Long Painful Road Traveled...My name is Deena I'm 49 and have always been a very active person. I played sports in school, loved to run and work out at the gym. I'm also...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Less Need for Assistive Devices...Hopeful news from a study reports that modern treatments work to minimize the need for assistive devices (like jar openers, long-handled reachers, raised toilet seats, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and others)...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Liposuction...Hi all, I was diagnosed with rheumatoidarthritis about five years ago. It was treated and I'm doing good now. Now I want to know if I can get a cosmetic...Reactions0reactionsComments1 repliesExercise
Hand surgery or therapy?...I am 54 and have had RA for 25 years. I am very active and feel like I've managed with the RA pretty well. The worst damage seems to be...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Evaluating the Doctor’s Office: Who Do You Talk To About Laboratory Results?...Earlier this week I was meeting a new rheumatologist to possibly replace my doctor who has retired. Ahead of time I picked a few questions to help determine if we might...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Phantom Fevers...Periodically and unexpectedly, I come down with fevers. Sometimes they come with other symptoms like coughing, congestion, or headaches. But more often, they arrive and depart mysteriously. Over the years...Reactions0reactionsComments67 comments
Pain Discrimination...A recent article in TheNew York Times took me by surprise the other day: "Minorities Get Less Pain Treatment in E.R." Although, sadly, maybe I shouldn't be that surprised by it?...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Taking Charge...I read and write about these things frequently: I even nag, cajole, and encourage others, like you, to adopt them into your lifestyle because of the all-around good they can...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Day After Day...Chronic pain is so different from temporary pain. The ephemeral pain that can be brought on by injury or sickness garners a certain level of respect. Used to feeling well...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Vision issues...Anyone else with bad visual issues? Having Rituxin/Medrol infusions (first of this cycle 1 week ago, next on Monday). But my eyes are still getting worse. I have trouble seeing...Reactions0reactionsComments4 replies
Afraid of RA meds...please help ease my mind if you can!...Hi! I'm new to all this! Just a brief intro:Ok, first time posting....my Rheumatologist is really leaning towards RA after several visits, which I've suspected already for the last 13+...Reactions0reactionsComments2 repliesTreatment
RA Factor 289 - Now What?...I am an international teacher living in Singapore. I recently felt exhausted for days on end, and had joint pain. I went to see a walk-in Dr who did blood...Reactions0reactionsComments1 repliesNewly Diagnosed
12 Days of Christmas - RA version...For all of us suffering from RA during the hectic and stressed Christmas season! 12 Days of Christmas - RA version On the first day of Christmas, my RA gave...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Brain/body interface...One of the frustrating things about my RA is - I don't even know how to describe it. If you touch the stove your brain yells "Pull Away" and you...Reactions0reactionsComments0 replies
Strange new symptoms...Hello everyone, This is the first time I've written a post although I've been part of the group for a few months now. I have had RA for about 25...Reactions0reactionsComments3 repliesSymptoms
Hands Off!...I’m sitting in my wheelchair, minding my own business, while taking the elevator and BAM! Someone decides I look like furniture and grabs my handlebar or starts to lounge on me...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Woke up...I went to bed on a Saturday and woke up Sunday morning and couldn't get out of bed and couldn't walk. Knees and ankles swollen and pain was beyond belief...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Damaged...I have had RA since 1987. It is severe enough that so far I have had 13 complete joint replacements. As most of you know, the pain is horrible and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Do Auto Immune Conditions Target the Go-Getters?...I’ve had a nagging thought, a theory really, that only becomes more persistent as I communicate with more and more people with autoimmune conditions. The thought is this: Are people...Reactions0reactionsComments23 comments
Addiction...I do not have RA, a close family member of mine does so I am seeking information that could help with them. I was wondering if there are (or you...Reactions0reactionsComments1 repliesTreatment