Great Blogs I have read this week

Day 5 of RABlog week 2016 and the prompt is:

Great Blogs I have read this week – RABlog week is, at its heart, a way for bloggers to connect. Tell others about the great blogs you have read over the week. Perhaps you have found a gem from a blogger you did not know before, or maybe one of your friends shared special insight. Give a high five in print to another blogger or two who participated in 2016 RABlog week.

There are so many great blogs, I cannot just pick out one or two.  And because I cannot do the assignment, I thought I would take them by the day.  Here goes:

Day 1 – Starting stories

Lene started the week off with a very strong blog.  “Starting Over” tells the story of how Lene has faced adversities caused by RA and overcome them.  If you have not read it, you should.  It is a powerful, moving and thoughtful description of Lene’s struggle with RA and her many battles both related to and separate from RA.

For a fun starting story check out “A Wedding, a Kayak and a Diagnosis” by Linda Perkins.  Linda tells of how she received her diagnosis during the process of getting married and taking a kayak trip for their honeymoon.  The blog continues on Health Central site where the pictures are priceless.

Day 2 –Active vs. Reactive Patients

For me, this was our strongest day and picking just one or two is impossible. The entire group did such a terrific job I hope you explore many of the posted blogs.  Here are a few of my favorites:

The original Dragon Lady – Active vs Reactive patients
Your Gold Watch Rheutired – Same Song, Second Verse
The Life and Adventures of Cateepoo – RA Blog Week #2: Active VS Reactive Patients
Lolabellaquin as my joints turn – Active vs. Reactive Patients
Deserae’s Silver Linings- On being an Active Patient
The Old Lady in my Bones – Taking Back the Spotlight

Truthfully, I could list every blog written that day as my favorite so if you did not make my favorite list know it is because of space.

Day 3 – Biologics can be scary

For a time it was the leading vote getter among the prompt choices in our August survey.  But I was worried this topic might do one of two things either get very negative responses or not get any response because I know how personal this choice is for people in our community.  I need not have worried.  Here are my two favorite blogs of the day:

I was blown away by the candor and story of Arthritic Chick in her blog ‘Biologicals’.  I thought her advice was amazing.  She took the issue of looking up the negative side effects on the internet and then being worried.  She says very directly if you are considering using one, talk to your doctor who knows best. Sound advice indeed.

Molly is a terrific blogger, and on Wednesday she came through with a great item on her site atJax “Biologics”.   In it, she acknowledges what I know to be true. There is a divide in the United States between those who can afford (have insurance) and those who cannot afford biologic medications.  It is a have and have not situation with little in between.  Those of us with resources and who can afford these medications are blessed.  But we have a long way to go for those who lack resources.

Day 4 – The pain of pain meds

This prompt almost did not make the list this year.  I was glad it did because I was wondering what you might say about it.

Trevor takes on the subject as only a loyal companion could at Brenda’s Brainstorm & Trevor.  His blog “My Personal Tale of Pain Meds and Excerpts from A Tale of Tragedy…” is both a description of the issue and a statement about it.

I so enjoyed reading the Original Dragon Mom’s blog “RABlog Week 2016: Post No.4”.  She explains the shifting climate in her country and specifically her experience in a hospital environment.  Her writing style is so good; it is like reading the mini chapter of a book, and this one is well worth taking some time with.

Wildcard – Coping with depression

I have been blown away by the honest and wonderfully written blog by Singlerheum – ‘Coping with Depression’. Her comments about how to deal with depression are priceless.  One of my favorite is leave the house.  That resonated with me, a guy who could easily stay in the house many days.

Wildcard – Advice column

We all get tons of advice.  So when this item was put on the list, I was interested to see how it would resonate.  Sam from My Medical Musings wrote a terrific blog – “That Person”.  Yes, I think at one time or another we have all been that person, and Sam reminds us that we need to do better.

With that, I am wrapping up my RABlog week for 2016.  I hope each of you had as much fun as I did and especially hope you will choose to blog with us again next year.  So save the last Monday of September next year for the start of RABlog week 2017.

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Take away for September 30, 2016

• We have terrific bloggers in our community.