She's not your friend. Friends don't downplay this disease. What would she do if she got skin cancer and you said,"At least it's not liver cancer."

RA isn't always visible, and not everyone is affected the same, so others can't really understand. Maybe one day she will... don't let her questions bother you. Cheers!

Maybe there's a reason you guys lost touch over the years. Maybe she's not as good of friend as you thought she was. I went through the same thing, reconnecting with a couple people from HS & found out they were Backstabbers & weren't really my friend. I don't need people in my life like that. Good luck, I hope you figure things out with your friend!!

I find most people don't understand how we are effected by this unpredictable disease that varies so much from day to day and effects people in very different ways. I honestly feel it's made me not want to be as social. Being tired and not wanting to do things, especially later in the day, is frustrating. I know others don't understand what I'm feeling. Honestly, neither do I. I think my husband understands to an extent. Honestly, the dogs are the most understanding! Lol.

Have to agree with all these comments. RA is hard enough without having to explain things all the time to some who just don't want to learn about you or have enough compassion.