Post by Cindy on Jul 8, 2015 10:54:29 GMT -5
By Mariah Z. Leach—
Most of you have probably heard the term “invisible illness” used to describe rheumatoid arthritis. This “invisibility” refers to the fact that people with RA can often be dealing with various serious symptoms – such as debilitating pain or crushing fatigue – but show no outward signs of being sick or even being in pain. Although these symptoms may not be obvious to the average observer, a person with an invisible illness may experience severe limits on their daily activities or an overall toll on their quality of life.
Unfortunately, many people make judgments about the capabilities of others based on the way they look. They may see someone who looks healthy park in a handicap spot and immediately assume that their handicap placard is being used illegally, when in reality that person may legitimately be in a lot of pain during their brief walk across the parking lot. Co-workers may not understand why someone who “looks fine” needs to take so many sick days or go to so many doctors appointments. Friends and family may be frustrated that someone with an invisible illness isn’t available for social activities anymore or that they aren’t feeling better yet.
I’ve been thinking quite a lot lately about the “invisible” aspect of life with RA. Considering that we generally “look fine” on the outside, it can be extremely difficult to explain to others what we are really dealing with on the inside. How do you make someone realize how much pain you are in when there are no visual signs of your pain?
more:
rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/pain-invisibility/
Most of you have probably heard the term “invisible illness” used to describe rheumatoid arthritis. This “invisibility” refers to the fact that people with RA can often be dealing with various serious symptoms – such as debilitating pain or crushing fatigue – but show no outward signs of being sick or even being in pain. Although these symptoms may not be obvious to the average observer, a person with an invisible illness may experience severe limits on their daily activities or an overall toll on their quality of life.
Unfortunately, many people make judgments about the capabilities of others based on the way they look. They may see someone who looks healthy park in a handicap spot and immediately assume that their handicap placard is being used illegally, when in reality that person may legitimately be in a lot of pain during their brief walk across the parking lot. Co-workers may not understand why someone who “looks fine” needs to take so many sick days or go to so many doctors appointments. Friends and family may be frustrated that someone with an invisible illness isn’t available for social activities anymore or that they aren’t feeling better yet.
I’ve been thinking quite a lot lately about the “invisible” aspect of life with RA. Considering that we generally “look fine” on the outside, it can be extremely difficult to explain to others what we are really dealing with on the inside. How do you make someone realize how much pain you are in when there are no visual signs of your pain?
more:
rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/pain-invisibility/
!!
