I didn't start cooking on my own until 17. I learn allot of tips while in US Army, station in Germany. Then on my return to U.S., I found that what I had learn cooking was good for my friends, they enjoyed my cooking as much as me. Over the years I got cook books from garage sales,festivals,used book store and family. I too develop RA in hands, back due to years doing HVAC.. I manage pretty well.I will follow your recipes..

When I read your article I was touched, blessing to you and continue the journey. Thanks for sharing it with us..
Redneck Mike
Saginaw,Tx

My daughter was also diagnosed with RA in her early 20's. Auto-immune disease runs in my family in many different forms. You are an inspiration~

Hi Melinda,
I really admire you and your enthusiasm for cooking, inspite of all your problems. My problems seem to be minor compared to yours. You really inspire me and I would like to connect with you on how you handle all your cooking.
I have calcification on both my shoulder bones, as a result of which both my hands are incapable of doing hard work. I have intense pain in both my hands, and a lot of swelling if I do work, such as cutting vegetables, or washing dishes or clothes. But as I said earlier my problem is minor compared to yours. I am suffering with this problem for the past 10 years...........its been creeping up on me slowly. Sometimes I feel lazy to do certain types of cooking as after that I have a lot of pain . But not anymore............will try everything that excites me.
Thanks a lot for adding me............and I hope that we can be in touch,

Thank you for your review on my Rice Crispy .

You are a huge blessing to every person who loves food, who love to work in the kitchen and who has any type of physical condition. You certainly have an exceptional attitude: it is not a 'disability', it is a condition. And one you have virtually conquered. All that aside, I am trying your Summer Berry Tart and hope you might try something from my postings, as well. Great to find you, Melinda!, best regards & healthy eating - Amos

Thank you so much !

Hi Melinda. I don't have chronic pain, but so cool that you created a group around this! I'll recommend it to anyone I meet who suffers from that.