Karen and Arthritis

My Blog Has Moved

2010-02-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to tell you that I have moved my blog. It's now live on my site. Copy and paste the link below. Your commnets are welcomed and can be posted on this new blog.

http://www.karenandarthritis.com/blog/

Thanks for your support
Karen

Arthritis Support Group

2010-01-26T20:15:00.000-08:00

The NY arthritis support group met again last week and welcomed 2 new members. Topics of discussion included medicines, doctors and comfortable shoes...yes Coach was a popular suggestion! We all understand each others' pain, but also know that we need to keep things upbeat and positive. It was a good night.

Our next meeting is on March 10 at Cibo 2nd Ave between 42nd and 43rd.
Here's one of my recent emails from a 'member'.

Thank you soooo much for the email reply. I feel much better. You are amazing. Its so frustrating to have so many things wrong and not really know a cause still. But u helped me a lot. I will do all that you said. knew u could help. Feel good and thank u!

-----Original Message-----
From: Karen Ager
Sent: 10/1/2009 7:51:39 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Support needed from you because I bet you'll understand

Hi ,,,,,,,
I couldnt sleep so I checked my email. I understand all those scary feelings, frustations , anger and loneliness .
There are a couple of things I can suggest until say Saturday when we could chat at Tudor city park.

1. Go to www.karenandarthritis.com
There's a lot of info. For disease management there including a 12 step program. You are in a grieving process right now. It's okay to be angry. The website will answer most of your questions

2. Half of the battle will be about controlling negative thoughts.

3. Rest is soooooo important. Some days before I was married I'd lie in bed at Tudor city for the whole weekend

4. Fish oil take 6 capsules a day. Your body needs anti oxidants

5. Take men out of the equation for now . Too much pressure or fiddle around online while you're resting just with an attitude of fun

6. Take some time in the day to get some space and consciousness about your thoughts. Look at the leaves of the trees the water etc. Be in the moment without a fear, if only for a minute.

7. Buy the book Always Looking Up by Michael J Fox

Go to my website it will help. There's lots of tips.

Till later know that you are special and somehow your courage will make you stronger and a better person.

K x

Sent from my iPhoney

On Sep 30, 2009, at 11:51 PM, .........wrote:

Hi Karen-

How are you feeling? Well I hope.
Okay so now I just want to know if it is okay to be emailing you about the fact that I am really upset and frustrated with my health? Is it? ( I hope because there are very few people who understand what it is like to live with chronic pain and meds and drs appts). If so.. read on. If not, just press delete!!

I know I mentioned to you that I have really bad arthritis everywhere even my tmj (jaw) and there has been a pattern of drs telling me it is probably rheumatoid arthritis. Also because I have things wrong with so many dif systems in my body all my specialists have been saying that I need a rheumatologist to find the connection among all the things that are not functioning well in my body. Not like I enjoy going to drs and even though I was sick of drs by the time rheumatology was mentioned I figured I should listen and go. Plus I wanted to feel better and I figured a rheumatologist could help with that. I was told I have RA by 3 dif drs. However they did not do the bloodwork. Well some tests and RH factor was only 8 or 9 but they said I could still have RA.

I am soo mad and don't feel like there are many people (lucky for them) that can understand how lonely it can be to feel awful but not have control over feeling better.
How do you handle fear of a diagnosis that will be with you for life? 2- I feel lonely because no one knows how bad my body feels 3- I feel angry at the drs that are not thorough. 4- I am in a lot of physical pain and that makes me mad and it is interfering greatly with my quality of life, my ability to find a husband and my willingness to socialize.

I am not nornally like this. I keep trying to think positive, stay positive, but it is getting harder and harder because I do not feel physically well yet (but I hope to some day). I like to make people happy with my presence, not bring them down with my health ailments , but how can I? The last time I felt this bad, I googled arthritis support groups and found yours and found solace in knowing I would soon get to meet people in similar sitiations and also just meet new people that understand but that can also possibly be nice to socialize with and could help me learn to live a fulll life even with arthritis. Do you ever feel like you want to be very selective about who you hang out with, especially on the bad days? Maybe it is a bit dif because you are married? How did you get past the health discomforts and actually get out and date? I feel like I can never present my best self. I don't want to be touched because I hurt and I hate the way my body looks and feels. And I really like to be happy and positive and fun. I really do but I am having a very hard time right now-- because of the pain and swelling.

