Re: Re: OT-- To Brit

[Guest guest]

I just look at them and smile. They look at you real funny before they smile

back. Or they look away and walk off. But usu. they seem to get the point. Kids

don't do it the same way adults do. They haven't really learned to be hateful

yet. Let them stare. If they don't like it, tell them not to look.

Ms radar <aclavern33@...> wrote: I live in a military community and with

all the soldiers coming back

many maimed and without limbs...maybe people's attitudes will

change. I see men and women every day in this community using canes,

wheelchairs, scooters and whatever it takes to be mobile. I think

here in TExas we have more handicap spaces that I have ever seen in

other places I have lived. I see many children that have physical

limitations and use adaptive equipment. I have never noticed

staring. But it could be that I am too busy doing whatever to pay

attention to others that are rudely staring.

Oh the rare occasion that I have seen someone staring...I stare back!

when they realize they are staring the usually turn and walk away

quickly. I have never had kids stare...then I have had them ask wehn

I use wrist braces did I fall and hurt myself. I answer them

honestly.

I think may in some areas where there is not a lot of churn in

people..people may get stuck in there ideas and do not get a lot of

exposure to others.

Here where I am...there is constant churn...so people get use to

seeing people of all, races, disabilities, religions, cultures,

languages and such.

Maybe if you try talking to those that stare...they might stop. I

have done that...simply said, " i noticed you are staring..sad isn't

it to be afflicted with a painful life long disease a such a young

age..but I thank god for every day! "

Toni

>

> Brit,

>

> I don't post often these days. However, I try to keep up with the

> reading. You just sound so much like me. It has been 10 years for

> me, at least. The RA started shortly after the birth of my

daughter

> for me too.. She later regressed in development. My daughter is

no

> longer with me, but I was feeling the same way when caring for

her.

> I wanted her to have a healthy mom. I was 30 when I had her and

> developed RA around 31, can't remember exact date anymore.

>

> However, just wanted you to know it happens to us all from time to

> time. I get the same reaction even now from a lot of people.

They

> stare beyond belief. A lot of the times I am with my husband and

it

> is embarrassing to him as well when they stare like that. They

don't

> say hi or anything, they just stare. I think to them I look too

> young to limp and walk so slowly because they don't stare at older

> people like that. A lot of RA sufferers are young when they get

> the disease first of all and even years later they still look

young.

> The disease usually strikes between 25 and 50, give or take a few

> years. Even children stare, more out of curiosity but I did have

one

> child to be afraid of me. I limp and now walk with a cane so I

guess

> that can be frightening to a small child. I am trying not to give

up

> going out in the public and trying to stay active even though I am

> very limited.

>

> I am not sure of your meds but there is a lot of info here on

meds.

> Also stay well hydrated, 8 to 10 cups of water a day, and you are

> doing a great job at staying active. Stress-free helps if you

can.

> I do feel some of us have it more severely because I am in pain

> nonstop and I meet others who say they have it but have flares

maybe

> once a year and I take the same meds they do or have at one time or

> another. Your diet is very important too but it isn't one therapy

> fits all. You have to find out what foods you react to. Being

in

> supportive, loving relationships help, eliminate the negativity too

> but that's another topic.

>

> Hang in there and take care.

>

> Ebony

>