Believe it or not, there are inappropriate things that have been said to someone who is suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Hopefully more empathy is achieved after readings this.

Here are some things that should NOT be said to someone that has Rheumatoid Arthritis.

1.     You don’t look sick; you look good: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness that affects you every day regardless of how “good “ you look. It is an invisible disease.

2.     You’re not old enough to have arthritis: Anyone at any age can have Rheumatoid arthritis. There is also juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Please note this isn't the same as your grandmother's arthritis. 

3.     Oh, I know, me too: Unless you also have rheumatoid arthritis, I highly doubt that you understand how I am feeling. So please don’t say this. Having arthritis in a specific joint isn't the same as living with a chronic disease that affects your health/body everyday.

4.     Are you depressed? Maybe you should see a therapist: Maybe you should mind your own business. Dealing with the aches and pains of rheumatoid arthritis on a day-to-day basis can be emotionally draining but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are depressed.  

5.     You are so thin/fat: You don’t’ have the control of losing all of the weight as many would think. It’s a constant battle especially since there are times when you aren’t mobile.  

6.     You have low tolerance for pain: I don’t wish anyone the aches of pain that a person with rheumatoid arthritis experiences. It is the most excruciating pain ever.

7.     Get some Tylenol Arthritis, it helped me and the pain went away: I’m glad that worked for you but rheumatoid arthritis is a complex disease. Popping a few Tylenol Arthritis pills won’t do the trick for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.

8.     Exercising should make you feel better: Yes, essentially exercise should make you feel better if you are mobile. There are days that you won’t be able to move due to the aches and pain so exercising is not an option many days.  

9.     Is that your handicapped parking sign? Yes that is my handicapped parking sign. One minute I can walk with no issues and the next I am limping back to my car, my disease is very unpredictable.

10. You should be able to carry that bag, it’s not that heavy: In a perfect world, yes the bag is not heavy at all but since I have rheumatoid arthritis and my strength is no longer the same then that bag is heavy for me to carry. 

11. Is that all you're eating?: Yes, since I am following a nightshade free/ anti-inflammatory free lifestyle then that means I cannot eat the same food that you are eating. Mind your business and mind your plate.