I've been battling with the lack of understanding and sympathy from my wife for a while now. I've even been accused of liking to take the medication, rather than it being a necessity to help with the condition. It was only after I introduced her to some of the more informative videos on youtube she began to understand and appreciate the problems we suffer with on a almost daily basis.

You do need someone who understands, but there is no need for everyone in your life to understand. Those closest to us may not have had any experience with this sort of thing or may be in denial. Give them time. When I was first diagnosed my husband thought I was just out of shape and needed to work out more. More than 20 years later it's a different story. We are still married (48 years). He doesn't have to understand everything, but he's no longer in denial. He knows that there are good times and not so good times, and it doesn't always make sense. He knows some of the triggers. I'm not sure anyone can truly understand the fatigue unless they've experienced it, but he knows if I sleep well, I'm going to have a better next day. Some years ago, I met my RA buddy at a focus group. We meet for coffee or lunch on an irregular basis depending on our needs and abilities. It's been a god send for both of us. I highly recommend an RA buddy that gets it. If you have this group, a family member, and an RA buddy, you'd be surprised how much lighter your burden will feel.

Be grateful you have one! I have had severe RA since I was 14. It's very visible and as a consequence you don't really get romantic offers.

Hi Esalas,

Unfortunately, this happens quite often. Family and friends just do not understand the pain and fatigue that come along with this disease. On the outside, we look ok, but on the inside, we are overwhelmed with pain. I agree with Dinah, a list would be great.

Hi Esalas,
Yes, not only with your spouse, partner, family members, co-workers and friends.
There is diffinantly life before RA and life after RA. Even doctors, who should know better or should take the time to do some research, noone gets it until they have it. People living with RA may or may not have physical signs. Fatigue is major for most of us.
There are some articles, on this site, to help you explain what you are going through. Now, having said that please know that if your circle of the above mentioned people gets smaller there is probably a lot of stress connected to them that you no longer need in your life. It is difficult to accept that having RA can turn people away who not understand, but it can. I believe the majority just feel helpless....so maybe you can make a list showing the symptom of the day and what you need most to help you get through it.
I hope this helps!