Need More Help

By Needmorehelp

1 min read

I have been living with OA for over 20 years.

I've had 11 surgeries and both hips were replaced and now have RA. The RA is something new and more painful.

So I'm going through some crazy feelings and it is very hard to deal with. It's going to be a rough time.

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RHall Community Admin
<inline-mention username="Needmorehelp" user-id="4497902"/> I'm sorry you're struggling right now. Can you share a little more about your RA diagnosis? It sounds like you're newly diagnosed with RA. Is there an area that you'd like help in particular (a specific painful body part, dealing with the mental side like anxiety and depression, or just a general management approach)? This would be helpful in sharing more pointed guidance. I know you're hurting. Know you are not alone. Would love to hear from you to better assist. - Reggie, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> Team Member
1. Needmorehelp Member
 <inline-mention username="RHall" user-id="3226625"/> I was told that it was in more than one area and the problem is that I can't take Nsaids because they make me break out in a rash. So I have been living with inflammation for years. So I don't know where life is going to take me. 
2. L rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Needmorehelp" user-id="4497902"/> That sounds so terrible. I would think that the newer DMARD's or biologics might help? Has your rheumatologist suggested any of these? ................... rick
Lynn Marie Witt, MSOT Moderator & Contributor
Needmorehelp thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your story. You certainly have and are experiencing what sounds like some pretty life altering changes and pain. It can be difficult (understatement) to deal with. I say that from first hand experience. I have provided a link below to an article I wrote about the visible and invisible scars that our RA and other diagnoses leave behind. I know you mentioned in your post that you were going through some crazy feelings right now and were really struggling. Hope this article resonates with you. https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/feeling-broken Reach out any time. Also, are you being treated by a board certified Rheumatologist for your RA? There are other treatments besides NSAIDs to help you out there. I know you mentioned having adverse reactions to the NSAIDs You are not alone in your journey, and you found a community that cares here. Just Keep Swimming... Lynn Marie, "RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member"
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Needmorehelp" user-id="4497902"/>. Sorry to hear about the diagnosis and these issues. As Rick was saying, there are a number of treatments now beyond the NSAIDs. This article from our editorial team gives an overview of the RA medications: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/drugs-and-prescription-medications-for-ra' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/drugs-and-prescription-medications-for-ra</a>. You may also be interested in this article on the evolution of RA treatments: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/the-evolution-of-ra-treatments' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/the-evolution-of-ra-treatments</a>. Also, your anxieties about the RA and everything else going on is completely understandable. Often the emotional aspects of chronic conditions like RA take a backseat to the physical, but they are very real and it is all interconnected. This article from our editorial team looks at these issues, with some thoughts on management: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living-with-ra/managing-emotional-problems-and-stress' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living-with-ra/managing-emotional-problems-and-stress</a>. Finally, I want to say that hope is real. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at two years old, over 40 years ago - before modern treatments. Just a few years ago she started a new treatment that brought her inflammation numbers into the normal range. Hoping you can find an effective treatment soon as well. Feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)