Community Forums Roundup: Pain Management, Costs, and Complex Symptoms

Here at RheumatoidArthritis.net, our community members and the stories they share in our forums are invaluable sources of connection, knowledge, and support for all, no matter where they are in their RA journey.

To bring more awareness to important topics in the community, and to highlight some of the amazing conversations taking place in our community forums, we've gathered together a few perspectives on this month's most popular discussion topics.

In each of the topic sections below, you can enter your own response to the prompt in the white box and click "Share my response," or click on "View all responses" to read advice and stories from fellow community members and Health Leaders. We'll see you there!

RA pain management

Joint pain, swelling, tightness, and stiffness are the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Joints in the hands, wrists, feet, and knees are usually affected first. Over time, RA may affect other joints, including the shoulders, hips, and elbows.¹

Many community members report difficulty managing their RA pain and finding a treatment that works:

MAsanchez: "I have been dealing with RA pain for 30-plus years. After many many failed medications, including methotrexate and trial mess, why is it the rheumatologist still..."

Michiganderforlife: "Wondering if leg pain is common for RA. I know my joints ache and more so during a flare – but don’t notice any swelling or redness per se. My legs are my biggest issue..."

Local1Larry: "I’m a Union Ironworker by trade. I’ve been diagnosed with RA. I’m having a hard time managing the pain in my knuckles and doing my job safely..."

RA costs and finances

Many of our community Health Leaders have shared how difficult it is to manage the financial aspects of living with RA. Some people accumulate high amounts of medical debt in the process of trying to manage their RA.

Community members have recently shared their struggles with affording RA treatment:

RobertaC: "I cannot be the only one who can’t afford treatment because Medicare only covers a small portion of the IV costs and medication. Need recommendations as I have no other options..."

lioness73: "My spouse with RA is trying to get SSDI. She has a robust 40-year work history and is only applying because she keeps having to take off work due to debilitating flare-ups. She is 55. What are her chances of success in receiving benefits?"

RA symptoms

Some people with RA are surprised by or unsure about new or different symptoms as they arise. Have you ever experienced a physical symptom and been unsure whether it was part of your RA or a sign of something else? Do you live with any comorbidities that make it difficult to tell? How do you treat new or worsening RA symptoms?

Sparklebright62: "My chest has started to flare up again and feel sore and I have inflammation in private areas. Going for a pelvic check-up this week; still being told I do not have inflammation anywhere when I can actually feel it in my body..."

baiterj: "What treatments work for eye problems? Am taking drops with limited success..."

RA community poll