In Reply to: family, friends and RA pain posted by LJ on November 30, 2000 at 12:06:28:

: Newly diagnosed with RA, I'm already seeing that family and friends have misperceptions about the intensity and extent of RA pain. I've had to beg off a few family occasions because of the pain and I think they are beginning to view me as a WHINER, a hypochondriac. This is very upsetting on top of the pain. Anybody have suggestions or whatever on this topic?

Dear LJ: I am sorry about your situation. Perhaps you could get a pamphlet from your doctor's office explaining your condition. I have ostheoarthritis of the spine in neck and low back which pain spreads into my legs and arms. People often times don't understand chronic pain. One only understands if they live it. I know of another person on the boards who goes through the same thing.
Please feel free to post or vent here or on the back board site (a lot more chronic pain people are there, too). I'd be happy to listen. Take care, PatG

• Re: family, friends and RA pain LJ 13:07:32 11/30/00 (1)
  • Re: family, friends and RA pain PatG 20:44:47 11/30/00 (0)