I know I gave you such an earful but I am just wondering if you know anything I can do to get past this point and get back to living a fun, comfortable life. And I needed to give you this background so you could get a real sense of the conflict I have-- the horrible pain so I don't want to move or be around people but the burning desire to get out in the world and have fun and socialize.

Any thoughts??

Email me. I hope it is ok that I emailed you. I won't do it often, I swear but I just felt like I needed to now because your presence and spirit and your group'smeetings have helped me.

Thanks,
////////

Angel on my Shoulder

2009-12-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

Angel on my Shoulder by Natalie Cole is the song that my sister in law and brother cried to at the lighting of the Xmas tree at the Rockefeller Center when she had finished chemo. Now the song is about hope to me. I have teamed up with Jeffrey Gottfurcht to help him make dreams of kids with RA come true. He found me on twitter and we are both working to public raise awareness. I feel like I have an angel on my shoulder these days who is also making my dreams come true despite my daily battles with this pain.

Dreams Really Do Come True

2009-12-02T20:48:00.000-08:00

Thank you Jeff www.jgcaf.org
You are giving us all hope!

Keeping Positive Without Trivializing the Disease

2009-11-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

There's a lot of blogging go on out there about RA. While I agree that it's important to be positive I also understand, after being in this RA battle for 30 years, that the disease is defiant, stubborn and disheartening at times. I also believe that the disease has been a gift and that I am a better teacher of children with learning challenges because of it. So let's be positive but keep it real :)

My next Karen and Arthritis Support (KAAS) group meeting is January 20 2010 in NYC. Venue t.b.a.
Till later
Have fun and show someone you care. Doing good makes you feel good.

Venue change

2009-11-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

Late venue change 11/18
We are now meeting at

Sinigual
640 3rd at 6 45

Flaring tonight but I always make time for this.

Karen and Arthritis Support (KAAS) Group Meeting 11/18

2009-11-14T16:54:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,
Happy Holidays. It's time to be thankful and be merry. I'd love to see as many friends/members on November 18 as possible. I believe there's nearly 15 now. So I hope to see you on:
November 18 @
Cibo Restaurant @ 6 45 p.m.
2nd Ave between 42 nd and 41 st
New York
Men get arthritis too, so all are welcome!

Adeona gives positive clinical data on arthritis drug

2009-11-14T16:29:00.000-08:00

Nov 13 (Reuters) - Adeona Pharmaceuticals Inc (AEN.A) said its experimental rheumatoid arthritis drug showed significant benefit compared with a dummy drug in a mid-stage study on full analysis, sending its shares up as much as 17 percent.

The company said data from the study, which was published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, showed that the drug dnaJP1, provided 20 percent improvement at least once on day 112, 140 or 168 of treatment.

The drug was safe and well tolerated in the study. Adeona is looking for a partner to help develop and commercialize the drug.

Karen and Arthritis Support (KAAS) Group Meeting 11/18

2009-11-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

Impact of RA on Intimate Relationships

2009-10-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
The following is a quote from Reuters:
- 68 percent of women living with rheumatoid arthritis look for new pain relief therapies to help them cope
- Almost 60 percent of women in the U.S. living with rheumatoid arthritis find intimate relations painful
- Rheumatoid arthritis played a role in 25 percent of divorces amongst women with the disease
A new survey of U.S. women living with rheumatoid arthritis RA)published today reveals that RA has a clear emotional impact on people living with the disease, with loss of self-confidence seen in their sex lives, in the workplace, and in their social lives. Survey findings suggest that almost 60 percent of women living with RA in the U.S. feel less self confident in their sex-life and over a third consistently find intimate relations painful, or have even stopped altogether.
For the full article go to www.karenandarthritis.com, click Arthritis and RA in the News.
What I know for sure: All of us with RA can support one another and help when it's not a 'Good Day.'
K x

You Go Girls & next KAAS meeting 10/18

2009-10-12T00:32:00.000-07:00

Over the years I've had many supportive parents at school helping with my dream to raise awareness about arthritis and to change the public perception of arthritis. For this to happen, authenticity of the pharmaceutical companies is key. No more actresses in ads trying to pretend they have arthritis. In September, with cautious optimism, a few of my girls from my Karen and Arthritis Support group (KAAS) attended a casting for a 'pharma' company. After many conversations about the importance of authenticity with me, those casting the commercial really listened and seem to be genuinely interested in RA awareness and the cause. This is a huge change and Abbott needs to be congratulated (so far) for this, as do those involved in casting the commercial.

