People do not understand

1 min read

I have RA and live with the pain everyday. It has completely changed my life. I am trying to control it with diet now. Do not want to go on the meds as they have serious side effects. People are always saying that I do not look like anything is wrong with me and apparently think I am faking it. I want to find out what others are doing with their RA.

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8xrjor Member
While I can understand your concerns about medication, mine got to the point where it was necessary. I get so irritated with people who think I'm faking the pain. I wish they could live in my shoes for a week. That would do it!
9lmf5 Member
I too was afraid of and still fearful of these meds, but the pain became so crippling and it went to my lungs, I had to use something to get it under control. RA can also be damaging organs, which it was doing to me. I was on a massive prednisone dose for a year that caused 100+lb weight gain but got it under control and then I started Arava. Tapered off the prednisone, lost the weight and felt better as the RA went into remission for 4 years. Even stopped the Arava. Came back last year so now back on Arava(Leflunomide), just weaned again off of prednisone. All the meds have such scary side effects, and unfortunately so does uncontrolled RA. Sometimes you feel like you can't win for losing. But I realize I can no longer live how others think I should. It's time to take care of me and really listen to my body; when it says enough right now then I'm obedient..And it makes a difference. How you find success in your choice of treatment!
9lmf5 Member
I too was afraid of and still fearful of these meds, but the pain became so crippling and it went to my lungs, I had to use something to get it under control. RA can also be damaging organs, which it was doing to me. I was on a massive prednisone dose for a year that caused 100+lb weight gain but got it under control and then I started Arava. Tapered off the prednisone, lost the weight and felt better as the RA went into remission for 4 years. Even stopped the Arava. Came back last year so now back on Arava(Leflunomide), just weaned again off of prednisone. All the meds have such scary side effects, and unfortunately so does uncontrolled RA. Sometimes you feel like you can't win for losing. But I realize I can no longer live how others think I should. It's time to take care of me and really listen to my body; when it says enough right now then I'm obedient..And it makes a difference. Hope you find success in your choice of treatment!
w4ou3m Member
I have always been what most would consider healthy. I eat healthy was always very active and loved running. That's over well except I still eat right. I take the Cemzia injections along with mtx injections weekly and have for 1yr. I wish you All the Luck in the world that you can control your RA with diet. I could not and to be truthful my pain and fatigue was so bad at one point I think I would have Sold my Soul if something or someone could just Help me. I had to weigh my options. The meds. have harmful side effects that can damage your organs. Your Body is damaging itself due to the RA so it's a catch 22 but with the meds.comes relief so I chose the meds. to hopefully slow this Disease down...When you have no life do to the pain you will just about try Anything!!..