**_TEN THINGS I COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT_**
_by [Niki Wyre][3]_
_Welcome to the thirteenth day post for the [Wego Health Activist Writers Month Challenge][4]. Thirty posts in thirty days. Today Wego challenged us Health Activist Writers to compile a list of ten things that we couldn't live without, needed or just loved to make it through life. _
_Sounds easy enough, right? It actually took some long time in reflection as I reevaluated my life, what things that are important to me, what I could do without, and what things I truly needed or I would be lost without them._
**_In no particular order, here is my list._**
_**1.** My loved ones : I cannot survive with my love and support, from family to friends to my love to my fur babies. I cannot even imagine life without them._
_**2. ** Health Care / Medications: I think this is would be on a lot of your lists as well. Even though the medicines aren't miracle cures they help me keep on going and give me hope for the future. Had I not have medical intervention in the past, I would of died on five or six different occasions._
_**3.** Humor: Humor is truly the salve to my hurting body and soul. I use it to deflect the pain, the depression or remind myself that things could be worse. Laughing releases endorphins that in turn make you feel happier._
_**4. **Electricity / Current technology: Seriously can't give this one up people. I don't think I would be able to survive without it._
_**5.** Indoor plumbing: Sounds funny to say it outloud or put it on the list but believe me, not having it, well it's not pretty. I remember as a child visiting a great great aunt on her little farm. They were proud owners of a rickety old outhouse. I would try to hold it and not drink during visits because I did not want to go into that stinky falling apart outhouse. No way Jose._
_**6.** Internet / Computer Access: Obviously this is a given when it's how I communicate with the outside world while laid up in my bed, which is the majority of my time these days. Without social networks like [Facebook,][5] I would still be stuck as a woman that felt she was alone in her battle with RA. The support groups and the community we have created together has given me a purpose each and every day. I have a group of people that understand what I am going through at any given time. I would also be completely lost without streaming video on Netflix and [Hulu][6]!_
_**7.** My topical treatments: Whether its my [Biofreeze][7], [Penetran Plus][8], [Gellert][9], [Tiger Balm][10], or prescription Pennsaid, don't try to take them away from me. I will bite or hit you with my cane. This is like crack for my joints and I need it to make it through, especially on the hard days._
_**8.** Assistive Devices: Like many of you, I am dependent on assistive devices from walking to opening packages or jars. Without my[ canes][11], [rollator][12] or[ wheelchair][13], I would be completely lost. I'm sure I would never been able to do anything but lay in bed or sit in a recliner. These devices help me get to the doctors, visit family or participate in family outings. Not to mention my [shower chair][14], [soap dispenser][15], etc._
**9.** _My Kindle Fire: Over the past 4 to 5 years, my hands have become increasingly worse. Reading is one of my passions for my whole life. I loved to devour books in one sitting, but as my hands got worse they starting cramping then spasming. I would accidently drop or throw the books, losing my place more times than I would rather admit to. it was frustrating. Soon it became difficult to just hold the pages open or turn the pages. One day Murphy surprised with with my first [Kindle][16]. It was like he gave me my love back. I could now read and read while only switching books by lightly tapping the turn page buttons. Now that I have the [Kindle Fire][17], wow is all I can say. Now I can not only read books, but listen to music, watch videos or movies, use the internet browser etc. It's my prreecciiioooouuuusss. (Said in best Golem impression)_
**10. **My house:_ Whether its the roof over my head, my super comfy bed or the family we have created in our home, I definitely couldn't make it without the basic necessities it provides. Lets not forget those wonderful appliances!_
_If you want to see all the Wego Challenge blogs[ check here][18]._
_Looking for more blogs by Niki? [Please check here.][19]_
_[![ra chicks blog challenge with wego health][20]][21]_
_Interested in becoming a writer for rachicks.com? We are looking for volunteers to keep the knowledge going to all our members. Interested individuals can email Niki at ra.chicks@yahoo.com_
[1]: http://rachicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/HAWMC_2012_badge-im-writing-in-challenge1-150x150.png (HAWMC_2012_badge im writing in challenge)
[2]: http://rachicks.com/keep-calm/hawmc_2012_badge-im-writing-in-challenge-2/
[3]: http://rachicks.com/about-the-chicks/nikis-story/
[4]: http://info.wegohealth.com/HAWMC2012/
[5]: http://www.facebook.com/
[6]: http://hulu.com/r/LJxySg
[7]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041D1JBG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rachicks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0041D1JBG
[8]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GG6B9C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rachicks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GG6B9C
[9]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0062NS1FK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rachicks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0062NS1FK
[10]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ECQ5VG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rachicks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001ECQ5VG
[11]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009STMXY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rachicks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0009STMXY
[12]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GHTHTM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rachicks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GHTHTM
[13]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BO4T9S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rachicks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000BO4T9S
[14]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007VNZW2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rachicks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0007VNZW2
[15]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005K038KY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rachicks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005K038KY
[16]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051QVESA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rachicks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0051QVESA
[17]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051VVOB2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rachicks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0051VVOB2
[18]: http://rachicks.com/category/Blog/ra-chick-writers/niki-wyre/wego-health-activist-writers-challenge/
[19]: http://rachicks.com/category/Blog/ra-chick-writers/niki-wyre/
[20]: http://rachicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/HAWMC_2012_slider_2-resized-6003-300x153.png (women with rheumatoid arthritis health activist blog challenge)
[21]: http://rachicks.com/if-i-could-have-a-superpower/hawmc_2012_slider_2-resized-600-4/
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