Don't forget the next Karen and Arthritis Support Meeting (KAAS):
November 18
Cibo Restaurant @ 6 45 p.m.
2nd Ave between 42 nd and 41 st
New York
Men get arthritis too, so all are welcome!

Karen And Arthritis Support (KAAS)

2009-10-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

Yes my support group has a new name. I have been contacted by a few men and now realize that we can't be exclusive. So we are now KAAS which is kind of how Australians shorten Karen.
Our next meeting is:
Wednesday November 18 2009
6.45 p.m.
Cibo Restaurant - 2nd Ave between 42nd and 41st in Manhattan NYC

Every time we meet I feel happy that we have each other. All up there are about 15 members and it's growing.

Think happy thoughts and remember helping others makes you feel good.

K :)

Tips for Coping With Chronic Pain

2009-10-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Nicole,
I understand all those scary feelings, frustations , anger and loneliness .
There are a couple of things I can suggest.
1. Go to www.karenandarthritis.com
There's a lot of info. for disease management there including a 12 step program. You are in a grieving process right now. It's okay to be angry. The website will answer most of your questions
2. Half of the battle will be about controlling negative thoughts I know a great therapist called Steve at Lex and 41 st I will email you the number tomorrow
3. Rest is soooooo important. Some days I'd lie in bed at Tudor City for the whole weekend fatigued.
4. Fish oil take 6 capsules a day. Your body needs anti oxidants
5. Take men out of the equation for now . Too much pressure! Or fiddle around online while you're resting, just with an attitude of fun
6. Take some time in the day to get some space and consciousness about your thoughts. Look at the leaves of the trees, the water etc . Be in the moment without a fear if only for a minute
7. Buy the book Always looking up by Michael J Fox
Go to my website it will help
Till later, know that you are special and somehow your courage will make you stronger and a better person.
K x

Arthritis Friends Stick Together

2009-10-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Karen,
I know sometimes I give you such an earful but I am just wondering if you know anything I can do to get past this point of pain and get back to living a fun, comfortable life. The pain is horrible and I don't want to move or be around people but the burning desire to get out in the world and have fun and socialize. Any thoughts?? I hope it is ok that I emailed you. I won't do it often, I swear but I just felt like I needed to now because your presence and spirit and your group'smeetings have helped me.
Thanks,Nicole

Copied in part from Karen's personal email

Karen and Arthritis Women's Support group is growing

2009-09-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Arthritis has affected my life for so long - and I'd like to meet others who understand the disease.
Kristy (from Arthritis Meet Up)

Senator Kennedy's Arthritis Advocacy

2009-08-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

"Today, the Arthritis Foundation and the 46 million adults and the 300,000 children affected by arthritis have lost a great friend," said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. "Sen. Kennedy was an advocate and a true champion for people and children with arthritis. Through his leadership and support of the Arthritis Prevention Control and Cure Act, he fought for the needs of people with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Sen. Kennedy's family at this time."

Next KAAWS September 16 2009

2009-08-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I hope summer has been great for you all. I spent my time in Miami with my dad. What a great spirit he has!
My book is still untitled but all things are on target for a March/April 2010 release.
I am looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday September 16 at 6.45 p.m. We can confirm the NY location closer to the date. Until then have fun and smile.
Karen :)

Karen and Arthritis Women's Support

2009-08-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Karen.....I don't think I even thanked you for the gathering you put together......it was very helpful...and since I refer to it often, I thought I should let you know that it was a good intro and very informative......I'm not a great e-mailer, but am in Minneapolis for a few weeks (my home, family and good friends) and am finally responding to old e-mails.......I hope you've had/are having a great summer!.........with everything moving,flowing,freely and strong! Elaine

