Hi Nicole,
I understand all those scary feelings, frustations , anger and loneliness .
There are a couple of things I can suggest.
1. Go to www.karenandarthritis.com
There’s a lot of info. for disease management there including a 12 step program. You are in a grieving process right now. It’s okay to be angry. The website will answer most of your questions
2. Half of the battle will be about controlling negative thoughts I know a great therapist called Steve at Lex and 41 st I will email you the number tomorrow
3. Rest is soooooo important. Some days I’d lie in bed at Tudor City for the whole weekend fatigued.
4. Fish oil take 6 capsules a day. Your body needs anti oxidants
5. Take men out of the equation for now . Too much pressure! Or fiddle around online while you’re resting, just with an attitude of fun
6. Take some time in the day to get some space and consciousness about your thoughts. Look at the leaves of the trees, the water etc . Be in the moment without a fear if only for a minute
7. Buy the book Always looking up by Michael J Fox
Go to my website it will help
Till later, know that you are special and somehow your courage will make you stronger and a better person.
K x

Hi Karen,
I know sometimes I give you such an earful but I am just wondering if you know anything I can do to get past this point of pain and get back to living a fun, comfortable life. The pain is horrible and I don’t want to move or be around people but the burning desire to get out in the world and have fun and socialize. Any thoughts?? I hope it is ok that I emailed you. I won’t do it often, I swear but I just felt like I needed to now because your presence and spirit and your group’smeetings have helped me.
Thanks,Nicole

Copied in part from Karen’s personal email

Arthritis has affected my life for so long – and I’d like to meet others who understand the disease.
Kristy (from Arthritis Meet Up)

“Today, the Arthritis Foundation and the 46 million adults and the 300,000 children affected by arthritis have lost a great friend,” said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “Sen. Kennedy was an advocate and a true champion for people and children with arthritis. Through his leadership and support of the Arthritis Prevention Control and Cure Act, he fought for the needs of people with arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Sen. Kennedy’s family at this time.”

Hi Everyone,
I hope summer has been great for you all. I spent my time in Miami with my dad. What a great spirit he has!
My book is still untitled but all things are on target for a March/April 2010 release.
I am looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday September 16 at 6.45 p.m. We can confirm the NY location closer to the date. Until then have fun and smile.
Karen

Hi Karen…..I don’t think I even thanked you for the gathering you put together……it was very helpful…and since I refer to it often, I thought I should let you know that it was a good intro and very informative……I’m not a great e-mailer, but am in Minneapolis for a few weeks (my home, family and good friends) and am finally responding to old e-mails…….I hope you’ve had/are having a great summer!………with everything moving,flowing,freely and strong! Elaine

Hi Karen- Thanks for organizing the meeting. I feel much better and it helps to be able to talk about it with people that really understand what you are going through.
hope you are feeling well.
Will typing ever not be painful.
-Nicole

Dear Friends,
Thanks for coming along last Wednesday night to the Support Group. It was lovely to meet three new ‘members.’ We are all here to support one another. If you reach out we’ll be there. The next meeting is set for Wednesday September 16. The place is yet to be confirmed.
In the mean time, we have the whole summer to relax a little and take a step back from the usual pace of New York.
Have some fun (even if it hurts)
Thanks again for your time. Helping others makes us all feel good.
Cheers
Karen

Dear Friends,
Hi there. How are you all? I hope you are well.
This is just a brief message to let you know the time and place of the next Karen and Arthritis Women’s Support Group meeting.

Where? Cibo Restaurant (back room)
767 Second Ave (@ 41St) NY NY
When? April 15, 2009
Time? 6.45 p.m.
(RSVP By April 13)

I hope to see you then.

Cheers
Karen