I Make no Apology for having Rheumatoid Arthritis

With so many appointments or places we find ourselves going in our day to day, "Pardon me," has become my word of choice. Yes, when I'm standing in the line preparing to check out, I apologetically have to say, "Pardon Me." The reason is because with my RA/lupus, it might take me a little extra time to get my money out of my wallet. Yes, I see the ugly looks, the stares that if looks could kill. This is when I find myself almost hating that I have a disability that won't allow me to be a speed racer.

Then the worse case scenerio happened....

You would be so amazed at the rudeness of people these days. My worse case scenario is quite scary. I was Christmas shopping at a mall. It was not even the peak of the Christmas Season rush. I had a real trying week, so I made my way to pick up a few gifts to shift that feeling. Unbelievable, what would take place next. I was proceeding to the checkout counter. Before getting there, I dropped my entire purse. I stopped to pick it up. It was somewhat of a challenge for me as I was in a squat position rushing to put my items in my purse. A very rude gentleman walked past me and yelled, "Get out of the way you idiot!!!" I was totally shocked, hurt and in utter disbelief.
I managed to get my painful knees and make my way off the floor. All I could say was, "Pardon me sir."

Apologizing for your Rheumatoid Arthritis

When we are living in days of fast paced people, rush here and rush there. I've had to apologize so many times for moving slow, not walking fast enough, not getting out of someones way quick enough. Where is the compassion? For me this is really serious. Pardon me is not even enough these days. We live our lives in pain due to no fault of our own and some people just don't get it. They rather chew you out, than show a little kindness. I feel that I shouldn't have to make an apology for my illness. RA has many symptoms that manifest themselves wherever your at. There are many people who have all types of Arthritis and if they drop a purse, fall down, can't get out of the way quick enough. Please don't be rude and ugly. Just know they may be having a heck of a time standing to their feet. Pardon me should suffice. Apologizing for having this disease is not necessary or acceptable because its like apologizing because your short, or tall. It just is what it is and "Pardon me" will work when you may be having a day when your body may have stiffened up, pain shooting in those fingers which won't allow you a good grip on things.
When we realize that some people will never change, I think it doesn't hurt us pain patients as much. We say pardon me and keep it moving.