Conversation Of The Week: Strategies To Manage RA At A Younger Age
Hello! This week we are talking about the unfortunate reality that many young people are diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. When you’re young and you tell anyone you have RA, their immediate reaction is often, “Isn’t that an older person's disease?” And while yes traditionally that may have been the case, it no longer is. I was 15 but kids are being diagnosed even younger than that now.
It’s not an easy feat to take on. Adolescence already comes with many new and challenging obstacles to navigate as we learn to become people. Already challenged with questions of who we are, what we like, where we want to go, what we want to do, and now how do I manage chronic pain? They don’t prepare you for that one.
I am no expert but I have learned a lot in the past 11 years managing this disease since the 10th grade. Whether it’s our relationships with others or the imposition of their opinions, the inevitable feelings of loneliness, the discovery of the most healing lifestyle for ourselves, the roller coaster ride of finding the right medication, or just the acceptance of this completely new life, Ive been through it all. With many ups and downs going from a teenager to an adult managing RA, I believe it does become easier than it initially seems.
With a good medication, a solid support system, and a lifestyle that prioritizes reduced stress, movement every day, and healthy habits, I feel like I coexist peacefully and happily with my RA.
How do/did you manage your RA at a young age? What helps the most? What is/was the most difficult part for you?
my mother was diagnosed with RA at the age of 30 I can remember being heart broken for her this was in the early 70s biologicals were unheard of back then it gold shots for her tons of asprin and steroids I felt so bad for her I was 50 when I devoloped this disease with Embrel and steroids I keep working I still get so fatigued now Im getting these crazy leg cramps at night but I carry on some mornings before the steroids I dont if I can even get out of bed it takes a good 30 minutes to an hour before I feel mobile well we carry on
There is a lot to take in when you see a loved one go through such a hard time managing a chronic illness, and then later find yourself in the same shoes. I can't imagine dealing with something like RA in the '70s when there were little to no options to manage it. Even now, it's still a challenge for most people. Are these leg cramps you're experiencing a new pain? How are you managing this currently? I truly hope you get some relief with this issue as I know it has to be frustrating to deal with. Thank you so much for sharing your mothers and your own experience with us. All the best, Latoya (Team Member) Thankyou
Because I’m seronegative I got passed around from doctor to doctor,as a child and teen, without a diagnosis thus no RA meds. Same in my 20’s even though I was suffering from maladies such as carpal tunnel syndrome. I went downhill in my 40’s and 50’s
Oh no, I hate to hear you had such a negative experience when having to deal with RA when you were younger and to see how it has affected you later in life. We're you ever able to be properly diagnosis? How do you currently manage everything now? I hope you're doing well currently! Kindly, Latoya (Team Member)
