“Why don’t you find another way to get out of bed?”

 

I said it is difficult for me to get out of bed. Some mornings I have to “work” my joints into moving.

…

I do not even know how to respond to this comment. It is very specific but I know this person meant everything, in general.

Sometimes I cannot just throw my legs over the edge, sit up then stand.

Please, anyone out there, if you have another way of getting out of bed please tell me.

Maybe I could roll off the bed onto the floor. Theoretically I get out of bed. Then what? If I cannot rise from bed how in the world am I supposed to get off the floor?!

Not to mention, the roll would be difficult on my elbows.

 

This is the most absurd comment I have ever heard in response to my musings about RA.

I wake up with swelling in the mornings. Some mornings more than others.

If I cannot get out of bed I cannot get out of bed. End of story. There is no “other way”.

I face obstacles like this every day. Barriers that I cannot get around. These are not something I can overcome. They are boundaries.

 

Do not get me wrong. I have found many creative and interesting ways to get around these limitations but some things I cannot help.

For example:

• Using silverware
• Writing
• Brushing my teeth

Looking at the list I realize for everything except for writing I have actually found ways to get around the conventional use.

 

Regardless.

This is the new reality.

 

Part Two contains my personal reaction.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.