Hi ladies. I was actually talking to my husband this morning about how I was feeling during a flare and trying to describe it to him. I think I might print your list out Babyjoy and put it on the fridge for him to look at. Number 7 is so true for me. Just getting off the couch can be a major thing for me and I will put off getting a drink of water, or going to the toilet because I know it's going to hurt so much when I try and get up. I often look at other people and wonder if they realise how lucky they are to be walking around at a normal pace or carrying bags, or all those things you take for granted. I am sometimes so completely absorbed in this disease it occupies all my thoughts!!

Oh and the glucosamine!!!!! The naturopath I went to see actually gave me glucosamine and that's what really turned me away from her. I had only been recently diagnosed but even I knew it was useless for RA.

So it's been 2 days of absolutely no breastfeeding and I am like Pamela Anderson on steroids. Looks great, but so incredibly painful! What a waste.......Had a big chat with some friends who commented that I was walking around so much better and seemed much happier. Makes me realise that i made the right decision. I am definitely a better mum with less pain. I have just had a really lovely evening with my 3 year old girl Alex, eating pizza and watching Funniest Home Videos (wouldn't normally watch it of course!) while my husband is at a Christmas Party. A few weeks ago I would have been doing my best to get her into bed early so I could collapse (literally) on the couch and do nothing. Huge improvement.

Babyjoy, have a great holiday on Daydream. Pamper yourself with a massage or 2!

BW, my sister-in-law got the "just relax" one all the time. When people say that, it just really highlights that they have no idea what you're going through. If they did, they would realise that trying to be relaxed about something like that is difficult, but made even harder when someone tells you to relax. Useless advice really....

I'm off to bed. Sweet dreams everyone.

Rachel