Michele’s Journey
Last updated: May 2022
I’ve been sick for over 11 years now. I didn’t know what it was at first.
Initial RA symptoms
First symptoms were swelling in the fingers of my left hand and my right knee. Flu-like symptoms too.
How RA impacted my career
I missed a lot of work and ended up taking a disability retirement at 58. Now the pain is in my hands, knees, and feet.
Managing RA isn't easy
This flare has been the worst.
No evident swelling, but the joints in my fingers are enlarged.
It took ten years to get a diagnosis. Before that all I heard was fibromyalgia. I’ve come to hate that word. No offense to those who have it, but I knew I didn’t.
Every day is different, yet the same, if that makes sense.
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