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Amy's Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

amydiane0805's avatar image

By amydiane0805

2 min read

Hi,

I was recently diagnosed with RA and it's all overwhelming right now. I have RA in both hands and wrist with permanent joint damage. I'd dealt with the pain and stiffness for over 1 year and simply thought it would pass but not this here RA, it's here to stay. So here I am, 51 yo, and today I can't grasp a pen, open a door, let alone get dressed up and fix my hair, oh no, not today says my RA. I want my control back.

Working with rheumatoid arthritis

I'm most concerned about my professional life right now. I've been a server for about 15 years and loved it. I knew I couldn't serve forever with this RA but wasn't ready to throw in the towel yet. But then came COVID and I got laid off of my job. I can't seem to get any offers although I do get interviews. It seems they see my hands/fingers and the tone of the conversation changes because well my fingers look grossly abnormal. I never thought that, at 51, I would be struggling to find a job, but here I am. I still remain positive and know that God's love never fails, so I must rise to this challenge. So HERE I AM ?

Thankful for support and community

Blessed and thankful for my RA specialist, primary care and pain doctors for doing what they do every day, for my loved ones that help me through ALL the challenges I now face, and that I've found this group where hopefully I can grow and learn about RA and share stories with others.

Treatment and symptoms

I do take methotrexate, folic acid supplement, pain meds and seem to be tolerating them ok. I experience severe pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, etc. in my wrists and hands, hoping that in due time, all these meds will help. I'm very embarrassed about my hands, their ugly and deformed and I struggle with this. I won't even consider dating, I'm just not that comfortable yet saying that I have RA. I'm working on it though. I long await the day that I can say not today RA, you don't get to win again, not today. ?

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