Arthritis aye?
This deceiving title this disease is leads to much detriment. Effecting the patient's ability to effectively understand their condition. As well as initiating the ever so common alienation from loved ones...empathy seems to only go so far for lowly old arthritis. As well...the arthritic symptoms are the least of one's worries. Steps need to be made to rebrand this disease. The number one cause of death is lung issues, the second often stomach related issues. Ones cardiovascular system is compromised often to extremes. Your eyes scar, your grey matter is depleted, fatigue consumes most of your life. Arthritis? The symptoms they equate that diagnosis are far more beyond the definition most relate to. This is a reckless title. That's all I have to say about that. Oh, other than the psychological effects. That's a whole other rabbit hole....for another time perhaps.
I could not agree with you more. I do believe there is action to change the name of this debilitating disease.
Thank you for your reminder.I guess it was around just not in everybodys conversations 
Hi
. I am not sure that PsA was so well know then. There are no definitive tests for PsA and it can be very hard to diagnose. - Lori (Team Member)
I couldn't agree with you more,
. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) 
, much like other commenters I have already said, I, too, think the term 'arthritis' is a misnomer when it comes to this disease!
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
From this site I learned to try using the term Rheumatoid Disease, or RD rather than RA. It gives a better view on the global effects of the disease. Of note, there is a similar public misunderstanding of the diagnoses of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Two completely different diseases that many people do not understand. Those of us with life changing chronic illnesses frequently feel isolated and that no one can possibly understand what is happening in our bodies. The reality is, there are many people out there without our specific disease or symptoms, who are experiencing similarly challenging life changes and losses. I believe it's important for us to come from a place of empathy for all experiencing chronic illness. It shouldn't be a contest of who is suffering more, but a fellowship of recognition and support. With Hope and Best Wishes, Jo
