New RA after covid

Sorry, I am new to this forum. I got a little lost in all the discussions 😀


I originally came to this site to try to understand my . Initially after Covid (march 2020) I had severe chest heaviness for about 11 months with occasional sharp pains in the chest. I still have chest pains on occasion. I had profound fatigue, trouble breathing, migraines, and orthostatic tachycardia (POTS). I was one of the first to identify lingering symptoms post Covid, which came to be known as long Covid (LC) or post acute sequela of Covid.


My RF factor was elevated in 2020 and my joint pain continued to increase and I am just now getting a formal diagnosis of RA. My cardiologist had talked about costochondritis but the chest pain sometimes woke me up at night, suggesting possible vasospasm, which happens with autonomic nervous system issues. My Rheumatologist never really talked about it, she’s been focused on my slight fingerjoint erosion.


So I thought I would look it up and I found you guys. There is so much information here that it’s a bit overwhelming. Hoping to learn more about experiences of newly diagnosed RA after Covid.

When your are first diagnosed it is extremely overwhelming. Doctors and others are throwing so many facts at you and asking you to make snap decisions about treatment. It is disheartening at times, but trust me when I say, after thirty plus years of RA, you will eventually find a routine that works for you. It can be scary, anxiety inducing, and paradoxically, even a little exciting (in a weird way). Just know that no matter what, you are not alone in this. If there’s anything we can do to help, let us know, and feel free to ask questions, vent, chat, or just read as much as you can to get an idea of what’s in store. Don’t worry, though, if I found a way to find a decent life with my serious case of RA after 30 years, anyone can, I’m sure of it! Keep on keepin on, DPM