Comments on: Socializing With Rheumatoid Arthritis

By: HayWire0831

HayWire0831 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:32:44 +0000

Thanks for sharing this. I needed a new perspective on this as I am in the “I don’t wanna” phase when it comes to social events. It’s not so much the time spent DURING the event, but the way I feel the next day or 2 or 10. That’s the part that makes me turn people down for gatherings, but sometimes, I just say screw it and head out the door no matter how I feel or what’s to come. Can’t pause life!!!

By: Kelly Tirman

Kelly Tirman — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:50:48 +0000

I love this about South America. I sometimes dream of moving there because of the social aspects. In the US in is not uncommon to live 20 minutes away from a close relative and barely see them in person. And forget about seeing someone if they don’t feel 100%! I love that you are still making time to be social even if you don’t feel that great – it feeds your soul. We should all learn a lesson from South America and enjoy life a little more.

By: Thrive with RA™

Thrive with RA™ — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:18:38 +0000

What a great attitude!

For me, RA pain can be tabled to a large degree when I’m focusing on other people, conversation and edibles. Emotions play such an integral role to how we feel — the social aspect is so vital to our wellbeing, yet it can be a double-edged sword, such as catching a cold during a holiday gathering when one is on multiple immune-suppressing drugs — a dangerous, potential outcome.

Your omelet sounds heavenly!

By: Lene

Lene — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:35:40 +0000

RA can be incredibly isolating and when things are bad, my life tends to shrink. A lot. I think that’s where the planning ahead compulsion of the North American really messes with things. If you can’t reliably plan ahead, you don’t. Drop-ins might keep you in touch with your friends in a different way.

It’s hard to remember that socializing gives you energy, as well as taking it away. When I was flaring really badly, I eventually developed a coping technique. When friends came over and I got tired after 1.5 hours, I’d lovingly say thanks for the visit and kick them out. It took a long time for me to get comfortable with that, but once I did and talked to people about why I did it, they understood and rolled with it. It meant I got the benefits of socializing without having to pay for days.

p.s. That dinner sounds wonderful. I’m drooling into my keyboard.

By: Jocelyn

Jocelyn — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:10:56 +0000

I too am trying to resume being a social person. I’ve hit a few big snags though. One is that most of my friends actively show horses (one of my pre RA hobbies). Since they are always riding that’s the main way they socialize. I still have horses, but most days I can barely take care of them so I rarely ride. Which brings me to my second snag. Now that I’m feeling better, I find that my friends have adopted the habit of leaving me out because I’ve said no too many times. Any advice?