Finding Out I Have RA

By 4kcqxa

1 min read

I have been experiencing neck and shoulder pain now for months but about a month ago, my arms, legs, ankles, feet, wrists and hands started really hurting for no reason. I began getting hot flashes, lethargy and horrible sleeps waking up nauseas and aching all over. I went to doctors and had tests done revealing I have RA. I'm 26 and a mother of 2 bubbas, one 3 and one 1. I can barely manage to get house work done let alone play or go out with my babies due to fatigue, irritability and pain. I need help with pain coping methods and any other advice would be amazing. Thanks guys.

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jennl Member
Hello and thank you for joining our community! We are so sorry about your recent diagnosis. You have certainly come to the right place! As you know, you can feel free to come here any time with questions, to share how you're doing, or for some support. I thought these two pages, on RA and treatment respectively, could be a good place to start: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/what-is-ra' target='_blank'>http://rheumatoidarthritis.net/what-is-ra/</a> and <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment' target='_blank'>http://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/</a>. Additionally, if you don't already have a rheumatologist, here are two articles that can help - one on on finding excellent doctors: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/finding-excellent-doctors' target='_blank'>http://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/finding-excellent-doctors/</a> and another on meeting with a rheumy for the first time: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/meeting-new-rheumatologist' target='_blank'>http://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/meeting-new-rheumatologist/</a>. I hope this proves helpful. We do hope you'll keep in touch and let us know how you're doing. We'll be keeping you in our thoughts! Best, Jenn (Community Manager, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a>)
qo3kby Member
Hi, I know exactly what you are going through and I'm so sorry you have been diagnosed with this at such young age. I'm 53 years old and I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago. I'm the only one in my whole family with RA, so that was quite a shock for everyone. Getting diagnosed clarified many unexplained symptoms; steady pain, joint stiffness and general malaise. In my case, my right hand started to feel numb and stiff upon waking (which I thought was carpal tunnel). My middle finger joint was tender to the touch and it got a little bit thicker than my other hand. Then my right shoulder started to hurt and my range of motion started to diminish. I went to my doctor and she recommended to get some blood work done. To make a long story short, my blood tests tested positive for RA factor. My journey with this disease started right there and then. This was not going to beat me for I still have a full life ahead of me and I'm raising a 13 year old. I have researched this disease since then, and I have decided to try to control it as naturally as possible with a lot of success. I have not taken any prescription drugs so far, and although I know there is no cure for this terrible disease, I feel that the plan I'm following is working for me. I do recommend to get as informed as possible about your options before embarking on any treatment. It is your life and it should be your decision. Best wishes and good luck!