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Music and More. How Does Your Arthritis Stop You?

By Annette Beach

Hello Friends!

I want to thank all of you who reviewed this site and posted comments. Many of you sent me a personal e-mail; and while I greatly appreciate your enthusiasm and excitement, I want to encourage you to post in the future. New entries will be made on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, so please check back often.

This is going to be a fun journey and I look forward to the different paths we will take together! There are numerous subjects and issues we can discuss. Feel free to post your thoughts and personal opinions; however, I ask that you avoid excessive profanity and express yourselves based on truth.

What a great weekend! Saturday it was 75 degrees outside and a gorgeous day to get out and wash the salt and winter crud off of our cars. I love driving with the windows down, the wind blowing around me and the music turned up loud. Spring is almost here!

Saturday evening, we went to a concert to see the United States Air Force Band of Flight with special guests, Trout Fishing in America. Are any of you familiar with these exceptionally talented musicians? I can honestly say, it was not the evening I thought it would be; but, it was very entertaining!

With my crooked fingers, I cannot make a musical sound with any instrument - I envy those who can! Both of my thumbs are fused, both third fingers cross over the fourth fingers and both wrists are fused. It really frustrates me because my husband and son are musical and it would be fun to play along with them. Over the years, I've tried to play different instruments, but it's not going to happen. Can you relate? Do you have health issues that keep you from having fun or being creative?

07 Apr 2009, 09:33

Linda thanks for the advice but it's not working. My friends came one time and now they talk to me like I'm a child, praising me for doing what I do. Now I am mad because I do not want them to talk to me that way. If they were real friends the wou;ldn't treat me like that.

Samantha Johnson

24 Mar 2009, 01:25

Hi all:) I was always told what I could not do because of my Arthritis. I often believed what I was told. And then I woke up!! I have had my JRA since 18 months old and I am now 41. I decided at the age of 40. I was going to try whatever I wanted to try. I shot a 22. I had sushi for the first time. I did yoga (modified).
We limit ourselves and others limit us as well. I tend to blieve it is fear that holds us back and there are societal and physical barriers. But I believe if you want to do something there is a way to acheive it. It may just have to be a modified way of doing it. I also do not ever have the words "I can't" in my vocabulary.
If you want to try something, ask if there is a modified way of doing it. Hold others accountable for helping you find a solution.
Just my view of the subject:) I want to live and enjoy my life to the fullest, as I feel we all do.

SJ
Phoenix, AZ

Linda from TX

23 Mar 2009, 22:07

SB, talk to your friends and invite them to your activities, maybe arrange a carpool, or go to dinner afterward. Try to find a way to get your friends involved in your activities. Even take pictures--prove to them you do not need their sympathy, you need their encouragement and cheers!! I snow ski & have gained the respect of some "able bodied" skiers. The pictures and video has helped generate a new friendship! (I've had JRA for 42 years)

Linda from TX

23 Mar 2009, 22:02

I can't ride motorcycles or scooters, because my hands do not stretch enough to pull the levers. I also cannot do sign language. I had hand surgery in 1983/84, with the hope of being able to do those things. It didn't work well enough. I have finally found a trike, that sits high enough, without the hand gear/break that I hope to buy this summer!

jim

15 Mar 2009, 19:45

While I have not gone through it myself, I was present with my wife as she went through not being able to participate in sporting activities with our son. She was very active when she was young, sking, basketball, and volleyball, but he never saw her do any of these things because of severe arthritis. He understood, but it was still very difficult for my wife to always be on the sidelines. It can work, but it may not be easy.

Annette

15 Mar 2009, 18:56

I know what you mean about fearing the loss of how your child sees you as they grow up. In my youth, I was physically strong and athletic. Being diagnosed at 21 y.o., then having my son when I was 24, he grew up never being able to see the physical side me. He has heard stories, but has never actually witnessed me riding a sled, shooting baskets, running, etc. As he grew, I had to change the approach of how I wanted him to see me. I focused on his education, supported him by being at his games, kept score, and whatever else I could do to be included and remain a positive image in his eyes. Since he grew up with my disease, he knew my limitations were real and not an excuse, so he understood and never held it against me. In many ways, my illness has been a blessing in disguise and has taught us both about love and support.

Brian Taylor

15 Mar 2009, 00:12

I have a 7 year old son that loves to play basketball, football, and lasertag. Since he grew up knowing me as Dad, he sees me as Dad with no disabilities. I throw him the Nerf football and play basketball with him on his hoop attached to the back of his door. I even play lasertag with him in our house by hiding around corners and walls where I have the element of surprise. I am fun to play with right now. What scares me is he is now starting to play real basketball, football, and running for lasertag has been out for me since age 14. I feel like I am going to lose my little buddy any day now because with my crooked hands and left shoulder that no longer moves, throwing anything other than a soft spongy ball will not be exciting.

Cathy

11 Mar 2009, 08:54

I used to be a drummer in high school and one of my daughter's friends (she's in high school now) was handing me her drum sticks so I could play. I had to shake my head "no" because my wrists don't move so I can't play a drum anymore.

But God is good! Because he has allowed me to use my voice as an instrument and so I sing in my church choir and as often as possible. Even if you don't have a good voice, if you want to play an instrument, join the choir and sing a joyful noise!

11 Mar 2009, 07:33

Fortunately I am still able to play guitar, I do have the fear of one day of losing this ability and it is kind of scarey. It might not seem important to some, but it is a huge therapy for me. I don't play well enough to earn a living, just well enough to entertain myself. People have deferent ways to get away and mine is sitting and playing guitar. There are already so many limitations and physical activities that have been limited, this would be one I would have trouble dealing with if lost.

11 Mar 2009, 03:55

There's a lot of things I can't do because of arthritis but I try to support my friends and co-workers but it seems like they do not support me. I can't play softball but I always go to watch them. If I have something going on they don't come to watch me. People always feel sorry for me and I don't like it.

Maria

09 Mar 2009, 13:05

I have a minor heart issue, but it still keeps me from exerting myself too much. I hate that even hiking with my family can end abruptly when my heart starts racing. I never know if it's just because my body is working hard or if it's something that could be a little more serious.

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Music and More. How Does Your Arthritis Stop You?

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