Will you open this for me?

I think if someone were going to develop a catch phrase for me, while I would prefer something zippier, it would probably be, "Will you open this for me?" Because, with RA, I say this all the time.

Early on, I didn't have a diagnosis yet. My brother was in the hospital's ICU, and I only had limited times to switch off with family members eating in the cafeteria. I didn't have anybody around and my fingers were doing their impression of the Michelin tire man. Getting a grip on anything was painful and totally impossible.

It's times like this, which make you reliant upon the kindness of strangers. Luckily, I live in a town with incredibly kind and helpful people. Water, juice, or whatever bottle I needed to open would be no problem and they seemed genuinely happy to help. I usually chose someone who didn't seem too involved in a conversation or too deeply involved in reading.

However, as time went on I just didn't want to have to do this everywhere I went. I didn't want to accost people at every place I ate, or every theater I went to. I wanted to gain at least a little independence.

And so, this little tool came into my life. Behold the Jokari 3-in-1 beverage opener.

I got one first to try at home. It worked so well that I left it at home and got another that I carry it around in my purse. I probably can't take it on flights because they probably consider it a weapon. I don't know for sure. Regardless, when I'm out with friends and get a water at the movie theater, or a San Pellegrino in a restaurant, I can absolutely open it myself.

Score one for independence!

Welcome, to Beauty and the RA Beast!

I was officially diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis almost two years ago. While the answer to my months of pain and suffering was a relief, it would also be months yet before I got even some of the relief I was looking for. I was in full flare for a long time, would go through other seasonal illnesses that would make my RA so bad I could barely do things like dress and go to the bathroom. Most activities during the worst days required a walker.

Luckily my pain has been reduced to about 75% of what it used to be. But my rheumatologist is still not happy with the remaining inflammation and its potential to make my life miserable. As the weeks follow, I'll let you know how it goes with the medications prescribed and my journey. I also belong to support groups online, so anyone wanting to know more may ask in the comments.

But I have also come across a number of tools to help me along the way. And that's the purpose of this blog. I not only want to share my chronic illness, but also to show you some products that have made my life a whole lot easier. My goal is to at least once a week show you a device that will help you in your ability to do everyday tasks, like open a water bottle, or medicine.

So, follow me. Won't you? We're in this together.