Thanks

2009-06-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Karen- Thanks for organizing the meeting. I feel much better and it helps to be able to talk about it with people that really understand what you are going through.
hope you are feeling well.
Will typing ever not be painful.
-Nicole

Karen and Arthritis Women's Support Group is Growing

2009-06-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
Thanks for coming along last Wednesday night to the Support Group. It was lovely to meet three new 'members.' We are all here to support one another. If you reach out we'll be there. The next meeting is set for Wednesday September 16. The place is yet to be confirmed.
In the mean time, we have the whole summer to relax a little and take a step back from the usual pace of New York.
Have some fun (even if it hurts)
Thanks again for your time. Helping others makes us all feel good.
Cheers
Karen

2009-06-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

What a successful couple of months. $4735 was raised by friends, family and students for the Arthritis Foundation in a series of events including the Arthritis Walk and a pajama day at school. I am so proud of the kids and their fundraising efforts. Thanks to everyone for their support.

The next KAAWS - karen and arthritis women's support group meeting is around the corner.

Where? Cibo Restaurant (try the bar area first)
767 Second Ave (@ 41St
When? Wednesday June 17, 2009
Time? 6.30 p.m.

We have new members :)

Have fun and take care of you!

Karen

Karen and Arthritis Women's Support Group Meeting

2009-04-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
Hi there. How are you all? I hope you are well.
This is just a brief message to let you know the time and place of the next Karen and Arthritis Women's Support Group meeting.

Where? Cibo Restaurant (back room)
767 Second Ave (@ 41St) NY NY
When? April 15, 2009
Time? 6.45 p.m.
(RSVP By April 13)

I hope to see you then.

Cheers
Karen

"Lucky Man"

2009-03-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

It is widely speculated that President Obama will sign a Bill tomorrow allowing a further research to be done on stem cells. Michael J Fox has been relentless in his efforts and campaigning in this area. It is research which may well be necessary to find a cure for chronic degenerative diseases. As he said in his book "Lucky Man." "If the potential of stem cell research is realized, it would mean an end to the suffering of millions of people-a rescue, a cure. But the potential benefits are not limited to Parkinson's. Stem cells could lead to breakthroughs in developing treatments and cures for almost any terminal or catastrophic disease you can think of." M.J. Fox, Lucky Man, Pub. Hyperion NY, p. 250

Karen and Arthrits Women's Support Group

2009-03-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for continuing to visit my site. I hope you are feeling reasonable as you read this. I have not been feeling great and am trying my third biologic. I have hope again so that is a good thing. We all need support, I can finally confirm that the date for the next Karen and Arthritis Women's Support Group (KAAWS) is Wednesday April 15, 2009 at 6.45 p.m. The venue will be a casual restaurant in midtown Manhattan. I will post the exact location the week before we meet.
Until then keeping blogging or emailing me and think happy thoughts.
Karen :)

KAAWS Meeting in March

2009-02-18T18:22:00.000-08:00

Hi Dianna,
Thank you for reaching out. I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and hope that my website has been of some help. I am still chasing a few people for a final date. The next Karen and Arthritis Women's Support group will definitely meet sometime in March. I'll try to post the date by the weekend. How is your schedule for either of the first 2 Wednesdays in March?
Thanks so much for the mail.
Keep in touch and let me know if you need anything.
Karen

Karen and Arthritis Women's Support Group

2009-01-13T15:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
Happy 2009. I wish you all laughter, love and happiness.
The first Karen and Arthritis Women's Support (KAAWS) group meeting was held in New York at the end of 08. It was a great success. The ladies who attended shared their personal stories and we gave each other some RA management tips. New friendships were also made over a glass of wine. Emails and phone numbers have since been exchanged. Our next meeting will take place at the end of February / early March. We are coordinating our schedules. The exact date and venue will be posted soon. Please feel free to join the group.
Stay tuned and remember to do one thing for yourself today that will make you feel happy.
Cheers
Karen

Karen and Arthritis Women's Support Group

2008-10-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for the emails which keep dropping into my box. By blogging on my site we can also try to reach out to a broader community and support one another.

