Dana Rae
Hello! Let me first start off by saying that I'm not sure what JRA is but that doesn't seem to be the underline point you need help with. Here it goes: I'm 23 and was dx with dermatomyositis a year ago. One thing that I learned was that everyone will act differently to the news. Example: My mother and I weren't close at all and then I got sick and she was the mother I always wanted her to be. My father was my best friend but he changed..he was always mad at me for being sick, as if I had control over it. My younger brother, who I wanted to be around me a lot was never there. When things got better and I was out of the hospital my bro started making fun of me and still does today. As a matter of fact I had a doctor's appt. today and on the way in the office he made fun of me because I couldn't hold open the door (my illness causes muscle weakness). Almost none of my friends were around either, it was too much for them to handle. It's hard to go through a injury or illness without support. I don't know what it is like to have my friends make fun of me do to my situation because they weren't even there. Maybe they want to make light of the situation because they are scared. Like I said I don't know what you have but you hang in there. If I were you and I told my parent's about this they would prob. tell me that if they were true friends then they wouldn't do that to you or make you feel that way. But no one knows the friendship (bond) you have with those people but you and that person. You need to be around supportive and positive people...tell them that. If your friendship is a good one then you need to tell them how they are making you feel. Communication is the key to a lot in life. As stated before different people act different ways. This might be hard on them, if this isn't that type of situation then sit back and think about finding some supportive friends. Jokes are jokes but sometimes it goes to far. Good luck with everything and keep your head up.