Rheumatoid arthritis hasn't defeated me; others can cope with ailments

At the age of 36 I was given a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. I have been dealing with this debilitating disease for the past 26 years. I have endured 11 surgical procedures, a multitude of medical cocktails, a significant vision loss due to side effects, and major damage to virtually every joint in my body. But at age 62 I am confident that I am winning my war against this incurable foe.

I live my life to the fullest, regularly riding my bike up to 70 miles, hiking for hours, playing with my four grandchildren and refusing to allow any physical impairment to define or diminish my life. Below are the guidelines I employ to ensure that my life will continue to be on my terms.

-- Learn about your illness. The success of your outcome is directly correlated to being the most effective patient possible.

-- Get over it. There is no lemon law for your body.

-- Physical limitations and pain should not equate to hopelessness or uselessness.

-- Do not hesitate to ask for help; it is not weakness.

-- Minimize pain by using medications aggressively.

-- Think healthy: Take good care of your body.

-- Never lose hope; medical history is rewritten every day.

-- Be in the moment: Do not live in the past nor dwell on the future.

-- Surgery can have a positive impact.

-- Much as in Alcoholics Anonymous, find a pain "sponsor."

-- Stuart A. Singer, Burke

Are you living with a health problem? How do you cope, and what are the frustrations and successes? To share your story, send an e-mail to health-science@washpost.com, and put "living with" in the subject line. Submissions should be limited to 300 words or fewer.