Introducing the Tin Mom - Annette Beach

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About Annette Beach

My name is Annette Beach and I have been a member of the Arthritis Club for 23 years. In 1986 when I was 21 years old, I was diagnosed with severe crippling polyarticulate rheumatoid arthritis. Since then, I've had more than 30 operations, including 13 total joint replacements and multiple reconstructions. My son nicknamed me "The Tin Mom" because of all the metal inside of my body.

I am an advocate for raising awareness to the severity of arthritis and to the fact that it does not discriminate against age, race or sex. Public speaking is one of my favorite ways to do so. It allows me to address every subject on a personal level. I am involved with arthritis-related organizations across the country and the founder of F.A.C.T. (Friends with Arthritis Coping Together).

For almost two decades, I have been an advocate and representative of the National Arthritis Foundation. I have served on several committees, attended conferences across the country and frequently volunteer at local events.

Arthritis is a disease that can leave a person feeling isolated and lonely. I am passionate about letting others know they are not alone.

kicsiangelgirl

24 Feb 2010, 10:31

my mom (55) has had ra for 10years now.
i recently read about how cupping therapy and gua sha might be beneficial for ra. im wondering if anyone has any experience with it since there arent enough information on the internet.
(whether cupping is beneficial or actually make the inflammated joints worse?)
i would like to help my mom
thank you very much
anna

Mrs_H

15 Dec 2009, 09:54

I find your blog interesting. I was diagnosed with RA in 2004, but haven't seen a doctor since as I am still on the waiting list at the local clinic due to being uninsured.(I'm told there are "only" 11 people ahead of me now on the waiting list for new appointments paid for by the local charity group.)I buy an OTC NSAID (Voltaren-25)in other countries (NZ, Australia, the U.K.)becuase I can't get an affordable prescription medication here. (Voltaren-25 costs $16 USD for a one-month supply at a pharmacy in New Zealand.)

My pelvis fractured in three places in 2007 as I was walking in a parking garage, leaving me on the ground for several hours until I was found by a passer-by. It was one of those "the hip broke and I fell" deals rather than I fell and broke my hip, and I saw an orthopedic surgeon in the ER who said, "Wow, your arthritis is really bad. What do you take for it?"

With no insurance, I couldn't afford surgery, so I sat in a chair for six months until I could learn to walk again with a walker -- on my own, no physical therapy. I am still paying off the medical bills for the trip to the hospital to be told they couldn't do anything unless I consented to $35K of surgery I knew I couldn't pay for.

It's interesting to read about what treatments "might" have been available had I had insurance or access to health care. I do what I can (the Y gives me free access tot heir classes and equipment, I bought a walker and cane at a garage sale, and someone gave me an old wheelchair for the really bad days) to stay as limber as possible, but the kids in my family call me "leggolady" because I walk like their home-made leggo robots, and fall so often.

"Tin Mom" is a better nickname, though, and I enjoy the blog. Thanks for posting it.

Pam Fuson

01 Jul 2009, 10:35

I have known Annette for many years, for many years before she got RA. She is an inspiration to all who know her. She is a wonderful advocate for RA and continues to do great work. This blog is a great way to allow feedback. I hope all who read it will get involved. Way to go TinMom.

Robert Ackley

19 Apr 2009, 22:08

Hello Annette --
Keep that SMILE and postive outlook."Arthur" came into my life when I turned 40,Ankylosing Spondylitis.Now 26 years latter and still going strong. As they say,use it or lose it.It slows us down a little,but we don't let it get us down.I'm also an advocate in talking about my AS to anyone who wishes to know more.
Thanks for being there as we are all in this together.

Annette

08 Apr 2009, 07:46

Hi Mary from CO.

As you are finding out, arthritis is a serious disease and it affects people of all ages. Contact your local AF chapter and visit the sites referenced in the posts to find a support group close to you. Maybe someone from here will be able to contact you to talk and share. AT magazine is filled with information too. My best to you.

Mary from Colorado

30 Mar 2009, 09:58

Hi Annette,

I was diagnosed with RA in August 08. I've had the symptoms for over 5 years, but I thought they were being caused by all the physical work I had done (in child care many many years) and I also suffer from depression. I need to find a support group & an email pal. Yesterday I finally read about RA- I had no idea how serious this disease is & I would like to get in touch with someone who can to what I am going through. Please help me!

Mary

Annette

24 Mar 2009, 20:24

Mary -

Has your current doctor suggested physical therapy or an exercise program? Sometimes that can reduce swelling and strengthen muscle to help your mobility. I know when you hurt the last thing you want to do is move, but keeping range of motion is very important. Simple ankle pumps can increase circulation and help morning stiffness. Ask your current doctor to increase your nsaids. Can your doctor contact the rheumatologist to get you in before 5/5? I knew a lady who set her alarm clock two hours earlier. She'd take her medicine then go back to sleep. When she got up two hours later, she felt better because the nsaids and pain meds had time to work. If your onset has been recent, review your eating habits. I once had a reaction to food which interfered with my medicine causing severe swelling in my knee.

Watch for the blog on Coping. You may find helpful suggestions there. My best to you!

Mary

23 Mar 2009, 10:40

Morning,

I have an appointment w/a local rheumatologist but not until 5/5. My doc did several tests and thr ra factor was elevated. That along with my current symptons - swollen hand and knees, stiffness and pain. Almost unable to walk.
I've read alot about ra and wondering if you have any tips besides the usual to help me get out of bed in the morning - the pain is so bad I cry. I am taking nsaids etc, but they don't give me much relief. Any info you can share will be helpful. thank you.

Cathy

15 Mar 2009, 20:25

Hi Brian - I'm so excited that you went to the advocacy summit this year. I hope you had a blast like I had a few years ago when I went with my teenage daughter. And I hope you continue to stay active as an advocate because we need to get the Arthritis Act passed, as well as continued funding for the NIH, etc. for research.

I'm glad for you and think it is wonderful that you went to the arthritis foundation and found connections, such as you did through volunteering.

Have a good day!

Brian Taylor

15 Mar 2009, 00:00

Hi Annette,
I was alone until about 2 years ago when I wandered into the local Arthritis Foundation office and became a volunteer. I was diagnosed at age 12 with polyarticulate JRA. I had met only 3 young people with arthritis before then. My life has been blessed by meeting so many people that grew up with JRA or have JRA/RA now. I just came back from the 2009 advocacy summitt and it was great. I too encourage anyone that want to get active to do so.

Thank you Annette. You are wonderful!!!!

Pam

13 Mar 2009, 21:53

Thanks for you hard work on behalf of all of us suffering with RA. I am 49 years old and only been diagnosed for almost 2 years. I can't imagine what it must have been like for you when the meds were not like they are today and yet I live in a lot of pain many days along with fatigue. Your caring support is very much appreciated.
Pam

Issadora

11 Mar 2009, 03:44

Hi Annette

Just saying hello and happy blogging :)

Cathy from Ohio

04 Mar 2009, 08:32

Hi Annette -

Do you think everyone with arthritis should advocate? I do. I would love it if everyone would write their members of congress regarding passage of the Arthritis Prevention Control and Cure Act. How can I spread the word more?

Sincerely,
Ohio Advocate!

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About Annette Beach

About Annette Beach

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