Here are the details of my first Karen and Arthritis Women's Support Group get together. I am excited.

Date: Wednesday November 5 , 2008
Time: 6.30 p.m.
Place: Midtown Manhattan. Please contact me via my website for details.

I hope to see you there.
Remember do something to make yourself feel nice.
Karen

KarenandArthritis Womens' Support Group

2008-09-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for your interest in the KarenandArthritis Womens' Support Group. The first meeting, or should I say 'get together', will be small but I am sure it will be the start of something much bigger in the RA community. We need it. However, due to the General Assembly I am rescheduling until mid October. Please check my blog soon for final details.
Till later, remember you are not alone.
Karen

Exciting RA Event in NYC

2008-09-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Seth from Creaky Joints asked me to post this exciting event.

CreakyJoints.org will be hosting a landmark event in New York City on September 21 for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. At this FREE event, participants will learn how to live better with RA, meet experts and other patients, and enjoy a healthy lunch. People with Rheumatoid Arthritis, their family members, and/or caregivers are invited to attend. visit' target=_blank>http://www.creakyjoints.org/raevent/">visit the CreakyJoints website to RSVP and learn more.

KAAWS-Karen And Arthritis Women's Support-NYC

2008-08-12T13:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,
I am proud to announce the first meeting of the KAAWS group -
Karen and Arthritis Women's Support. It will be held on
Thursday September 25, 2008 at 7.45 p.m in midtown Manhattan. Venue - TBA

Recently, I have been contacted by many young women who are struggling to come to terms with their arthritis. These are women from all walks of life. Some are in their 20's and are fearful of their future, yet they know they must persevere with guts and determination to build a career and juggle their personal lives. Being single or dating with the disease doesn't seem to matter, their profound feelings of helplessness are the same. Then there's the women who have arthritis, along with powerful jobs, husbands and families to take care of. They're trying to 'do it all', but are feeling like they are failing. Depression or anger soon follows. We also have to face the daily intense fatigue that comes with chronic disease. It's just another thing to cope with. Whichever way you look at it, it's overwhelming.

Most women choose not to blog, preferring to contact me directly through my website where the mail automatically drops into my personal box. It's time to go public ladies! We have to because we all need each others support. Please start blogging, rather than emailing, so we can share the burden. You are not alone.

In response to these women reaching out, I have decided to start the
Karen And Arthritis Women's Support group (KAAWS). The meetings will be informal and over a glass of wine, or Pellegrino if you prefer. The first meeting will be on
Thursday September 25, 2008 at 7.45 p.m. in midtown Manhattan. The exact venue will be announced via blog as soon as I can gauge the numbers. This will be the first of many which I hope will expand across the country. The meeting is open to anyone suffering a chronic condition and any woman who feels she needs support in general. It doesn't matter whether you have arthritis or Lupus, MS, Parkinson's, or if you're a mom and feeling alone in Manhattan. Come along and talk about it; perhaps we'll even have a laugh.

For now, remember to make the present moment your friend.
Cheers
Karen

Karen on the Today Show October 11, 07

2007-10-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

To view Karen talking about Arthritis and Food on the Today Show click below

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&brand=msnbc&vid=c7b25150-7aef-497c-ac72-d887e5e5385d

DIET AND ARTHRITIS

2007-10-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

Diet and exercise are beneficial whatever arthritis you have. In fact, controlling your disease through diet is a must. Boosting your immune system is key because it is probably depleted by medications you've been on, or are on. In fact if you have arthritis it is even more reason to protect the body against the side effects of drugs. Anti oxidant rich fruits and vegetables like blueberries, strawberries, apples, broccoli and sprouts are also important because disease can create free radicals which can damage cells. Anti oxidants neutralize free radicals. So buy fruits and vegetables of various colors.

Protein rich foods also boost your immune system, repair tissue and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Think fish and beans.

For lunch I throw lettuce, carrots, kidney beans, baby tomatoes, cheese and a little tuna into a plastic container. Couple this with a little salad dressing and a slice of bread. It's the perfect lunch.
What are your thoughts about diet and arthritis?

