February 2 is Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day. Rheumatoid disease affects nearly 1.3 million adults and 294,000 children in America. There is no cure. Most people think it is the “creaky joint” type of arthritis, but that is not true. Please read more information from a previous blog regarding my experience with this disease by clicking here.
How does having this unpredictable disease mesh with full-time RVing? We are only in our first month, so it’s better to answer that question next year on the same date. There is no debate that since early retirement and living and traveling in the RV full time, symptoms have improved and flares have decreased in frequency and severity. Eliminating the stress on my hands, wrists, and psyche has done wonders, as it would for any rheumatoid patient. Adequate sleep, increased exercise, and fresh air make a world of difference in pain levels and attitude. This modified remission is something I do not take for granted. My body can attack at any given time, and sometimes it shows no mercy. My goal is to make the most of the good days, self-care in the bad days, and live life to the absolute fullest at every opportunity.
For information on this disease from the Mayo Clinic, please click here.
If you feel led to donate, volunteer, or get more information from the American College of Rheumatology, please click here.
Are there any other RVers or rheumatoid patients with similar experiences? Please comment so we can all support one another.
Happy Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day.
With much love, Dawn.
Sorry to hear you’re suffering with RA but glad that things are better on the road. I think fresh air, sunshine and exercise are good for almost anything that ails you, if only to take your mind off your problems for a while. Happy travels!
Thank you. I agree with you, for sure!
We are hoping RV Life will have the same effects for Brad though his back/neck issues are different but still hoping that the change of environment will help him. And you have a comments box!! Did you sort it or did I miss it before?
The change in environment definitely does help, at least for me–but it depends on the condition. To me, it’s more tolerable to see an amazing view from my front window then cooped up in a sticks and bricks concentrating on what I can’t get done. RV life is definitely agreeing with us. No regrets. The comments box is usually at the bottom, but I’ve heard they’ve had technical issues with the comments, so that may have been it. I appreciate you stopping by! I love following your process (and I love your writing style!). Dawn
Well thanks for the compliment! I just write like I talk, definitely not Shakespeare over here but I am a female so talking I have down pat!! LOL