Pain Destroying Me

By deedst

1 min read

I was diagnosed in 2015 with rheumatoid arthritis. My life has not been the same since.

How RA has changed my life

I am constantly in pain from my neck all the way down.

When I first get up in the morning I can barely move. I have to sit in a tub of hot water with Epsom salt mostly three times a day. This RA is destroying my life.

I no longer interact with friends and family in activities. I can no longer do hair. I was a flight attendant but now I can't fly, so I lost my job. I am currently not working. Arthritis has developed in my hands.

And because of rheumatoid arthritis, I had to have a hip replacement.

Fed up with RA

I can't focus anymore I have been on several types of medication and injections. None of them seems to be working.

Most of my days I lay or sit and cry because I'm uncomfortable. I can't sleep anymore due to the pain in my joints.

It's like my life has been turned upside down. I just need relief.

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elirose Member
Oh deedst, I am thinking of you. I see your beautiful face and smile and it sounds that pain must almost change that smiling face. Hoping you find some comfort and smile. Love, elirose
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="deedst" user-id="4161185"/>. I'm so sorry you are struggling like this. Do you mind if I ask what treatment you are on and have tried? I ask because once community members know what you have tried, they may be able to offer thoughts on what has helped them. In addition, on top of efforts to manage the RA, have you been on a pain management regimen? Please know that many here understand and that this community is here for you. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Lisa lambert carter Member
I know how you feel...i was diagnosed in 2018. And life has been turned upside down..hang in there..so glad my pain management Dr..listens.
L rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
 I am so sorry this is happening. Many of us have had this similar experiences. I cannot possibly tell you what to do or that it will get better. In most cases it does get better and i hope it does for you as well. The only thing I can suggest is the hyper educated abut the disease and how it is treated. This does two things: 1. It gives you something to focus on rather than the loss. 2. It will help your doctors. It will help your doctors because the more you know the more you can help them do the best job for you. What I say is that my doctors are my consultants. They have specialized information so i hire them for their opinion. But I make the decisions. That includes one very big decision the one that says it is time to move on and get a new consultant. But the only way I can do that is to educate myself. It has paid off for me. Perhaps it will for you as well rick
Jo Johnson Moderator & Contributor
Dear Deedst, I hope it helps to know people understand where you’re coming from. We can’t cure your pain, but we will try to lift you up. It may be time for a second opinion? I was diagnosed in 2017 and have tried many treatments. I have an excellent Rheumatologist, but I decided to get a second opinion at a major referral center. I brought a new plan home and continue to work with my local Rheum. It’s too early to know if this 6th biologic is The One, but I am hopeful. Another consideration is a Pain Management Clinic and possibly some Integrative Medicine. Some insurance companies cover massage and acupuncture. I’m pretty conventional typically when it comes to medical treatments, but have found comfort in alternatives. They haven’t cured me, but helped bring comfort into my day. With hope and best wishes, Jo (moderator)
trish53 Member
Hi deedst - Sorry to hear you have so much discomfort. This is not a disease that feels the same to each of us. I am the eternal optimist, so I often overdo things. I am learning to limit my activities and rest when I need to. I have not tried RA drugs because the side effects scare me, I have family history that seems to touch on each possible side effect, so I do natural things like essential oils, green/white tea, eat clean (fried food & pasta cause me pain) and muddle through. Mobility is limited so I can't soak in a tub, that was always my favorite luxury. Can swim though, so when I can get to a pool I do that. What helps me is focusing on the good things in my life (some days that's a reach!) but when I look for positive things I start to feel a bit better. My hobbies have changed from activities like hiking & boating to reading (when eye issues occur I do audiobooks) and coloring books (they have great adult ones, doing plants at the moment). Sending you hugs.