Cheers
Karen

2007-04-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

Finally, I found a new fertility clinic in Manhattan (www.centerforhumanreprod.com) where the doctors addressed the fact that my auto immune disease might well be impacting my ability to get pregnant. I will always be grateful to Dr. Barad for his gentle understanding. However, it is now April and I have endured many injections, moments of hope and bitter disappointment. The details of which are still too upsetting to blog about. Long story short, we’ve stopped the ivf and Matt and I are working at putting the fun back into our lives. If you have an auto immune disease and you want a child, my advice is to absolutely start trying sooner rather than later.

RA and Fertility

2007-03-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

If you have RA or any type of immune system disorder and you are considering having a child, don’t. It is a controversial area and many Fertility Doctors refuse to recognize a connection. I wasted 2 years roaming around New York City trying to find answers. I thought my biggest problem was age (I am 42 now). Yes, that’s a huge part of my issue, but I didn’t know that my disease could play a part in my (in)fertility too. A great resource, if you need answers, is to go to my website: www.karenandarthritis.com and read the articles. There’s also a link to my Fertility Doctor’s site which I have no doubt will help prospective parents too, even if you are not a New Yorker.
This blog about fertility and auto immune diseases is just an introduction. I plan to take you on my journey so that you can benefit from my experiences and save precious time if you are older. I had waited all my life to meet my true love. I started dating Matt when I was 38 and married him at 40. He was 31 and not keen to start a family so quickly after our marriage. So we waited, but I quietly started my search for a Fertility Doctor in New York ‘just in case’ because of my age. This search would take over 2 years. I was horrified to learn (and experience) that fertility issues in women often meant someone was making big money. Some of these clinics were like factories. Some of these places only treated couples for one cycle, especially if they had no health insurance, and that would be it. The money was ‘put down’, services offered (often with no result) and then the clients were gone. I saw this happen when I attended a fertility clinic through necessity which was in a low income earning area. Most people had no medical insurance; they’d pay for a cycle and then disappear. It was a license to print money.
My first consultation at this clinic was a disaster. The doctor had picked up the wrong file and not bothered to check my name. I was told that my only option because of my age and my husband’s motility was a donor egg. It wasn’t until I left the clinic in tears that I realized that my husband had not yet had any fertility tests done and so what the doctor had said to me didn’t make sense. During the consultation I was so numbed by his opening line of donor egg and so overcome with emotion that I didn’t really hear the motility sentence. A day later, I received an urgent voice mail telling me of the file mix up; fortunately I had worked it out by then.
My advice is: research the clinics and don’t just accept where your insurance company recommends you to go. They often suggest the clinics that are cheaper for them. Two failed artificial inseminations followed at this particular clinic. The doctor also refused to see any correlation between my RA and my apparent infertility. Finally, I trusted my instincts and decided to research other clinics in NYC. Of course, the cockroach that ran across Matt’s foot while he was in the waiting room and the lack of variety in the videos had nothing to do with it!
Next week’s blog – New Clinic, New Hope and more setbacks.

Living with RA

2007-02-25T12:32:00.000-08:00

I've often been asked what it's like to live with RA. My answer, "it’s hard; every day is hard.” It can be painful, challenging and soul destroying but facing chronic illness is also a lesson in life. “A gift that just keeps taking,” as Michael J. Fox so eloquently puts it. So you’re thinking, “what’s the gift or the lesson?” The fact is, during any time of adversity we are forced to face the reality of who we really are, what’s important to us and whether we give in or fight. Acceptance took me 13 years, but when I got to that point, I knew I had the tools I needed to face whatever life threw at me. There’s always a challenge with RA and now I am facing fertility issues. But we’ll leave that conversation for the next Blog.

I am looking forward to “blogging” with you.
Cheers
Karen

Welcome

2006-12-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

Hello,
Welcome to my Blog. I am hoping to reach a lot people this way. So feel free to write down any thoughts you may have. They don't all have to be gloom and doom. I'd love to hear from anyone who has some humorous stories to tell as well.
Thanks for checking out my website. Please feel free to write any responses you may have down. I really hope it was helpful and that it will reach people all over the world who have auto immune diseases or who are in the supportive role.
Cheers
Karen