Comments on: 20 Things Not to Say to a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient

By: Lu

Lu — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:15:47 +0000

How about – Really?? Where??

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:42:22 +0000

Here’s the best. I go for my first visit with my rheumatologist. My mom came with me. The rheumatologist looks at my mom and thinks she’s the one having problems! When she corrects him, he looks at me and tells me that I’m too young for RA. (I was 22)

By: anjel

anjel — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:22:17 +0000

This is so very true for the ignorance of people. Not only living with this also Fibromyalgia. They say all these stupid hurtful things and more. Oh because I combed my hair and got dressed today you think I am all better?? AWFUL.These are devastating diseases that are irreversible people. EDUCATE yourself so you do not isolate that person

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:04:10 +0000

“I’m sorry, I can’t drink alcohol”
“YOU CAN’T DRINK?!?! What, recovering alcoholic?”
“No, I’m on medication for RA.”
“That’s too bad, I’d be so bummed if I couldn’t drink…”
(“I’d rather not have RA too, but it’s not because I can’t drink…)

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:56:40 +0000

I get these all the time. I was 21 at onset/diagnosis(about 2 years ago), so the most common ones I hear are “you’re not old enough” or “my grandma had that” Way to be offensive.
I also have people hound me about their magical juice. Sorry folks, if it were only that easy I wouldn’t be on all these nasty meds.
What really bothers me is when someone tells me I have a low tolerance for pain and I show up to work every day, regardless if I can walk or not.

By: Maureen

Maureen — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:04:32 +0000

You look great why are you in bed. Go for a walk. I would love to be able to go for a walk. I have the same thing and they show me their fingers they have osteo. I just agree with them now because i get tired of trying to explain r/a is different
Why are you tired all the time.
If you gave up all them tablets your taking you would be better off. And the list goes on and on.

By: Evielynne

Evielynne — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:39:02 +0000

Or when people shake my husband hand and I see my husband cringe because a man measures respect from the way men shake hands and he now fails in this because his RA causes him not to be able to grip. Or when men have to be men and squeeze a handshake and it’s hurt my husband hand. I’ve changes the way I shake hands (even though I am a girl) because I don’t know what the person has when I shake… make sense?

By: Aron S

Aron S — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 04:49:28 +0000

That’s all funny! I get #17 all the time or I get told “Oh, I know so and so that has RA, but they have it WAY worse than you”. Maybe that’s because on my worst days I don’t even leave my house!

By: Theresa

Theresa — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:57:27 +0000

I’m so glad I found this blog! I have heard almost all of the statements listed. What I don’t say is, “Do you think I WANT to feel like this? Don’t you think I would eat/drink/take the pill or potion that would make it all go away?” After 18 years of this I am sure the next person will hear my thoughts spoken!

Thanks for blogging.

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:11:54 +0000

I hope it helps to let it out, Nanette. You have a funny way with words – but I wish more friends could handle the truth about RA along with the glitter stuff. Life is full of both kinds of news and friendship is only good when we can share both.
Becoming private about it is what most of us do. It is a double edged sword because no body gets it & sometimes it seems they never will – but I am the same way – as a survival mechanism.