I have written quite a few times. I don't think any of us will ever getting the full understanding we should get,not the respect.
I first started out with fibromyalgia. One day after hurting so bad with that ,try explaining that disease with,family,friends. I had noticed I was having a harder time getting out of bed,hurt all day,my hands,feet were swelling, long story short went into see my Rheumatologist,said my fibromyalgia has gotten really bad,it's causing all thesee problems,said you either have RA or Lupus. After blood work,then we knew it was RA.
My Dr said I probably have had it for years,it was lying dormant in side my body. Through out my life test would show I had inflammation in my body.
I hurt bad each and every day. I hardly ever get over 3 to 4 hour sleep. No med's help but the killer "Presidone",it has caused me so many problems but it the only med's that will help me walk and be able to get out of bed. My hands stay so swollen. I have this cyst in my left hand. I thought I had done all the research on RA there was,but just found out you csn get cyst in your hands,feet and elbows. They won't take them out unless they have to,guess what they inject tgem with steroids,haha.
Didn't mean to be so long winded.
I want to thank all of my RA friends for being there. It's so great to have people all over the world that understand you,feel the same as I do.
God bless each and everyone of you.
Hugs,
Terry

My fav came from someone who was blessed with good health. A single male in his 40's who worked at a gym. We were in line at the grocery. He noticed my cane and that I was limping. I told him the RA was acting up with the weather. He asked me what I did, I said I was semi retired, worked at a museum and am a USMC veteran. I asked same of him...he said he was never married, no kids, no military service has worked at a local gym as a nutrition advisor. He said my RA was my fault because I did not take care of myself when I was younger. If I had had the correct diet, the RA would have never occurred! I just looked at him smiled and said "You are one of "God's Special Little People" aren't you?" and I walked away.

To give up sugar. Apparently they don't understand I wouldn't be so nice without my ice cream and cake. I eat it for their safety!

You're welcome. Lol

That I should stop eating meat/dairy/eggs/gluten/soy/sugar/etc. and I would be cured. Or some dietary supplement that I could take instead of my medication. Believe me, if I could feel better by simply taking a vitamin don't you think I would have done than instead of injecting myself with some of the most expensive medications on the market every week?

That and "oh I have arthritis in my knee too.". 90% of the time they have no idea what I'm going through.

I am tired of hearing people say to me, sit down and rest. I have to keep going. I cannot let RA beat me. I have got to beat it. I worked two hour in my garden today transplanting flowers and plants. That is like therapy for me. When I am being creative, somehow I dont feel as bad. I am paying for it tonight but at least I felt useful for those two hours. My surgery is two weeks away, then I have no choice but rest.
Please keep me in all your prayers that my surgery will be successful.
Peace!