From the article: Arthritis Can Affect Self-Esteem
Arthritis can change many things. It can change your physical appearance. It can change your ability to work, to perform routine activities, or even leisure activities. It can change your personality. You may be more grumpy, angry, uncomfortable in your own skin. You may have become less tolerant of others, less patient, less fun to be around.
Do you think you have changed? Do you now dislike the person you have become because of arthritis? Share Your Feelings
Not fun
- I used to be kind, compassionate person but now after being diagnosed with OA at the age of 70 (I worked till I was 70) I find myself being sharp tempered especially with my husband - who is not well himself and every little mundane task gets harder- cleaning, walking the dog etc and I now have to resort to using a walking stick for support. I am glad that I have faith in GOD who sees me through each day. I am trying with God's help to control my mood swings. Good Fun isn't it!!!
- —Guest rita
Other people see you
- Yea arthritis has changed the way other people see me. I'm no longer invited to the mall, trips, Sunday walks in the park because they say since you cannot walk long distances... and so yes it has changed my life. I feel isolated. My sister sometimes comments on stuff they do and I ask why you did not invite me? Since you cannot walk and get tired easily we prefer to let you rest... so it is not so much how debilitating this condition is, also the fact that it is isolating to the people that suffer from it and that is depressing.
- —madytoth
Sometimes
- There are times when I am frustrated by my low energy level and the extreme pain that occurs. Other times I know so many others are dealing with this, and I can too.
- —friarjim
I'm never alone
- I don't really like to share my life with this invader who demands my energy, time, and pain tolerance. It certainly is teaching me patience.
- —Guest rijah
Do you dislike the person...
- Yes!!! I almost hate 'myself' - all the in-abilities, that bring dependency. I'm 59, until about 10 years ago, I was able to do most things, now at a time when I really don't want to be dependent and am needed, I need to depend on someone else. To make matters worse, I think my Rheumatologist is almost apathetic. I can change my doctor, which I'm planning to do soon, but that seems to be my only option.
- —Guest lchillersm
RA ALWAYS SUPRISES ME
- My RA finds new places in my body to cause pain even with Pred Biologics methotrexate.
- —Guest bety finner
I don't like what I am much anymore
- I used to be quite active, raised 4 children and 2 grandchildren, worked part time outside of the home. Took good care of my husband, loved to do laundry, and housework, yardwork, anything to be busy. I was not lazy or a sitter. Now I am in bed until 11 a.m. usually after being up till 1 or so trying to quit hurting to go to sleep. A cycle I hate. If I'm not in pain or stiff as can be, I am exhausted. I have had 3 joints replaced thus far and I just turned 50 last May. I am now taking Actemra and hoping for good reports with it, but the side effects scare me, each one gets worse and worse. I want to be the ME that I like again. My family is loving and supportive, thank God.
- —Guest Cindy Gillispie
Just not the same
- I remember when I was first diagnosed with RA, I was in shock to say the least! That was about 4 years ago and now I am just too tired much of the time. I have changed jobs so that I work three days a week but honestly, I find I need the rest of the time just to do mundane chores which used to take only a short amount of effort. I am not sure if this tiredness is related to the medication or if it is directly related to my diagnosis. Either way, I wish it would just go away. I know this is wishful thinking, but still I wish it would.
- —Guest marie
In denial
- I am still "in denial" re OA - and trying not to become a "victim". I have always been super-independent and plan to stay that way to my last breath-:))
- —vinny152
Disliking the person I have become
- Yes I do! I can no longer do the same things I have done for a lifetime. It's hard to accept!
- —Guest anne
Change in self with RA
- My RA is in my feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine. Cannot walk far or stand for long. Used to be active everyday now disabled. Ugh! nothing is the same.
- —Guest tullycross
Changed person
- I miss out on a lot because of RA - often feel tired/exhausted. Notice friends/family becoming distant.
- —Guest mitch1953
The person I have become since arthritis
- I find myself pulling away from people. One reason, I stay very tired, takes a lot of energy to fight through this thing. Two, I hate to disappoint them - usually I get invited to a function and then the arthritis flares up. Three, I do not want them to think I am a whiner.
- —Guest Mary Lou
Arthritis changed my life
- I certainly feel so much older than my years becaused of arthritis - I have put on weight and feel very unattractive and get very depressed because it makes me want to give up doing things I used to - like going for shopping trips - I now have to think twice about this because I know I will have to go home early and feel exhausted the next day. I really have to push myself to do the most easiest of jobs in the house. Travelling to get to work also exhausts me - I have to travel by bus and when I get to work I feel terrible some mornings. It's good to let off steam and have a moan!!!
- —SueBannister
Quite the opposite
- Do I dislike the person I have become? No...quite the opposite. I've had RA for as long as I can remember -- 33 of my 39 years. It's been the single most important contributor to my strength, character and will -- all of which are very strong, indeed. So no, not one bit.
- —TamaraKomuniecki
