Vanity

I am frustrated. Frustrated because I'm so sick of people's vanity when it comes to their RA. I've dealt with this for 20+ years and never once did I concern myself with how my hands or any other joints look. I worry about things like joints not properly working or pain or even that RA can kill me eventually. But, I don't worry about the looks of my hands. Gee, they're deformed? Oh really? Wow I did not know that! As long as I can get them to work with the least amount of pain, wonderful. I'll never hide my hands or even try to draw as little attention as possible to them. I just don't care how others see me. While I don't enjoy RA, I also am not ashamed I have it. It's not like I caused it.


I also fail to understand equating having a life as only being physically active. I am not at all what anyone would call active. But, I still have a very nice life thank you very much. I am useful to my family and friends. I like to think (given the comments of others) that because I can't be physically active, I am valuable in helping others understand the beasts of RA and FMS. I'm not the "fuzzy wuzzy hold your hand and pat your back saying 'it'll all be ok'" type but I educate as best I can. I'd never once dream of telling someone in a wheelchair due to RA that I am trying to avoid being in that wheelchair and not having a life. To me that's insensitive, and that's coming from someone who, well let's just say I've never been accused of being overly sensitive but rather a bit cold.


I just don't get trying to make others feel bad with my insecurities. Maybe that is being insensitive to those who are insecure about looks or to those who are vain.