Re: OT-- To Brit

[Guest guest]

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

>