I'm a lot older and have dated with RA and liver disease. I don't scare people off by telling them too soon...they don't need to know unless it gets serious.

Twylah, everyone has SOMETHING! Those who don't have phsyical ailments have psychologicla ones...like bipolar disorder or depression...

Sounds corny, but a man who would let those stop him is not worth it

And, my experience is that men do not care unless it's a COMMUNUCABLE disease, as in STD. Even then. some don't care.

My daughter is mid 30's has colitis, met th elove of her life and it just turnes out he also has colitis!

Go for it! Take it one day at a time. And good luck!

My motto is, it's better to have loved and lost than never try.

Thank you so much for the encouragement!

If you have a relatively good attitude about it and deal with it well, then they shld be able to handle it. I have found that to be true with relationships of all kinds. RA isn't the easiest to live with but that's not all of who you are....you are more than that.

The bigger deal you make out of it, the more others will. Yes we have bad days but they don't have to consume us... and we are still capable of many things. You just focus on being the best person you can be and put your wonderful assets out there to shine... and the light won't have to shine on RA....

You will do fine..xxoo

Twyliah -

You go and enjoy yourself while being yourself.

Have fun

Bluedogs2

Hi there!

I have been divorced for 10 years and dx with RA for 21 years. My husband was very supportive but my RA is significantly worse in the past 5 years so he never saw it too terribly bad. I dated for 5 years after my divorce and only told the men about my RA that I thought I might possibly have a future with (dated 2 guys I really liked).

I haven't dated in the past 5 years as my RA has been so unmanageable. I really wish I could but it seems I cancel with friends/family all the time :( due to swelling/flaring/pain.

I think you should go for it! See how it feels if your RA is under control!

If I could get my RA under control I would definitely try dating again. I am 46 and have no children other than 3 furry children :) I really never saw myself alone forever but when my RA is flaring so bad I sometimes am grateful I am alone. Nobody gets how we can be completely fine one day and the next day we can't walk :(

So weird I have a "shingles like" illness too. Mine is called erythema multiforme. I have mine under control (knock on wood!!) with a preventative medication every day.

Go for it and keep me posted!! You are young and sound really positive so I say go for it!!

Xoxo MLC.

That is one of the things I am afraid of, losing my alone time especially when I am sick or having a flare. It is very hard for people to understand how much RA can just take out of you. I don't want to stay alone though, so I'm going to get out there. Thanks for all the support. I'll let you guys/gals know how it goes.

Hi Twyliah, You are still young. If you feel like going out on a date, go for it.You deserve happiness. You will know the person is the right one when they accept you for who you are along with the RA. Good luck with the dating process and keep us posted.