I'm so sorry you aren't getting the support from the family.
Maybe you should have your husband come with you to your next appt with
the RD. It may help coming from the doctor, since you said that
you have given them reading material and they still don't
understand. I think many people 'clump' arthritis in one
category.. mostly they think that OA and RA are the same and you
shouldn't be feeling so lousy since alot of people suffer from just OA
and still maintain their daily work patterns.
How about if you suggest that they read some of the postings from this
site. They may be able to understand that it's not just YOU, but
it's the disease.
Good luck and keep us all informed. We do understand.
Thank you vickilee, it really helps knowing I can gain support here, and that there are people who understand because they are there too experiencing it. It's nice to just be able to compare notes.
I was quite leary of being married again because it was a huge strain on my first marriage.
I have to tell you having the person closest to me truely understand this disease had made all the difference in the world.
He's so sensative to my needs I have to pinch myself at times because it all feels like a dream.
Definately encourage your husband to become educated about RA and how it not only affects you.....but the rest of your family as well.
Hang in there. Sometimes it takes our loved ones sometime to accept it too. Don't give up on him.
Does anyone have trouble getting support for their RA from family members? My two closest "allies" are my Mom and my husband. My pain is taking over my life and I need to rest quite a bit. It seems to be getting more and more severe and taking over more joints. My mother just says that she prays that it's all a "mistake" by the doctors, and my husband can't accept me slowing down with some of my responsibilities. We run a very busy business together and have 10 apartments also which I manage. I also have all of the duties around the house to keep up with. I feel overwhelmed and down sometimes because I can't seem to convince them that things need to change. My husband's mother had RA that STARTED at 65 so he can't relate to me being 45 and in this shape already. I can't open jars, lift things without dropping them, and just need so much sleep!! I feel that my husband just thinks I'm getting lazy. I've given them both literature on it and they still just don't get it. Any ideas?