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How to Date With a Rheumatoid Disability

by Angela Epps

Overview

Learning how to date with any disability can be difficult, particularly when the disability controls what you are physically capable of doing for any extended period of time. According to the National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Disease (NIAMS), "Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the joints. It causes pain, swelling and stiffness...This disease often occurs in more than one joint and can affect any joint in the body." All of this can affect your social life as well, but some opportunities are available.
Dating Opportunities

Step 1

Join a support group to meet others with the disease. The NIAMS website states that such groups will help you find ways to "cope with physical issues and emotions, feel more control over the disease, build confidence" and learn how to lead a full and active life. Not to mention the fact that there also may be eligible singles in the group who understand what you are going through.
Step 2

Talk to your date about your rheumatoid disability before plans are made. This will ensure that he doesn't make the reservations for something such as rock climbing with the knowledge that you can't do it.
Step 3

Bring literature along with you if she wants to know more about with what you deal. Sometimes seeing it in print from a doctor will help others understand that it is a real disease, not just "sore joints" like they experience after a workout.
Step 4

Plan outings that allow you to rest frequently, especially if you have the type that flares and symptoms can come and go depending on the day. For example, if you want to go hiking, choose trails that have a lot of rest stops along the way. As the NIAMS website states: "Keep a good balance between rest and exercise."
Step 5

Stay positive in your thinking. According to the NIAMS, though there may be lifetime sufferers of this, "Some people have this disease for only a few months or a year or two. Then it goes away without causing damage." Research is continually being done to find new treatments for those who have it.
Step 6

Be spontaneous on days that you feel good. With your doctor's okay, there is nothing like climbing a rock wall with your boyfriend to feel like you conquered all your fears about dating with a rheumatoid disability.