Arthritis Insight-For Our Family & Friends-Questions

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Home Better Living For Our Family & Friends Questions From Family
& Friends

Questions From Family & Friends

We had a great suggestion from the sister of one of our members. She suggested that it might be good for the website to have "something for "non-gimp family members" where we could send you questions or get information that will help us keep from saying stupid things that make me look like a jerk. Since it is hard for us "non-gimps" to understand what you are going through, something especially for us might be helpful - especially for those of us that care for someone that has a serious illness. Plus, we may become "gimps" ourselves someday!"

What a great idea! We asked her for some questions to get us started. This section will thrive on the feedback of our members with arthritis and those without arthritis, so start emailing! Send in your question today.

Can anyone help these family members and friends?

I have a girlfriend who has recently been diagnosed with RA, and I'd like to know what I can do to support her. Thanks Dan

Any advice for Dan?

Hello, I am Nicky. Please can you help me? I have a wonderful sister named Donna, she is only 24 years old and she has rheumatoid arthritis...Please could you give me some advice on how to help her. I am a mother of 3 but now my youngest has started full time school i am hoping to help Donna out as much as i can but some days she is so sad that i just do not know what to do i try my hardest to listen to what she has to say but some days its just to hard i end up in tears with her and that cant be that good for her can it? i do tell her i am here for here when ever she needs me even if its just to talk. I do what i can for her inside and outside her home but i wont to do more i hate to see her in this much pain! please please can someone tell me what i can do or say to help her in anyway i possible can PLEASE!?
Thank you for your time
Nicky

Dear Nicky

I wish I had a wonderful sister like you to care about me as much as you do about your sister. You are already doing the best thing you can, to listen and try to understand. next I would recommend you use this site to learn as much as you can about your sister's disease, medication, and all the various side effects. If she is up to going out, it might be good to just offer to take her for a ride or a cup of tea. Recognize that a plan she makes with you today may have to be scrapped or altered tomorrow if she wakes up feeling rotten. I find that one real comforting thing my hubby does for me is to rub my feet. Sometimes they are really sore and he can't do it too much, but it feels heavenly. Your sis might even appreciate a manicure or pedicure. You two can plan together what color nail polish etc. It is real hard to do hand and foot care with these nasty diseases. Keep up the good work and let us know how we can help you. This is a wonderful, supportive community and we really care about each member. You can email me too, at heatherbrae@comcast.net I am glad to listen anytime.

Sincerely,

Mary

Hey Nicky,

Sometimes sharing tears is all you can do.

But once those tears have dried, help her to see that she is sooo much more than her body. Remind her that she is still the same person inside. She will have times of grief for the person that she lost... but she will get through that.

She is lucky to have a sister like you. :-)

God Bless,

Penny

Let's help Nicky, click here to send your advice.

Friends and family, need some advice from us? Send in your question today.