill..unfortunate yes, bit wobbly at times, but on the whole life is what you make it & you seem to have it sussed good & proper! Just seen this is a 3 year old post..hope everyone is still happily carrying on!