Ingrid's Story

Hello! My name is Ingrid. I am a 25 year old who’s a senior at a University (paying my way through college, it’s tough). I was diagnosed with RA in September of this year, but I can remember that my first flare up came in April. I disregarded the pain and told myself I probably carried something really heavy. Fast forward to September I have another flare up, and this time it caused me to wake up every night in tears caused by the pain on my hips, knees, and shoulders. I knew then, that something was wrong, but I had no idea it would be RA. I thought I was too young. When I was diagnosed, it left me in shock and I immediately felt hopeless. September was not so kind to me. I always thought I was as healthy as a horse, I was always physically active but my diet was not the greatest, I admit that. On top of all that, I’ve always been a super stressed person. Any little thing worries me, and leaves me stressed out. I’m not sure what the root of my RA is, what triggered it, but I do know that I will not let it consume me. I have way too many goals that I WILL accomplish. I’ve done so much research on diets, medicines, symptoms and I’m trying to always stay informed about RA. I was recently started on Enbrel and small dosage of Prednisone but I had to quit Prednisone. It was giving me stomachaches and horrible migraines. Enbrel has seemed to work but for the past week and half, I haven’t felt the best. I had another flare up, but I’m not sure if I caused it myself with the way I was eating. Anyway, I’m here to read everyone’s story, and to stay informed about RA and ways I can help others. It can get very lonely sometimes, so we all need each other.

Much love,

Ingrid

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