If Someone Told Me __ About My RA, I Would Not Have Believed It.
We posed this question to our community earlier this year. Some responses were:
*"The amount of medication and how often I would go to a doctor appointment."
*How bad finding a good doctor is."
*"How tired I would get just taking a shower."
What else would you add? 
How quick you get used to a life of living in chronic pain
So true. I hear you. And also how much effort it takes to get to that point of getting used to chronic pain!
-David (RheumatoidArthritis.net Contributor/Moderator)Hi
. Clearly all too true. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at two, almost 45 years ago. She has noted how she simply doesn't know anything different and I suspect it doesn't take long with RA for a new normal to take over. Last year we were meeting with a surgeon before Kelly had a reverse shoulder replacement and the surgeon (who, on top of being a great doctor, had been through surgery himself and really got it) was commenting on the difference for an RA patient like Kelly when it came to pain. As he put it, what he or I would consider a bad pain day for Kelly is just Tuesday (or any other day). Know that people here get it. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
… how difficult it can be to find a compassionate, competent rheumatologist in your area…
, one would think this wouldn't be a hard task, but I have read too many comments in this community that have led me to believe otherwise. I'm not sure why a person would choose to become a doctor if they are not compassionate. And one would hope EVERY doctor they see would at the very least, be competant!
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team member.right....I was diagnosed in my twenties (2004). I am on rheumatologist number 8. Honestly, this one is a keeper. Have you found that right compassionate, competent rheumatologist for you?
Appreciate you reaching out. Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member"
That my life was changed forever, and not in a good way.
, I'm sorry. RA definitely is an unwelcome surprise for pretty much every member of this community. Please know you're not alone here!
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.I understand what you are saying. I attached a link below, to an article I wrote about my journey with RA. https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/lifestyle-adjustments
Thanks for reaching out!
Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member"
All the other things RA causes besides joint pain!! Keep on keepin' on, DPM
