RA Priorities...One of the most impactful things I have had to learn since being diagnosed with RA is the art of prioritizing. We know that RA is draining: between fatigue, injections...reactions1comment
The Armor of Rheumatoid Arthritis...I sometimes feel like an armadillo. Sounds very strange, I know. But I think it is intriguing to look at how we relate to other animals in nature in terms of...reactions3comments
Starting to get anxiety more than usual......Starting to get anxiety more than usual about my mother visiting from Florida for my son's wedding. So I have to drive from North Carolina to South Florida to pick...reactions1reply
Taking Humira Weekly: A Worsening of RA Symptoms...I’m not sure what’s been making my RA worse lately, but my joints are in a lot more pain and my bloodwork has gotten worse. So much to the point...reactions6comments
Getting Used to the Stares Again...I haven’t been out much in the last few months. (Understatement of the year, right?!) So, I actually am not used to being around people. Other than living with my...reactions3comments
What are your thoughts on SSDI with RA?...Well I have numerous health issues and now looks like I have rheumatoid arthritis. I’m 49 and have worked since I was quite young even with stomach, hearing, sleep, and...reactions2replies
What should I expect when coming off of medications before surgery?...I am having a cervical fusion next week and stopping all arthritis meds. I've only been diagnosed with RA for a year and this is the first surgery since then...reactions2replies
Just Color It: 6 Benefits of Coloring for Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis...I can remember, from an early age, loving to color. I would spend hours upon hours choosing the perfect colors for my picture. Absolutely, I would get lost in my...reactions12comments
The Pitfalls of Seronegative RA...As many as a third of people with rheumatoid arthritis/rheumatoid disease (RA/RD) are diagnosed with what is called seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. This means that rheumatoid factor is not present in...reactions56comments
Has anyone had major swings in blood pressure?...My RA markers are ok but I have been having BP swings of 80 to 100 points systolic in an hour. 170 to 80. Accompanied by major brain fog and...reactions3replies
What were your signs that you needed a hip replacement?...I have sciatica along with my RA, so I am used to chronic pain, but lately (6 mos) I am getting pain in my left hip, so much that I...reactions19replies
How do you handle hunger AND pain at the same time?...I took prednisone for a year, and gained 50lbs... because I discovered that while I can diet just fine when I am healthy, I have a really hard time not...reactions3replies
Ten Things I Wish I’d Known When Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis...Rheumatoid arthritis has become such an integrated part of my life that it is hard to believe it’s been 13.5 years since I was diagnosed. Fortunately, I’ve learned a few...reactions16comments
Moving from California to Massachusetts with RA...Hi everybody! My name is Elissa. I am almost 44 and was diagnosed with RA in 2012. I currently take leflunomide and Enbrel, and my symptoms are well managed. I...reactions1reply
How I Catch Some ZZZs...I am very lucky that I do not have any sleep disorders but I still have trouble falling asleep and staying that way. I haven’t pinpointed the reason. It could...reactions23comments
Anyone with RA here had a total knee replacement?...If so, how was it short term and long term? I had my knee replaced one month ago. The surgeon, to his credit, said it would be the worst pain...reactions2replies
Anyone got any relief with biologics?...I've been on Embrel, Humira, and am now on my 3rd week trying Orencia. So far not much change :(...reactions7replies
RA-dar...Yes, I do believe that after 25 years with RA I have developed an ability to sense when someone I am around has RA. I call it RA-dar. I certainly...reactions3comments
Bleeding gums...I've been on Tofcitinib (Xeljanz) for a few years now and I've had bleeding gums for 2 years now. Have had dentist advice and cleaning. Use soft toothbrush and floss...reactions1reply
How do you know how many spoons you have?...I get the spoon theory - and it makes total sense to me. Except - it's kind of like other people know how many spoons they have, and I have...reactions24replies
