@A myRAteam Member I'm so sorry and yes it gets so difficult for us. That's why I believe we are forced to suffer inside sometimes because even the best supporters get a little overwhelmed. It's hard for people to truly understand just how much we suffer even though we look great. That's why we feel guilty and lonely feeling as though it's the same old thing time and time again and others feeling the same but the reality is, it never stops for us. I do understand so just send me a message and say hi and we will give each other encouraging words. People here are great and understanding as well. God Bless you sweetie and have a good day.

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A myRAtea...

I understand exactly. Because we may not look sick people think we are okay and think we should just suck it up and get over it. If we had physical damage there may be more understanding but we hurt just as much looking the typical normal. Thank you.

Having experience for over 30 years fighting this RA battle I can share a few insights. Most of the time your family will be understanding and supportive, but they are only human. Dealing with a partner who is suffering for years takes a lot out of your loved one. There will be days you look ok and they are tired & exhausted and they begin to take their frustrations on you. Know that it isn't you, it's the stress of thr RA.
Don't worry about what other people think they don't count. Just you, God, your partner, and your Doctor.
You and God know the truth, hopefully your partner can be educated & your Doctor can always be replaced.My final bit of wisdom get some medication for your depression. Anyone with a chronic disease
needs their serotonin level raised to stay above water. It doesn't change your personality except you are't
depressed and unhappy. God bless all my fellow warriors!

I feel like I have great support from my husband, family and friends. Yet I still feel so alone some of the time! When the pain is bad and the fatigue sets in, I cry a lot. I told my rheum PA this yesterday and she suggested finding an online support group like this. Hope this helps us both, Corrie! :)

Ya sometimes it is hard getting support and understanding from people , my hubby is supportive , but my constant flares and the fact that my health continues to decline really stresses my hubby out and I find that he has a hard time emotionally , listening to me talk about my RA , now I'm trying not to say much about it , and I do have friends that I can talk to , but the best group , is the friends I've made on here , this site is great and people truly understand , I find that people just don't "get it " , I look ok so people think I feel ok , sending hugs and prayers to u Corrie!!