I'd leave a pithy, insightful comment, but I'm laughing so hard I'm wheezing. I too think it would be an excellent idea to have a reality show starring someone with a chronic illness (not necessarily one involving dating a series of clueless hunks who'd be willing to propose you after knowing you for less than two months - who are those idiots?). Except, knowing TV, they'd make it all Tragic and Inspirational, which would completely miss the point and I'd be busy looking for a barf bag...
In the shorthand of cyberspace: LMAO Thanks Sara for such a funny but thought inspiring sharepost. I wish maybe TV could get it a bit closer to the truth. None of us wants melodrama although life sure feels that way sometimes and we all know that its so damn melodramatic sometimes that its outright hysterical. But maybe if we could just feel like it wasn't all fantasy and make believe. I enjoy fairy tales as much as the next person but I don't want to live with the seven dwarfs (or dopey bachelors for that matter). Just a dose more of reality without camping out in that place either. Ok, so maybe this will never happen but we can hope can't we?
Sara...again you take the thoughts right out of my head!!!
While watching the Bachelorette/Bachelor/Tough Love my friend and I actually discussed numerous times about how to get on a reality show for these very reasons!
Unfortunatley, I work full-time and I couldn't get the time off-BUT just think of the awareness we could raise! We should seriously work on it....while you think I may be joking-let's get one of us hot beautiful babes with RA on the show and raise some friggin awareness!!! We deserve TV time...afterall it is OUR "reality"!
Haha!! I have to admit too that I am hooked watching that show. Your comments are too funny!! I am also single (well, techniquely divorced with kids) and have thought about the possibility of ever finding someone new who won't run for the hills once he finds out about my RA. Oh well!! There's still TV...
I know the feeling about trying to date with RA. I know what it's like to have kids and try to date with RA....AND I will be turning 51 in July. The only fortunate thing is men that are older, seem to be a little more understanding about the RA. I recently started my divorce after being seperated for several years, BOY have things changed since I first dated. I think shows like that have really ruined it for normal, everyday people. Because even with our differences, we ARE normal, everyday people. Everybody has their cross to bear. Even those hulky guys on the show!!!!
Everybody is so right. About all the tv shows. People like us learn how to really enjoy life as to people who are in good health just let them self go. I just hate the fac that when you meet someone and try to explain things about your self they really don't want nothing to do with you. The way I see it is the hell with everybody and I wish them the best their lost not mine, just because I'm sick doesn't mean that i don't have a life yes at times I just have to step back and rest but doesn't everybody.
Ok, I'm still in the early RA stages but my goodness that was funny! I would totally watch that! Yes, they would make it over dramatic however, that would still make it romantic and let's face it, we'd all love to see a man willing to stick by you through that! Plus more people would understand what we go through. That would be a REAL fairy tale...one in which Prince Charming doesn't ride around with you on his mighty steed, but carries you when you are too weak to walk. So...anyone know any TV producers?! I'm sure one of them would be willing to consider this alternate take on a reality show because it actually sounds quite interesting! 
I cannot tell you how often I have had these same exact thoughts while watching this show! I am a single mother with RA and do not date due to wondering how long they will stick around when they find out I have this disease. Not to mention I am normally quite thin and have put on 25 pounds since diagnosed with this disease (another topic if someone wants to share how to get the weight off!).
I watch how the girls are in their swimsuits and quite fit and run around all these exotic places and amazing dates. As much as I want to get "lost" in the fun of all of it, it's unfortunately a constant reminder of what has been stripped from so many of us. I believe we are so misunderstood because the disease is not discussed enough. I would love to see a girl on the Bachelorette with RA. But do you suppose the same hunky guys would be trying so hard to get her? ;-)
ugh, i know. In terms of the weight gain, I wrote about it here and so many people commented, so you are not alone.
The cynic in me says that once the guys found out about the RA, they wouldn't be sweating out the rose ceremonies so much, but you never know. there are a lot of great guys out there...just not sure we'd find them on a reality tv show?
Man, I sure am right there with you on the weight gain problem. I too have been quite thin all of my life, it's been sort of part of my identity, you know? I too have gained 25 lbs, or even a little more. None of my pants fit, and when I look in the mirror I get so depressed. My body just doesn't feel like me. And I really eat very little! I'm confused too -- is this weight gain that so many of us seem to be dealing with a result of the disease itself, or it is a side-effect of all the various meds? I have no idea how to go about losing the weight, and boy do I wish I did. So I have no suggestions, just a whole lot of empathy!
