Is Having Arthritis Embarrassing?

I have fibromyalgia and deal with many of the same issues that someone with arthritis has. I admit that there are times that I should use handicapped parking but I don’t because I hate the stares I get and assume that they are because I don’t ‘look sick’.

It’s hard to convince friends and co-workers that I can be exhausted at the end of a normal working day. They feel that I should just go to bed early and everything will be OK.

Other fibro-related problems that most people don’t believe:
Not wanting to go to a party because I can’t deal with the noise.
Having a dry mouth (from medications) which can make my speech a little garbled.
Forgetting the simplest things and words.
That fibromyalgia is really a disease and not the result of hypochondria

Not only is it embarrassing, it is depressing, frustrating and is causing me to become rather angry. Especially at doctors who seem to be dismissive with me when I need their help most. I recently tore the meniscus in my right knee because I limp rather heavily due to pain in my left hip. The orthopedic doctor I was sent to said to walk on it to make it stronger, which is how it happened in the first place. Any idiot knows this is wrong, and to be treated in such a way is only touching the surface of how I am treated, like how so many others with the same type of problems like mine are treated by professionals, not to mention the ordinary people encountered in daily situations. I don’t feel like leaving the house. And unless one has money to seek the medical care one needs the treatment by medical professionals is not going to be any better than what I have described. I am not a person, I am a number, a statistic. A fumbling, clumsy, limping statistic, who was once a productive member of society but that has been forgotten. Only my ridiculous lack of ability to function normally is what is seen, and I am one of the strong ones. I feel terrible for those who do not have my strength, what do they do? How can they manage this? It is all I can do to make it through my day without wanting to give up, how can this be acceptable in a country with more medical technology than it needs, better doctors, better medicines, and yet terrible results? It means the system is broken and yet no one seems to care. Insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies have us strung out on medications rather than solutions to our physical problems. Yes, it is embarrassing, when there are solutions that are being withheld from the patient and SSD is withheld as long as possible from the applicant. I didn’t need to deteriorate this badly, I could have been helped but no one would help me. Now I am in so much pain it is impossible to get to the doctor’s office unassisted. Protocol. They follow protocol. When will we as the patient, the consumer, decide what services are acceptable or unacceptable and stop allowing others to make decisions that affect our lives and our health and stand up for what is right? I want to know, when will we do this? I do this, but I cannot do it alone and I am tired of fighting for each tiny act of mercy a doctor squeaks out for me. Too much technology has replaced the doctor’s wisdom and skill to help his or her patient, and the insurance companies only interfere with the process of a doctor treating a patient according to the patient’s need.

8 years ago I was diagnosed with ME and fibromyalgia, my life changed dramatically. From a 44 year old vibrant fun-loving mum, wife and Nanna i was bedridden for months, in constant pain, had practically no energy once up & shuffled along like an old woman. Yes it was embarassing and challenging, not just for me but my family too.I discovered papercrafting and enjoyed making greeting cards for friends and family when i was well enough.4 months ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arhritis and I have started Methotrexate and sincerely hope that the damage in my hands will be slowed down so that i can continue to enjoy my crafting and steer my mobility scooter. I am no longer embarassed I just make the most of each day, getting up when i can and spending time with loved ones who understand that exhaustion can set in at any time. Good luck to all.

I am 25 and 2 year ago it had been daigonosed that I am suffering from artheritis.It pains terrible and you become nearly motionless. It is embrassing that you can’nt do your own daily work ,that you need help of every minute…..that you can’nt open a bottel also……….people see you as disable and show extra sympathy.people measure on basis of your disease what you can do what you can’nt. you can not enjoy your life as your friends do……you cannt go in picnics or tour etc etc and if you have gone you need somebody who cares you……..It is embrassing when you see your parents worrying about your life that how you will live your rest of your life….It embrasing when you realize that you are not capable of many works……….

I find the comment from Mimsie Ferey interesting, as like me she was first struck down with ME which is a terrible illness, I was 35yrs old and a single parent at the time. I later started to get Arthritis in the hands and knees as this deteriated combined with the ME mobility became much worse and you feel so exhaused coping on a daily bases on your own is a nightmere. I started to develope lots of other symptons over two years ago,but getting doctors and specialist to listen to me was very difficult. Everything was put down to my excisting conditions.Lucky for me last December my mother paid for me to travel buisness class to Australia to see my Daughter ( the only way I could manage this long haul) my daughter was shocked at my state of health, so booked me into her doctors. What happened next was unbelievable and puts british health service to shame. I saw wonderful helpful doctors and specialists who all communicated with each other, the results being that I had Rheumatoid Arthritis which had now done so much damage and should have been notice earkier. I now take Methotreate, plaquenil,mobic and prednisolone not a good cocktail i know but we are still struggling now I am back in England to get my medication right. Like all other people I struggle to cope physically and mentally with every day tasks, but try to keep myself looking good but then people think there is nothing wrong with you, so you cannot win. Good luck to you all.

Hi everyone, I have Systemic Lupus and RA plus other auto immune diseases. I am 62 years old. I had a total hip replaced in 2003 from using low doses of predisone for several years. I fall quite often and tore my rotator cuff in my left shoulder recently. About a month ago, I was leaving my bed to walk my service dog and was struck by a pick up truck. It’s crucial for me to think inwardly that it’s sink or swim time. I am so tired of doctors, labs, meds, etc. and now have to concentrate on my injuries from the accident. I wish that Lupus was more in the public eye and that all of us who suffer, know how we are each feeling. I am currently taking Orencia by infusion. I don’t have any magic words to tell you that this will pass but if you are unhappy with your medical care, please find a team of doctors that honor you and your diseases. My best to all of you.

Hi Every body,
I thought of sharing my experience regarding homeopathic treatment for my 19year daughter who was suffering from arthritis. One year back the symptoms like , joint pain with stiffness started and she had to give her Engineering study due to servere pain . I took her different speciallist for treatment both alopathy and Ayurveda. But it couldnot help her. Fearing the side effect of pain killers I was searching for better treatment, I found on internet Dr. Rajesh Shah’s homepathic clinic in Bombay.On study I understood he treat patients from more than `120 countries. I discussed my daughter’s problem and we visited his clinic. Now after 7 to 8 months of treatment my daughter is almost fully recovered and her joints pain and stiffness is gone totally. Dr. Shah advised to continue this medcine for some more time. I thought of share this experience sothat if anyone wants can make a try. His site is http://www.lifeforcehomeopathy
May be it will help you too.
god bless
Poulose

I am not the only one to feel like I am too young to let others see my pain or be limited by OA – there is fibro, too.
I know I am prideful for not wanting to be seen as a wimp – but somedays I just can’t avoid a moan or a temporary limp. maybe 52 isn’t too young – but I with OA and fibro, my painful spots aren’t obvious. The fatigue seems so difficult to explain – and I feel like a lazy wimp – when I do try to explain it.

Sigh!