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Myths and Facts of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted on 12/05/202009/09/2020 by The Rheuma Mill
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Rheumatoid Arthritis

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What do you know about rheumatoid arthritis? Have you even heard of it? I can tell you that before I was diagnosed, I knew nothing about it. Well, I knew it was a thing and that that thing effected old people but that was it. So I guess that’s not nothing but it is next to nothing. To tell you the truth, I still don’t know a whole lot about it. I just know that I suffer from it and I think those that have the disease will tell you the same thing: we SUFFER from it. I also know now some of the myths and facts about rheumatoid arthritis so let’s clear some of it up!

Pity Party

When I tell people I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, there is usually this:

via GIPHY

There is always a moment of pity because even for those that know next to nothing about rheumatoid arthritis, the name itself suggests that it’s something unpleasant. Here is where the problem lies: unless you have rheumatoid arthritis, you actually don’t realise how unpleasant it actually is. Consequently, if you don’t have it, you don’t really know the myths or facts of rheumatoid arthritis.

100 degrees of seperation

Did you know that there are over 100 types of arthritis’? Heck, neither did I! I just googled it then because I knew there was at least 2.

I think the most common misconception is that rheumatoid arthritis symptoms improve or get worse according to the weather. Well, I can tell you that for me and many others, it does not. Rain, hail or sunshine, ’tis the same. The only thing that determines whether or not symptoms are good or bad is medication. MEDS! Yes, thank goodness for meds. But there are plenty of those living with Rheumatoid Arthritis who are affected by the weather. This all depends on the climate in which you live.

The other misconception I find annoying is that people ask me where I have arthritis. The reality is, which joints hurts is all up to the RA Gods or those in possession of your voodoo doll. One minute it’s the right hand and 10 minutes later, it could be the other hand. It also depends on what you are doing too. My knees are usually ok unless I have been sitting for a long time or getting out of the car.

I think for most outsiders, the concern is if they might get it. Is it contagious? How did you get it? Well, I don’t really know how I got it. There is no definitive answer for what triggers rheumatoid arthritis. It just happens. Apparently, your chances of getting it are increased if you are a smoker or have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis but guess what? I tick neither or those boxes so am I lucky or am I lucky??

Here’s a word of advice….

Don’t you love it when everyone just starts to give you a tonne of advice or ask you stupid questions? I know they mean well but it’s irritating. More often than not, they don’t have rheumatoid arthritis so the advice has no merit. It reminds me of when I was struggling with breastfeeding my eldest child. The maternal health nurse kept persisting I continue and put so much pressure on me. It wasn’t until months later that I found out that she didn’t even have kids! I was so angry that she had given me textbook advice and not advice based on personal experience. One of the reasons I want to set the record straight regarding the myths and facts of rheumatoid arthritis. Anyhow, back to the rolodex of rheumatoid arthritis advice or just dumb questions… here is my top ten:

  1. Does it hurt?- No, it tickles.
  2. I have arthritis too! – Yes, but I have rheumatoid arthritis. What’s the difference? – Nevermind.
  3. My dad has arthritis and he swears by Olive leaf extract (my naturopath does not)
  4. Try emu oil (Not only is the look and texture gross but it’s unethical in my opinion)
  5. K. Kardashian (I can’t remember which Kardashian) suggests celery juice! – I couldn’t think of anyone worse to take medical advice from.
  6. You don’t look sick – You don’t look stupid.
  7. Give acupuncture a go (This did actually provide me with relief but only for about 20 minutes. Voodoo does work!)
  8. You’re too young to have arthritis! – And yet, here I am…
  9. A bath will take the pain away – yes, my joints are all clean now.
  10. Change your diet. This is a big one and one I discuss it here.

So that’s the list of my most common unsolicited advice and annoying things people say. I’m not discounting some of the advice given, it works for some and not for others. That’s what you really need to take away from this. Everyone’s journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis is different. What works for one may not work for another. But definitely try it if it sounds sensible or better yet, ask the RA community. You can join our fantastic Rheumatoid Arthritis community here.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a pretty lonely disease. I know less than a handful of people who have it and it’s quite nice to have someone who knows what you’re up against minute after minute, hour after hour and day after day. It’s those people that give you the acknowledgement that you know comes from a common place and the advice that you need (keep taking those meds!)

