Sunday, May 17, 2009
I want the name "Rheumatoid Arthritis" to be changed to something like, Rheumatoid Disease, RD. That way people wouldn't be so likley to blow it off as " OH it's arthritis. everybody gets that"
suggestion for the name Rheumatoid arthritis
back to work
5/17/09 11:11am
"Sue" and Nan!
I have said the same things so many times! Are you listening in? I have even written an article about it I hope to publish soon. "RD" is used by some in medical journals. It's an old name, I think. Isn't it great to be in the age of the internet when we can talk and laugh together over this despite the miles which separate us? Do you know that in the UK they are having the "year of RA" to try and educate the public and stamp out ignorance? (I think it's rheumatoid.org.uk ?) Amazing. Hope you both have a good day, Kelly 
5/18/09 12:24am
5/18/09 7:57pm
5/21/09 6:29pm
OMG 
Everyone is saying exactly whats on my mind LOL As soon as you mention that god damn word "ARTHRITIS" its a case of `oh yeah I get that at night!` or `oh yeah I had that the other day in my elbow!!!!`Or they look at you with total horror and say something like you, youre only 47 its only a bit of wear and tear. GGrrrrrr I just can`t be botherd to explain it anymore I just get sick and tired of doing it. To be honest I dread meeting people who I havn`t seen for a while because of the droan of going through it all explaining this crappy disease that has taken over since November last year, the fact that most days I am in crippling pain, cant walk very far, taking god knows how many tablets a day, having someone help me into and out of the shower, but hay, its only a bit of wear and tear!!! my choice of name is `Rheumo Auto Disease`.... What dya think guys?????
By suestang68— Last Modified: 09/21/10, First Published: 05/17/09
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I agree, people look at me strangely and offer all this advise on arthritis. They do not know what the difference is. If I could only cure myself with a table spoon of cinnamon and honey, or if aleve would really work for me, life would be great. And the "aren't you a little young for arthritis"? comments. They act as if I am over-dramatizing my condition.
About a month ago I had a really bad flare and my co-workers had seen me in all my glory. I could not move most of my body, I was in the most pain I have ever been in, but had to do the payroll for work. They have a new respect for RA. They had to drive me to and from work, help me walk to my office and to sit in my chair and log on to my computer. The bad part is now that I am feeling alot better, they are still worried.
It's a catch 22 when you want a condition to be renamed to "disease" too. I never wanted my co-workers nor my family to ever think for one minute that I was not completely capable of anything. Its bad enough to have RA but I think its worse to be thought of as incapable or sick. I am over the flare, my family and co-workers are not. So how does that affect my growth ability at work? Will my children refrain from activities or adventures because of me?
I think I would rather it be called RA, then you have the cloaking ability to not be sick.