RA, what is it! I was not ready for this!

By lindsay062709

1 min read

I was recently diagnosed with RA up until then I had no idea what it was or how bad it could be. It all started with pain in my knee and just telling myself that its arthritis and the weight (as I am over weight) but then it got worse and started to affect my other knee and then my hands to the point the pain was so bad, my feet were swollen. I could barely close my hands it hurt so much. I couldn't even get off the couch without screaming in pain or my husband’s help. So off to Dr.'s I go. After long painful months I finally get referred to a specialist who then diagnosed me with RA. So, what's that mean? I wonder... Well, let me tell you it's a lot scarier than I thought (when read google) but thankfully I found this site and it has opened my eyes to so much and made me realize that I'm not alone and also helps with fear of what to expect...

Now with that being said not everyone's pain and symptoms are the same but it's nice having a source to refer to. I mean I'm 32 years old and I have to change my whole way of life it's scary the unknown.

So, thank you to everyone who shares cause reading your stories makes me know I'm not alone as most know it's hard for people who don't have RA to understand the full extent of our pain and worries.
Now it's time to work through the pain and learning to live with RA. Also, it's not just me who's life will change my husband's has too. With saying that I find that having a support system in place will helping during the "dark times" as I refer to it.

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Kelly Dabel Community Admin
Hello Lindsay062709, Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Thank you so much for sharing your story! So glad our site and community have been an encouragement to you and reminded you that you are not alone in this. You are right, having a support system can be very helpful. We appreciate you being part of our community and please reach out anytime for support or with questions, we're here for you! Kelly, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>Rheumatoidarthritis.net</a> Team member
Richard Faust Community Admin
Sorry to hear about the diagnosis lindsay062709, but glad you have come to a place you can find information and support. A diagnosis of a chronic condition like RA can be a scary thing, but it is important to know that treatments have come a long way in a short time. This article from one of our contributors who has had RA for most of her life chronicles the evolution of RA treatments and just how much they have advanced: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/the-evolution-of-ra-treatments' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/the-evolution-of-ra-treatments/</a>. This recent article from one of our other contributors looks at the discovery of a new T-cell subtype that could lead to new treatments: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/new-t-cell-subtype' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/new-t-cell-subtype/</a>. Finally, sometime the emotional aspects of a new diagnosis can take a back seat to the physical, but it is very important. This article from our editorial team looks at dealing with these aspects: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/symptoms/depression-anxiety-and-emotional-problems' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/symptoms/depression-anxiety-and-emotional-problems/</a>. Know that you are always welcome here and the community is here for you. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)