Hi Sue

Firstly welcome to the forum - where you'll make new friends and be able to share with people who completely understand what you are going through.

Sadly, there are those who don't want to know us when we are (in their eyes) "different". I'm sad to say that it has happened to most of us at one stage or another in our RA journey. From my own experience, you will also be surprised by people who are very very supportive. I know it's hard but you will find out your true friends, and, as I said before, make loads of new and VERY supportive friends on here.

Love Jeanxxx

Hi Sue -from another Sue (there are quite a few of us on here!) Welcome to the forum. Here is somewhere you can let off steam to friends who do understand.
I think part of the problem is that we often don't 'look' ill and so people forget. Also they don't really know or understand what RA is. I am so fed up with people saying 'Oh yes, my leg/hip/hand or whatever aches sometimes' or' I've got a bit of arthritis in my knee'. I've been lucky in my work colleagues. I've been very open about what I have and my drugs, blood tests etc and they have been really supportive. I see it as my way of educating them about RA!!
Keep on posting
Sue

Hi Sue, welcome from me.
Sorry to hear whats going on, I think because people can't see something physically wrong they don't really know what to say or how to ask questions, so they do the only other thing and avoid the situation.
It's human nature I suppose.
Somehow they need to find out about RA and what it's like, if you get the chance talk about it to them and let them know. Maybe they'd like to ask about it and feel they don't know what to say.
Don't give up on them yet,we all need our friends.
You'll make loads of friends on here, get plenty of info and be able to talk about anything. Take care and try not to worry, love Kathleen xx

Hi Sue

Welcome to the forum. Hope you enjoy mooching about, finding lots of useful information from our life experiences (always the best, I think!) and making lots of new friends! You are in just the right place

Friends? Like you, many of my so-called friends did a fast disappearing act when illness appeared. I think the problem is we are different, we have different needs, we can only do certain things, we take meds, we inject, we go to the doctors ... continually, hospital visits, blood tests, physio, podiatry. It's all part of the package that becomes 'our life'. Friends don't understand ... should they? Half the time (if not more!) we don't understand it ourselves!!!

Friends? They come and go but be sure you will always find a listening ear here and as much support as you need. I have made some lovely friends here and I know that through good times and of course the bad times they will always be here.

Be positive, you have arrived, so keep posting. Look forward to getting to know you

Lyn x

PS Don't forget the cuppa

Hello Sue

Welcome to the Forum however sorry that you have the blasted RA.

Yes totally agree with regards to friends and acquaintances I suppose , you certainly do
find out who are your real friends. The ones that are always there. As others have said
you will find this site good for advice , friendship and of course if necessary having a
good old moan. We are allowed you know.

I am Rose from Somerset - Keep posting

Rose

Hi Sue, and welcome to the forum. Sorry you've got RA and that you've found some friends not as supportive as you might like. You'll certainly get loads of support on here and, who knows, maybe some friends are just taking time to get used to the idea that there may be some changes they have to adapt to. Sadly though, this awful disease does let you know exactly who your real friends are,

Hi Sue welcome to the forum

you will find lots of help and support here.

I too found that my 'friends' were not who i thought

i agree with 'the other Sue' we often don't look ill and people cannot understand what goes on with RA suffers.

Keep posting

take care

love caz xx

Thanks to everyone for your kind words, it is nice to know there are people who know exactly how you are feeling.
Coming to terms with having RA is really hard and I am struggling with this, I miss work and each day seems longer.
Are the meds working? Am I suppose to feel how I did before ? Im on Hydroxychloroquine and 5mg prednisolone.

HI SUE HOPE YOU HAVE REALISED BY THE RESPONSE TO YOUR POSTING THAT YOU MAY FEEL YOU HAVE LOST A FEW FRIENDS YOU HAVE NOW GAINED SO MANY MORE WHO ARE IN THE SAME POSITION AS YOU AND UNDERSTAND HOW YOU ARE FEELING RA IS A HORRIBLE AILMENT AND ONE I DONT THINK ANY OF US REALLY ACCEPT BUT LIKE MOST THINGS IN LIFE WE LEARN TO LIVE WITH IT
LIKE OTHERS HAVE SAID SOMETIMES WE LOOK OK SO PEOPLE THINK WE ARE AND IT IS JUST A BIT OF ARTHRITIS SO WHAT BUT I THINK ALSO IT FRIGHTENS SOME PEOPLE IT HAPPENS SO QUICKLY AND THE PERSON THEY KNEW HAS GONE SO THEY DONT KNOW HOW TO REACT AND FIND IT EASIER TO STAY AWAY, I HOPE YOU WILL ACCEPT EVERYONES FRIENDSHIP AT NRAS TAKE THIER COMENTS ON BOARD AND TRY TO KEEP POSITIVE NOT ALWAYS EASY AS WE ALL KNOW BUT WE ARE ALL HERE FOR YOU
TAKE CARE KATE