Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

LOVE IT

You know? I have decided i will start saying to "civilians" that i have RAD. Even if it is not official, and might not be in my lifetime. Since it is ME who has it, and "civilians" don't quite understand AIs anyways. At least i will give it a try (hope i remember! After so long saying RA, it might take a while..)

I like it too!! I had to explain today at work again why I was limping, moving slowly, and had my right hand wrapped up like a mummy. <sigh> People , who didnt know already, kept saying, "but you don't look sick.." GRRRRR

So RAD it is!!!

Yes. If one more person tells me its just rheumatism like the old folks had, just a few aches and pains when the weather changes....oooooh i think i'll bite them.

It is disheartening to be in daily chronic pain, fatigue, swelling , etc. and having people around you respond with the same old answers.

If they only knew how stupid they sound to us...

I do like the RAD name and it is my hope that this disease will finally be understood and not be minimized by others!

It is disheartening and wicked frustrating, I think most of the people I know are even at the point of annoyance with me. Especially at work. I talk about it less and less as time goes by. Its too draining always having to explain the same things over and over.

Its a good name ... I hope it does get changed, it needs to be changed. Even still I don't know that people will understand .. regardless of the name ... but even if they stop associating it with arthritis (which it NOT) that alone would make a big difference.

I like it. RAD. "Rheumatoid Autoimmune Disease."

Most people will immediately pick up on autoimmune/disease. Whereas, rheumatoid will be less heard.

Just the words autoimmune disease will click on a switch in their heads. And they will understand much better what we are dealing with.

Yes, I like it. And will be using RAD rather than RA.

It sounds good to have a new, descriptive name for our chronic disease. However, RAD is already in medical and popular use as Reactive Attachment Disorder. I can almost image the confusion and disgruntled reactions...