That’s what The Rheuma Mill is all about! This is the place where you can share your experiences and KNOW that we know EXACTLY what you’re talking about! Hooray! Let’s raise awareness of RA and circulate the myths and facts of rheumatoid arthritis. Leave a comment below and share on The Rheuma Mill the best (and worst) advice you’ve been given.

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20 thoughts on “Myths and Facts of Rheumatoid Arthritis”

  1. CHARITY says:
    17/05/2020 at 11:51 am

    Thanks for sharing this knowledge, it just created an awareness since 1/2 of it all is new to me. Thank you.

  2. Rheumamill says:
    17/05/2020 at 11:12 pm

    Thanks so much Charity for your feedback! It is much appreciated.

  3. Lucy says:
    20/05/2020 at 11:56 am

    I love your blog! An informative read but your style of writing also made me laugh. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  4. Lenore | The Nitty Gritty Travel OT says:
    20/05/2020 at 2:20 pm

    Love your transparency with sharing your experience with RA, and how you’ve debunked methods that are highly recommended based on your experience. This is a great platform to not only educate people on RA, but to also start a discussion. Great idea!

  5. Rheumamill says:
    20/05/2020 at 11:13 pm

    Thank you Lucy for your feedback!

  6. Rheumamill says:
    20/05/2020 at 11:14 pm

    Thank you Lenore! I appreciate the great comments.

  7. Millie says:
    21/05/2020 at 10:37 am

    Thanks for sharing. One of my sister’s suffers from this disease and I thought I was always supportive but after reading your post I realized that I can be a better sister.
    P. S. She swears by turmeric! 🙂

  8. Patricia P. says:
    21/05/2020 at 11:03 am

    I don’t have RA, but my dad did. I did have breast cancer, however. So, while I can’t understand exactly what you are going through, I can at least understand the part about unsolicited medical advice from non-medical people. I do firmly believe healthy living helps all diseases, even if only partially or temporarily relieves our suffering.

  9. Kimberlie says:
    21/05/2020 at 11:34 am

    I hate that you are being subjected to doctoring by non rheumatoid arthritis doctors. It is a plague in our society that everyone has an opinion that they feel must be shared. I hope your doctors are able to find a regimen that works for you, so you find some measure of relief.

  10. Carolyn says:
    21/05/2020 at 12:57 pm

    I’m so sorry you have RA, I know it’s no fun. I had a former co-worker who had it (she was in her mid-30’s). She kept trying to get accommodations that would make her work station a little more comfortable (an ergonomic mouse, and standing desk), and the EEO office kept fighting her every step of the way (jerks). I have chronic pain myself (just in one joint, it’s nothing as bad as RA). But I’ve gotten a lot of the same suggestions above (turmeric does nothing…and I think Emu Oil might just be useless goop). Hang in there.

  11. Rheumamill says:
    21/05/2020 at 11:29 pm

    I’m sure your sister is lucky to have you! In terms of the tumeric, I guess everyone’s level of the condition is different and we all respond differently to treatments. Thanks for visiting and for your comments!

  12. Rheumamill says:
    21/05/2020 at 11:30 pm

    I couldn’t agree more Patricia. Healthy living for the mind and body. Your feedback is much appreciated.

  13. Rheumamill says:
    21/05/2020 at 11:30 pm

    Thank you kindly for your words Kimberlie

  14. Rheumamill says:
    21/05/2020 at 11:31 pm

    Thanks Carolyn! Appreciate the comment. All chronic pain sucks and I hope you find relief too.

  15. Free Stuff says:
    01/06/2020 at 12:24 am

    Pretty section of content. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually loved account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing on your feeds or even I success you get entry to persistently rapidly.

  16. Rheumamill says:
    01/06/2020 at 4:22 am

    Thank you so much!

  17. Finley says:
    19/10/2020 at 12:30 pm

    I love this post! It’s so true! If I had 5c for every time I heard one of those suggestions, I’d be a millionaire! So annoying. I love the humor you use in all your articles.

  18. Rheumamill says:
    20/10/2020 at 10:40 pm

    Hi Finley! Thanks so much for your comment and feedback. It means so much to me.

  19. Phil says:
    06/02/2021 at 11:39 pm

    Best explanation about RA, love your approach funny but sincere.It took almost a year to find out why my body was hurting. Meds are working and I’m thankful for that.

  20. Rheumamill says:
    07/02/2021 at 9:39 pm

    Hi Phil! Thank you so much for your comment! Wishing you all the best.

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