That I must say would be Reality TV at it's best! Yes maybe people would become more aware of what we go through day to day in dealing with this sometimes hidden monster of RA. Actually I think they should have a Savivor series for just people with dissabilities. With who can hobble over the line first as a contest and the winner gets to go for the meds that they need. Wow show sad would that be?????
JR
Totally....in fact, another awesome RA blogger, Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy, imagined just the same thing!
I agree 100% with you. "reality tv" is not real if you ask me. I have Lupus with RA as a secondary along with Sjogrens and I have days that I am good to get out of bed.
Yes I agree with you on the nuturing and all for one of the competions.
Maybe we need to contact Hollywood and get them to do a real show and get some of the profit donated to research for this dreaded condition?
I know Lupus has not had a new drug for 50 years.
Good luck to you with your RA.
Koalafehr
how about if we all contact hollywood and maybe get paid to live our lifes. Mine dosen't seem to be as bad as some of yours but i am tired and gaining weight everyday. i work almost full time but the pain has increased . dose anyone have a hard time with the mind... like going to get something and totally forgetting where you are headed ? and lattely i am haveing a harder time standing with out falling. and if i'am sitting i fall asleep. any ideas on what to do ? lets all write hollywood
I just loved this column, especially since I had been living a life of "hell" with my RA lately. I watch the Bachelorette and never thought to think up this idea for a script. This seaon is the worst for being full of phony people. The best one so far was Krista and her fireman. They were and are real people that fell in love.
I have one question. Why does it have to be the bachelorette and why not the bachelor? Just kidding. I was just thinking what if they guy that the bachelorette picks has RA also. How exciting would that show be. LOL. I can see it now. "you help me off the couch, I help you off the couch." WOW what a show. Anyways enough of me goofing around. Take care.
Sara,
I had this discussion with my lunch group a while ago. It's truly a riot to think about it. I do remember the Australian Outback edition of survivor was won by a woman with RA (I think her name was Tina). I didn't know she had RA until she did interviews later. They never really touched on it while she was on the show. I think you should pitch this show to some network. If "Dance your Ass Off" and "Skating with the Stars" can be on TV then Dating with RA is a sure thing!! LOL Maybe there could be speed dating with RA .....although it would have to be called Slowness dating.
Thanks!
Kelly
PS: I did send my info for a Sick Chick club in Philly....and I got a bracelet.
Sara, hilarious and absolutely true. Your fantasy version of the bachelorette is exactly my life! Too funny. The Enbrel shots! The sudden flare ups! The fatigue! I mean, it's all just so sexy.
I can just imagine me on that show. One of my dates would involve testing the males for their reaction when we're in the midst of hot sex and my hip locks up and I start screaming loud enough to be heard in the next state.
Do they
1. Get even more excited and "conclude" in response to my obvious uncontrollable joy over their manly prowess?
2. Run for the fire estinguisher and start frantically spraying me with foam?
3. Break a window and scream for help?
4. Get the hell off me and run out the door nekkid?
4. Get the hell off me, switch modes instantly into calm, conforting caretaker and unfreaked-out friend, massage my hip while quietly telling me that everything is okay, patiently waiting with gentle humor until the pain subsides and the massage deepens so that we can resume sex in an easier position???????? YA THINK???
Haven't yet experienced any number fours! But hey, except for one very tiny experience with a disgusting sociopath, I haven't had sex in nearly 3 years now.
(Sigh) Still hoping, not dead yet, and vastly cheered by your stellar humor.
Thanks again, as always,
Susan
Calamity Jane .. I can't remember the last time I had tears of laughter about RA! Hilarious. Truly hope that you find your own Wild Bill Hickock pdq. Nooky (a roll in the hay or, in our cases, a careful positioning on hay bale) may not be good for the hips but it's great for the soul. (Just thinking that RA candidates on this show - which we don't see in the UK - would be fab for TV: we can't run away!!) 
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That was great! It's so true.
How can we get the general population, to understand, and/or tolerate us.
one step at a time, I guess!
Yup! Sorry I was venting, but I get impatient sometimes
venting is a-ok! I"m impatient, too. If you are looking for ways to be more of an advocate, check out the bucklmeup website as that is what it is all about!
I will. I actualy do have a braclet. And I do want to help somehow. It seems when I was home, and feeling better, I never even got on my computer except to pay bills. Now, I have lots on my mind