Re: Whats the worst about RA?

[Guest guest]

,

I have to agree with you. The second part of that statement is that " You don't

look sick " . That seems to be an equally big curse. Kinda makes you want to

take a second look in that mirror!

I hope you have a pain free weekend spent with understanding family and friends.

Gentle, tender angel hugs......

Debs in FL

[ ] Re: Whats the worst about RA?

Dear Jules,

I can relate totally to what you wrote even though I am 64 and look the part. I

have lived a very outdoor and active life with lots of wear and tear on my

joints from hard play as well as work. My circle of friends and acquaintances

wonder why I have changed and slowed down. I have learned to just come out and

tell them that I have a disease that requires me to live differently. My smile

usually encourages them to ask after what it might be, and then I tell them

briefly about RA and how I must now live. I think they appreciate being " in the

loop " of my situation and no longer try and push me to do things I used to be

able to do.

I am old enough now to just be myself and not let people " stampede " me. I take

my time, in my own way and just smile and be happy around others so they will

still want me around even though I don't participate in the same way I once did.

I guess the important thing is we each have our own unique journey in life, and

it is ours to control.

Best wishes to all of you,

In Grass Valley, CA

" I'm a 37 year old hair dresser. I'm 5'9 " , very thin, and look 24. When people

look at me, they think I'm a young, healthy, able bodied person who can go

anywhere, do anything, lift anything, carry anything, do any physical activity.

The problem with RA and it's related disorders is that the symptoms are on the

INSIDE, where noone can see. When I need to walk slow, or go home and lay down,

or can't work early in the morning, or can't keep up with people my age (which

makes dating incredibly difficult!!!), people just don't understand. Or worse,

they think I'm making it up, because after all, I " LOOK FINE " , it's degrading!

Then to have to gulp down handfulls of pills to try to feel more like a mid 30's

gal is infuriating! I wish there was more public aweness for RA and it's related

disorders, so those of us who suffer with this disease can get the help and

support we need, not dirty looks and whispers behind our backs.

Jules "