How long does it take for the RA to reach final stage. Iam really scared.
HI was diagnosed at age 26,have been on medication for 4 years now,seems as if it's getting worse especially the pain. I have 2 young beautiful children.I'm afraid hat I won't that I will not be able to be there for my children the way I always thought I would, like teaching them how to ride a bike or go on hiking trips or even playing sports with my children. I am afraid of missing out on their childhood because of my mobility.
Hi Waseem~
I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling so much - especially since you've got two little ones to deal with! I was diagnosed at age 25 and I have a two year old and another on the way, so I completely understand the difficulties you are facing. It can be really scary to think about how to be the best parent you can when you are also dealing with a chronic condition.
However, it's also really important to remember that RA is a chronic condition - which means there isn't really a "final stage." Instead, RA is something that you will (unfortunately) have to manage for the rest of your life, and there will be a lot of ups and downs. It sounds like you are having a downturn - where you are dealing with a lot more pain and the medication isn't working as well as it perhaps once was. That means it is probably time to go talk to your rheumatologist about changing your treatment plan. Sometimes, for unknown reasons, medications that once worked simply stop working. The ever-changing nature of RA can be really frustrating, but luckily there are lots of good options for medications today so hopefully you and your rheumatologist can identify one that will get you more improvement in your symptoms than you have now.
In the meantime, remember that we are here to support you! In particular I understand the struggles of dealing with parenthood and RA at the same time - and I am always happy to chat about it or even just listen if you need to talk to someone who understands.
Best of luck to you! Hang in there!
~Mariah~
Thank you so much Mariah ,It's good to talk to someone who understands.My pain levels have really increased for the past two months,my doctor increased my dosage and said we'l have to wait a while before he can change anything. It is frustrating especially being someone who played a lot of sport and now can't even walk steadily,I guess that I will have to learn to live with it.What also freaks me out is seeing someone who has been physically deformed by RA and thinking that I am going to reach that state. Thank you so much for your kind words and for just replying, its very comforting however I am also truly sorry that you have RA too.
Hi Waseem~
Yes, unfortunately when you change dosages or medications it can be a very frustrating waiting game to see if it makes a difference. I have been there too. We just have to try to be as patient as we can - and kind to ourselves when we feel frustrated in the process! (Easier said than done I know!) Luckily, the medications that exist today are significantly better at preventing long-term damage than the treatment options that existed just ten years ago. That means that those of us who are dealing with RA today are a lot less likely to reach a state where we are physically deformed.
~Mariah~
Hi Mariah,really glad to hear that.Just want to let you know the medication I'm on, Salzapyron,metertrexate,folic acid and Coxflam(NSAID)Perhaps if there is anything else I could ask my Doctor about? Thank you so much. Its amazing how words of encouragment even by a stranger can make a difference in someones life😀
