Do You and Your Doctor Agree on the Severity of Your RA?...We’d like to think that medicine is cut and dry and always based upon objective science. We get a blood test, take a drug, and get better. But most diseases...reactions9comments
Disease and Disability...Since I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis for more than 35 years now, I have accumulated a lot of physical damage from this disease. A lot of my joint deformities, contractions and...reactionscomments
Time to Renew!...This time of year brings with it a sense of renewal thanks to the budding landscape that I see each day. I truly feel a sense of starting fresh in...reactionscomments
You Know You Have RA When . . ....We know that the typical signs and symptoms associated with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include joint stiffness and swelling as well as a number of positive laboratory test...reactions11comments
10 Common RA Symptoms...Nearly 1,000 people participated in the 2013 Rheumatoid Arthritis in America survey telling us about their initial RA symptoms as well as the most common and frequently experienced symptoms. Learn...reactions6comments
The RA Pregnancy Chronicles: RA Friendly Baby Gear...The RA Pregnancy Chronicles is a series of posts that share my experiences being pregnant while living with RA. This post was written during Week 18 of my second pregnancy....reactions2comments
Beer Reduces RA Risk for Women?...A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology has recently come out claiming that beer can help reduce the risk of women getting rheumatoid arthritis. Really? Beer? This sounds a...reactionscomments
Another Weather Rant...I know, I talk about the weather a lot on here, but the truth is, it really impacts my RA in a negative way. I know that there are some...reactions1comment
Release the Hounds!...One of my persistent complaints about being a chronic disease patient most of my life is the lack of coordination of my care. Looking back, I think my parents began...reactions6comments
Differences between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis...May is Arthritis Awareness month and RheumatoidArthritis.Net is joining in the recognition. “Arthritis” is a general term and, according to the American College of Rheumatology, is used for over 100 diseases...reactions2comments
Constant Illness - It's getting too much!...Hi there - I was diagnosed with RA one year after my daughter was born, aged 33, after a year of doctors telling me I was just tired and sore...reactions5replies
My RA story...My journey with RA started about 25 yrs ago. I had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia a couple years before, so at first I just thought it was getting worse. Not...reactions5comments
The RA Pregnancy Chronicles: Pregnancy-Safe RA Relief...The RA Pregnancy Chronicles is a series of posts that share my experiences being pregnant while living with RA. This post was written during Week 14 of my second pregnancy...reactionscomments
Decisions, decisions...Decisions, decisions.... It seems when you live with a chronic disease like RA you are continually faced with making decisions...like it or not. I am not just talking about the...reactions1comment
Rituxan...I had a Rituxan infusion Tuesday. Besides feeling like I have the flu it has caused all my joints to swell, and be hot and painful. I can hardly move...reactions2repliesTreatment
Rheumatoid is slowly killing me...I'm 62 and had Rheumatoid (hereditary) since 26. Nothing has seemed to stop it. All the DMARDS etc. some nearly killing me or leaving me susceptible to infections. Getting pneumonia/colds/flu...reactions2comments
Why do we have to beg for Painkillers ?...The scene – I wake up and before I have time to open my eyes I feel an incredible burning, sharp piercing pain in my shoulder. I lift my head...reactions19comments
Xeljanz Anyone???...Looking for any individuals that are taking Xeljanz for treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. I will be starting the treatment in the next week and I was wondering if it is...reactions8repliesTreatment
Rome wasn't built in a day.......So how does this famous phrase tie into RA? Well, this post is all about patience and the need for anyone with a chronic disease to possess this trait if...reactionscomments
The RA Pregnancy Chronicles: The Magic R-Word...The RA Pregnancy Chronicles is a series of posts that share my experiences being pregnant while living with RA. This post was written during Week 12 of my second pregnancy...reactions5comments
