My RA Story
Hello all! I'm new to this site so I thought I would take the time to discuss my RA diagnosis and the road that led me here. Back in November I started having extreme shoulder pain. It was so bad I could barely use my arm and the pain would bounce around from one shoulder to the next. I eventually had enough of the pain and went to the doctor. She took a few x-rays, but ultimately told me nothing was wrong. I had no blood work done at the time.
A couple months later my shoulders were still in pain and eventually I started to feel pain in my neck area. It was so bad I could hardly move my neck in the mornings and throughout the day. I started going to the chiropractor thinking the doctor could help fix whatever was wrong with my neck and shoulders. After I started going to the chiropractor I noticed that my joints in my fingers started swelling and were in pain (red and inflamed). I eventually started waking up every morning barely being able to walk or get out of bed. I felt crippled and trapped in my own body.
Eventually the pain got so bad in my hands and wrists that I couldn't brush my hair, my teeth, open a bottle of water, or lift anything heavy. I made an appointment with an orthopedic doctor who basically said I have RA. He sent me for blood work and he would refer me to a rheumatologist. I got the confirmed diagnosis today. I really want to start feeling better and wish my life would go back to normal even though I know that won't happen. Does anyone have any suggestions about how they get through the day? I'm 26 so this is all very sudden to me. Thanks for listening and thanks for reading this long post!
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