What RA Can’t Steal

According to our Rheumatoid Arthritis in America survey, many patients report that RA has affected their ability to exercise, work, socialize, and/or fulfill family responsibilities. Rheumatoid Arthritis can impact many parts of your life, and for some patients, RA has changed your ability to do certain things. While you may be able to name all the ways that RA affected you, this month, we asked our RA community to tell us about all the things RA can’t steal, such as family, humor, faith, and identity.

RA Can’t Steal…. My Love for Family and Friends

“My husband….He said ‘in sickness and in health’ and he meant it.”

“RA has NOT stolen my ability to play with my grandchildren!”

“My ability to love my family!!”

“The love and understanding of my husband”

“My family. My husband and boys and mother are so helpful. I couldn't do it without them.”

“Love for my children”

“The joy of seeing my kids and grandchildren”

For many of our community members, RA can’t steal the love and support of family and friends. Especially with the holiday season approaching, many of you rely on family members to help with errands, shopping, cooking, and other tasks. According to some community members, RA has not stolen the joy of spending time with family and loved ones, making it possible to stay positive throughout your RA journey. While talking about RA can be challenging, for many patients, your family and friends serve as a valuable support system, and RA can’t take that away.

RA Can’t Steal…. My Sense of Humor

“Sense of humor! Me and my daughter laugh our way through everything”

“My sense humor”

“My warped sense of humor. I need/use it every day.”

“Sarcasm”

“My humor or happiness”

For many community members, RA cannot steal your ability to laugh! Especially on the tough days, finding humor can make you feel better and stronger- Research actually shows that humor and laughter may actually improve overall health by decreasing pain, reducing stress, and strengthening the immune system.³ So whether you turn to funny movies or even just laugh with your best friend, for many patients, laugher is truly the best medicine.

RA Can’t Steal…. My Determination and Love of Life

“My determination to live my life regardless of the limitations this disease puts on me”

“My hope and spirit to keep going”

“Life itself. I don't let RA run my life.”

“My inner sunshine”

“Optimism!”

“My appetite for life”

“My desire to be active and live life….riding horses, zip lining, ice skating, and enjoying the outdoors with my family”

According to many of you, RA has not stolen your determination to live, or your love of life! In addition to physical symptoms, caring for your mental health is an important part of RA management. Because optimism can moderate the effects of stress¹ and even relieve pain², many of our community members have stayed hopeful, finding the courage to face their RA while also appreciating life. Some of you enjoy physical activity and exercise, and others look for new adventures. No matter what keeps your determined and motivated, we support you, and hope you will share that optimism with others.

RA Can’t Steal…. My Faith

“My sense of humor and faith in God”

“Hope in God”

“My relationship with the Lord!”

"My Faith in God"

“My prayers”

For many community members, faith and religion play an important part in your RA journey. For some of you, your belief in a higher power helps you to appreciate all of life’s blessings, even when faced with the difficulties of a chronic condition. As explained by many of our community members, RA can’t steal your faith, which provides you with constant comfort and support. With your faith, you are never truly alone, and even RA can’t change that!

RA Can’t Steal…. Who I Am

“My love of music!!”

“My love of nature”

“My smile”

“My love of writing”

“The essence of who I am”

“My dignity and sense of self-worth”

“Who I am! I may not be able to do some of the things I used to do, but I'm still the same person.”

“My sense of joy, loving spirit”

While it might be easy to think about the things that RA has changed or stolen from your life, for many community members, RA can’t change who you really are. Some of you continue to enjoy music, nature, or writing, and even if RA symptoms impact your daily life, they can’t change your identity, your values, or your spirit. No matter what RA bring, we encourage you to enjoy the things that RA can’t steal from you, and share your experiences with the RA community.