The Aches and Pains of RA

By ra-girl

1 min read

Most of my friends have no clue what we go through on a day to day life and living with RA.

I am fine most days, but have had many flare-ups this winter. I try not to complain. Working has been really hard on me.

One day I went to work with foot issues where I limped for a whole 8-hour shift, along with a shoulder flare. The week after my hands became a problem. I am a warrior and push through the pain. The weather has been a major factor.

The commercials they play on TV do no justice for us. Everyone thinks if you take the meds you can do all of these activities, but most of us can't, or aren't capable of it.

One thing I would like friends and family to know is, the pain is unbearable. Don't judge us, and it's not minor aches.

Ask us, "what can we do to help you?"

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The RheumatoidArthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

RHall Community Admin
Hi RA Girl - you're absolutely right, there is a big misconception about all that RA entails. It's not easy and it's why many community members here value advocacy - not just for themselves but for the condition too - as a way to educate others. If your friends and family were to ask what they can do to help you, how would you reply to them? -Reggie (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member)
1. ra-girl Member
 Yes, If they ask me what they could do I definitely would tell them. My Dad helps me on Saturday's when I go over to do laundry. I have him trained on getting my laundry from the car. Right now we are having snow, and cold wet, weather.
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi RA Girl. Please know that people here understand. In fact, when it comes to the tv ads for RA drugs you mentioned as being unrealistic, I know that you are definitely not alone. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), wrote about just this topic and the fact that they don't show the real faces of RA in this article: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/the-real-faces-of-ra' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/the-real-faces-of-ra/</a>. In addition, we have quite a few articles that discuss the various problems that come with living with what is often an invisible illness. This one from Tamara focuses on the things others can't see: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/ra-invisible-illness' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/ra-invisible-illness/</a>. This community is here for you. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
L rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
RAGirl, it always seems like it is summer where those people live doesn't it? A few years ago I was invited to be in one one. The criteria, I had to have RA, I had to arrive at 5:30 AM, and I got lunch but not paid. Oh I also had to get to NYC in 2 days with no reimbursement. Darn I did not make the cut. I mean of course my wives cut. Lets say she was against the whole adventure. Not the first time, nor the last. LOL. rick - moderator.
joecon72 Member
Would agree about the commercials, I am rarely laughing and smiling all day after a biologic. Make sure you are eating right and exercising, these help limit the flares, and try and stay positive as often as possible. Also let you friend and family know your limitations, couple of good articles on this site you could send to them, without having to sound like you are just complaining.
1. L rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
 Joecon72, Thank you for your comment and question. Since my wife reads all of my material before I publish it she gets final approval. Only three times in six years has she said no, but she does make a few "heavy" suggestions. Usually they are close to no, but not quite there. I will remind her next time to remember I am not complaining. 😀 You likely know we never make medical suggestions or give statements about what readers could or should do. But I am required to let you know that it is best to talk to our docotr about timing and applicability of the COVID vaccine. Having said that I have been following the use of Rituxan and taking the vaccine. No surprise I use Rituxan. In this case, and I believe in only this case, there may be a conflict. Opinions seem to be different about what it means for use of the vaccine. With regard to most people with arthritis I did find this statement from the arthritis foundation. <a href='https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/covid-19-faqs-medication-treatment-and-vaccines' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/covid-19-faqs-medication-treatment-and-vaccines</a> I am sorry I cannot be more specific. rick - moderator
2. Jo Johnson Moderator & Contributor
 I was pretty sure I'd be playing tennis after I started my first biologic. Even though I hadn't before... Old Joke. Seriously though, when I first tried a biologic I truly got a bit giddy when I'd see the commercials. Now, I just get frustrated that I didn't get my turn at those active, sunny days.