Ra or not Ra? So many questions from a scared person
Hello, I am new to Ra .. in fact, I have not been diagnosed or tested for it yet. But I have some symptoms.. I am really worried about having it. Basically, terrified.. I .a very active person I like to run, play basketball jump rope etc. Could one have symptoms of Ra but could it be something not as gloom and doom? I am just so worried, I am not sleeping and I have constant anxiety. Also, if I do have it can I still be active and will I still be able to work? Also, do the meds for Ra take some of the symptoms away like pain and fatigue? Thanks for reading and posting. I truly appreciate it.
Hello and welcome,
! I'm sorry you're feeling terrified right now, but I don't blame you. The prospect of being diagnosed with a chronic condition like RA can seem pretty daunting. You didn't mention what symptoms you are experiencing (and you don't have to, if you don't feel comfortable doing so), so it's hard to say what's causing your issues. And, feeling anxious and sleep deprived may actually be exacerbating the symptoms you are experiencing. There are a number of conditions that share symptoms with RA, but many of them tend to be autoimmune conditions or other chronic conditions, so I am not sure if one is better or worse than RA.
And, when it comes to treatment, some people experience significant improvements in their symptoms while others don't. It can vary widely. Managing the pain, while challenging, is easier than getting a handle on RA related fatigue. BUT, working with your doctor/rheumatologist can help you find the best treatment for you. Whether you are diagnosed with RA or something else, I wanted to share this article with you, as I want to give you some hope, some honesty, and some hard won advice from one of our longtime contributors -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/diagnosis-awareness. Please know we're here for you and if you have anymore questions, PLEASE don't hesitate to ask them. While we can't provide specific diagnoses or offer medical advice, for your safety, we're happy to help in any way we can.
Best, Erin, Team Member.After living a lifetime with pain I highly recommend that having a board certified Pain Management Physician is integral to living with RA, Fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Get a small notebook to monitor how you feel each day. Take it to your first appointment. Research the best Rheumatologist in your area and call to make an appointment. As questions come to mind, write them in your notebook to take with you.
those are some great tips! Thanks for sharing with the community member here. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
You can live and go on with your life , with some modifications, when you have RA. Don’t give up just because of a diagnosis! You are still the same wonderful person!
