Rheumatoid Arthritis and Intimacy

Hi Everyone!

I've recently been thinking about how RA has impacted intimacy with my partner, and I was wondering if is something any of you have experienced as well?

I was diagnosed in 2016 at the age of 28, although I had been living with symptoms for most of my life. My now-husband and I were already dating at the time, and although we had been intimate up until this point, he wanted to understand if this new diagnosis would impact our experiences or ability to be intimate, and if or how he could help in the process.

Ultimately, I've found that living with RA requires a little extra communication with my partner, but that intimacy can still be enjoyable, relaxing, and even pleasurable.

I even wrote this article with some tips on how to talk to your partner about limitations or changes in intimacy due to living with RA:

https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/intimacy-partner-communication

Now, I wonder...

How has RA impacted your love life and/or intimacy?

Has RA had an impact on your intimate relationships?

How has intimacy changed for you since being diagnosed with RA?

If you want to read a little more about my story, you can find it here:
https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/support-body-intimacy

Warmly,
Amanda