Dear Rheumatoid Arthritis Community

By CommunityMember488b64

1 min read

I want to share that I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis three years ago. Although I have been managing my symptoms, I am now seeking advice from the community on what to do next.

RA management strategies

I know that everyone's experience with rheumatoid arthritis is different, and I would love to hear about the strategies and treatments that have helped others manage their symptoms. What lifestyle changes or medications have worked well for you? Have you tried any alternative therapies or complementary treatments that you would recommend?

Furthermore, I am curious about the types of support that are available for those living with rheumatoid arthritis. Are there any local support groups or online communities that you recommend for sharing experiences and finding resources?

Any suggestions or insights would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this journey with rheumatoid arthritis. Thank you for your time and support.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The RheumatoidArthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

RHall Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="CommunityMember488b64" user-id="7002508"/> - welcome to our RA community. The questions you asked about resources and where to find support can be found here! We have plenty of experiences from people with RA that can be found in our forums (<a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/forums' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/forums</a>), we have wide-ranging perspectives from our RA Health Leaders (<a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/community/experts' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/community/experts</a>), and there individual stories (like this one) that can be found here (<a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/stories' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/stories</a>). If there is something specific you're looking for, please let us know. Welcome! - Reggie, team member
Jo Johnson Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="markbutler" user-id="4594807"/> My Rheum gave me a referral to Integrative Health department at a local hospital system. There I had an evaluation by an NP who ordered massage, acupuncture and a consult with an MD with experience with supplements. If I go through the Integrative Health program the services are covered by my insurance, so check with yours. Massage - I always look for someone with experience in chronic pain. At my first appointment I stress I need a very gentle massage to avoid that next day bad flu feeling. When I get home I kick back and have a single beer. In my mind, it is 12oz of fluid to help flush my system and helps the relaxation settle in. That’s my story… Acupuncture - I had a difficult time finding a practitioner I trusted, so my doctor’s referral was great! Every other month or so I go for 4 weekly sessions. I have found it helpful for pain and fatigue. In fact, yesterday I woke up feeling Really Crummy. I already had a session scheduled and I left feeling so much better! She tells me she can also help with my Adrenals while I am weaning down steroids. I’m willing to let her try! Supplements - I haven’t gone there yet. I am very science based and have had trouble finding what I am comfortable with. Because I am on long term steroids I do take calcium and Vit D daily. Life Style - The hardest lesson for me has been pacing! I now force myself to pad trips and big family events with 2-3 recovery days. I’m still working on going slower during those events tho! I Hope for you to find the best extra supports you need, Jo Johnson, Moderator
JDNC23 Member
I have had RA for over 40 years, but didn't get diagnosed until about 18 months ago. None of the treatments have worked yet, but I have gotten relief from CBD oil,Boswellia and Curcumin phytosome. There are interesting studies on NIH website that show that these substances can be effective. I'm not sure why so many doctors are so hesitant to recommend them. They cite liver problems but have no issues prescribing methotrexate and other toxic meds that may or may not work. 
1. JDNC23 Member
 <inline-mention username="latoya.juniel" user-id="3929151"/> I tested negative for RA in the 1980s and was told by a message on the answering machine. I tried to get in touch with the nurse practitioner, leaving messages asking what do I do, but I never heard back. I just took a lot of ibuprofen for years. I had several flareups through the years and started using herbal anti inflammatories. I became allergic to aspirin and all NSAIDS, probably from taking them costantly. I didn't get a formal diagnosis until a home visiting nurse saw my hands and set it in motion. I have seronegative RA, osteoarthritis, erosive arthritis and severe osteoporosis. Hydroxychloroquine,methotrexate and Humira haven't worked. I get relief strictly from natural supplements. I'll be trying Enbrel after the first of the year, once battling insurance for coverage is figured out. 
2. christine.laaksonen Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="JDNC23" user-id="8656624"/> oh what a long and incredibly frustrating ordeal that sounds like for you! I am so sorry you had that experience of not being able to get in touch with the clinic after just being left a message about your testing for RA. Thank goodness for that home visiting nurse who saw your hands and set things in motion for you. It's great that you've been managing your symptoms in a way you're comfortable with. If you're willing to share, please let us know how it goes once you try Enbrel (ugh for those insurance battles -- I hope it moves quickly for you). Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Mary Sophia Hawks Moderator & Contributor
Welcome to the club no one wants to join! I was diagnosed in 2013. Since then, I have tried multiple medications. Sometimes they work for a while and then quit, some don't work at all. However, I have continued to try because I know the medications will stop or significantly slow joint damage. That is the primary goal! I remember my grandmother's hands and I do not want to end up that way. I have added physiotherapy, massage, a paraffin bath, arthritis compression gloves, and a memory foam bed to my treatments. When I have severe pain, I now take half of a Delta 8 THC gummy (from hemp). It provides pain relief and no high. I used to need Percocet. If I have a severe flare, I get a steroid shot from my rheumatologist. Be honest with your rheumatologist. If you are having a horrible day, don't dress up and do makeup for your appointment. Keep a list of your symptoms as they bother you and share with your rheumatologist. My best advice is to check in here frequently. I remember the day I found this community. I no longer felt alone. Blessings, Mary Sophia