When they first started treating me, they treated me for RA. As time went on, my joints were not swelling, but the pain was there, so they said it was lupus...go figure. But the pain is in ALL major joints at the same time...joints I never knew I had! Like the seat bones? I never knew I even had joints there till I tried to ride with this condition. After moving to AZ, and, like you,, tried many saddles, I sat on a synnergist.Although I still have pain in other places, the seat bones dont hurt because synnergist carves out two cup shaped dips in the seat so that the seat bone never touches anything. Great idea Hmmm? Then I put a sheepskin pad all over the seat and down the legs...now Im doing okay except for my knees...in which case walking seems to be the best answer...getting down however, is the hardest of all! Landing on the ground sends bolts of lightning from my knees up to the top of my head!
So sorry you have RA. I cried for months thinking that is what I have. I was relieved when they said lupus! At least I wont have to worry about a wheel chair. I am so sorry! Good luck to you and glad you are riding!
Don't let people's critism hold you back from your dreams! Many healthy people are just simply unable to empathize with the pain and challenges that those of us with physical disabilities face. On a daily basis we face not only the facts of our own personal limitations, but also have to face constant unwarranted critiques on how we should do this-or-that in some manor other than what we are physically able to do.
Yes, those of us that are disabled due to illness, face many emotional challenges. We were born healthy, we know what it feels like being healthy, we see our abilities continue to decline, we face the future with the understanding that we are facing a retirement of intense pain and (in my case) slow deformation. Possibly being wheelchair-bound and early deaths. And once our disease strips us of an ability - generally there is no physical therapy available to bring that ability back. We adjust, we acclimate, we try to fulfill our dreams within the limits that our limitations set forth.
I feel sorry for those healthy people that don't know empathy. They are self-centered in their own little worlds. These are the people who have the hardest time adjusting, if bad luck visits their home, and car-wreck/horse accident/illness - forces them into our world.
Yep, I hear people tell me that I should use 'this stirrup or that stirrup' - they just don't understand the pain in my feet. I hear people say that I ride bareback for attention - **grin** then WHY do I own 30+ saddles at home? They just don't understand the pain of RA. I have had people I formerly barrel-raced against - scoff that I'm just getting 'soft' because I now ride gaited. Yep, they don't get it either.
Be strong! I've told many physically limited riders privately that those of us who strive to push ourselves despite disability are WARRIORS. We are, we have to battle on two fronts: Emotionally against these Naysayers - and physically against our own limitations. - LP
