just diagnosed with seropositive RA, 61 years old
Hello,
I'm overwhelmed with my diagnosis, and reading horrible things about seropositive RA being severe and progressive, and short life expectancy after diagnosis.
I'm freaking out.. can anyone with seropositive RA please share your story and how it is progressing or being controlled and what meds worked/don't work for you?
thank you so much for any info, I'm reading as much as I can online and there isn't much good news.
Hi
. I hope you get lots and lots and lots of responses from members and that they allay your fears. Your concern is understandable. People who have milder symptoms don't often post on forums like this and they don't always take part in polls and surveys that measure progression. So you are reading about the worst-case scenarios. Yes, there are people with seropositive RA who's lives have been cut short by complications or comorbidities, but every RA journey is different. You can't measure your potential journey against someone else's. New treatments are always in the pipeline and today's medication options are better than they were even just two decades ago. Here is a wonderful article from one of our advocates that you might find helpful: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/newly-diagnosed-self-advice. Are you taking any medications to slow your progression and, if so, do they seem to be helping? Please know we are here for you whenever you need us. Best of all wishes. - Lori (Team Member) I was just diagnosed with RA in my feet and arthritis in my right hand can't work my family does not understand at all even though their dad was diagnosed 12 yes ago with MS and I've had to deal with everything by myself no help and got 3 kids and 7 grandchildren I spoiled when they were baby's but now their teenagers I don't see them much anymore I feel totally alone no family sents momma died 5 yes ago any advice would greatly appreciated it 
Oh,
, my heart goes out to you. I can hear what a hard time it is for you, being newly diagnosed and in so much pain. I'm sorry that your family isn't understanding and, while I know it's not the same, I hope that you can feel the support from this community as the people here do understand. Being newly diagnosed I wanted to share a couple of articles with you here. This first one has some things community members would go back and say to themselves if they were newly diagnosed. https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/support-newly-diagnosed And this two part series with some tips for the newly diagnosed. https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/support-new-diagnosis https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/care-management Please know that we are here for you and reach out any time (whether you have questions, need to vent, or could use some support). Sending you gentle hugs! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
, I just want to piggyback on what Lori wrote. Being newly diagnosed can be such an overwhelming time. But, please know that almost every person in this community has been where you are. They've felt overwhelmed. Or confused. Angry. Depressed. Numb. Or any number of other feelings. Whatever you are feeling right now, it's okay. You're allowed to feel however you feel. And definitely check out the article link Lori shared. You don't have to face this alone. We have a large community here that can understand what you're going through. I hope they see your post and chime in here.
We're here for you! You can do this; I promise.
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.Erin and Lori - wow, such kind words from both of you ❤️
I have not started meds yet, i just got diagnosed and found a new Rheumatologist in Boston, I have an appt August 10. Not looking forward to it!
Will update with next steps afterward.
Thank you…
I am seronegative myself and I know the frustrations of being first diagnosed and all the information that comes flying at you and all the decisions they want you to make. It's a bizarre and stressful time for sure. Just know you are not alone and that if you need any info, or just want to chat with others who understand, we'll be here! Keep us updated! Keep on keepin' on, DPM Thank you Daniel !
