Monday, April 27, 2009 Scrizzy asks

Q: Don't touch me, it hurts. Handshakes and germs. Arm grabs - ouch. What do you say with RA?

I was diagnosed with RA ten years ago. Lately, I am much more sensitive to the normal handshake. It hurts. Plus, I have to go wash my hands after such close encounters, every time. It bothers me when people grab me around the neck, or around the arm, like buddies do. It is not their fault, but when I say "let go, you're hurting me", they laugh.

This hits the core. The reason I am depressed: RA is worse than non-terminal cancer. At least you get the surgery done, and you are OK. Everyone feels for you and you are not an alien if you mention the C word. I had cancer as well. But the R word? It is frustrating that cancer support groups and services are widely available and a lot of these services are FREE!

Why do I feel so alone??? "RA? What is that?", they say.

Answers (5)

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dryeyes2

4/27/09 8:21am

Yeah, i hear ya. Been there many times. And how about when you go to the doctors-which is too often, and they always have to take you blood pressure in the arm...OUCH! Thats excuricating too, i really hate that.

robin

4/27/09 8:07am

Ugh I feel exactly the same way. I have to hold back a grimace with every handshake. The cancer thing is very true. We have to live with RA for the rest of our lives. I would much rather have cancer and have surgery/treatment and be done with it, and I'm not afraid to say it!

Ruthe

4/27/09 9:22pm

I too avoid full handshakes. In fact, what I will do, is gently touch their forearm and not squeeze at all. It lets them know that this is the way I am "shaking" their hand. I can always tell that the RA is more sensitive (due for Remicade tomorrow) by the squeeze tenderness in my fingers. Even washing my hair hurts!

I have had RA for 9 years...well, diagnosed 9 years ago, but I think it started about 12 years ago.

Penguin

7/ 9/09 3:57pm

I totally get the hand washing thing...and for a couple of weeks after my remicade iv, I wear a surgical mask...which, makes people look at you funny and snicker that you are way too sensitive about germs. But they aren't the ones with no immune system that get sick in a matter of hours and months to feel better. So frustrating!

tara

2/20/11 3:23pm

I have been looking all over the net trying to relate RA to a knee injury. No body wants to stand up to the plate as usual. I belive it does cause RA. Just looking for a doctor to admit that.

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Q: Don't touch me, it hurts. Handshakes and germs. Arm grabs - ouch. What do you say with RA?

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