RA, But Different

By mollmatt

1 min read

Aside from having had RA for almost 40 years (long before biologics were even thought of), I also have other arthritis conditions—namely, two bone-on-bone shoulder joints and a huge rheumatoid nodule on my right elbow.

The pain pills I take for a separate condition don't help with these, and the constant pressure of getting on my rollator, getting off chairs, and my bed continues to put pressure on my shoulders and elbow.

I also have an electric wheelchair, mostly for my other chronic conditions, but again, I have to use my arms to hoist myself onto it. The beat goes on!

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CommunityMember07c1a5 Member
I guess so many stares, snickers laughs and actually people coming up to me that maybe haven't seen me in a long time. It says, what the hell happened to you? People are just ignorant. Sometimes I feel like before I walk into a room I want to tell her about okay. This is what I have before you start looking and asking and wondering, and then you just shake your hands, say, oh, it's a shame because everybody thinks Arthritis is what I call old fart Arthritis. Which it is not? And it's not going to get any better.I can't stand i've been dealing with this for over thirty some years
1. x5Cat Member
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember07c1a5" user-id="3141962"/> Hi I can relate. I have had 82 joint replacements, fusions and in the case of an elbow a complete removal of the joint prosthesis itself. When I go out people stare, some point and laugh( yes even in 2024 people find my disability amusing). I am asked constantly three things 1. Were you in a car wreck? No, I have JRA. Then I get what's that? 2. I thought that was just for "old people". No I've had it since I was 3. 3. Did you have polio? No I have JRA. What's that? lol I walk with a profound limp and my husband has to help me out of chairs if I am not at home. Even a doctor last week for an unrelated JRA issue's first question was "does your husband have to lift you up like that everywhere? Um yes lol. I wanted to quip, no he does this cause he doesn't have a job otherwise lol When I have to be in a wheelchair outside of the house people walk in front of me, step over me literally and often ignore my questions as if I am not a REAL person in front of them. I will be 65 next month and I've dealt with this horrible pain and disease since I was 3. There is no easy answers. I've always said JRA kills just as many people as cancer does. It just does it slowly over time! However we aren't listened to like people listen to cancer survivors. We are often misunderstood or ignored altogether. I am here if you want to chat.
2. Erin Rush Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember07c1a5" user-id="3141962"/>, good grief! Who is still acting like that in this day and age? I always think we're better than this as a species. And, I think there are plenty of good people are out there. I am sorry you seem to be running into the not-so-good ones. Gentle Hugs, Erin, Team Member.
mollmatt Member
Thank you for your thoughts!
mollmatt Member
I understand your difficulties. Nothing about RA and its offshoots is easy, including the mental part and those who meet you. Peace!
Cocoeagle Member
So sorry to hear your story and experience with people who just do not understand. My son in law hurt his arm 2 weeks ago and his reaction to the pain is unbelievable. He insists his pain is worse than mine. OMG I just think to myself, you will be OK in a couple of weeks, I won't. 
1. latoya.juniel Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Cocoeagle" user-id="9910858"/> You can’t really compare the two—it’s like apples and oranges. But some people will never see it that way. All pain is certainly not create equal. -Latoya (Team Member)
2. Richard Faust Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="Cocoeagle" user-id="9910858"/>. There are definitely many here who share the frustration with people who conflate their issues with RA. I thought you would appreciate this article from our contributor Daniel on the difference between acute and chronic pain: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/acute-chronic-pain' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/acute-chronic-pain</a>. Best, Richard (Team Member)
mollmatt Member
Thanks for all the responses to what I wrote. Happy Thanksgiving.
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="mollmatt" user-id="3212039"/>, Happy Thanksgiving to you, too! Best, Erin, Team Member.