Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.

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shelbyalright 02/26/2014

I was diagnosed with arthritis at a really young age. Because I have had the same doctor for some time and she knows my family we have a pretty good relationship. My family suffers from degenerate bones disease in our genetics. My uncle suffers severely from DBD in his back. And I am having the same type of symptoms he has when he first found out. I have arthritis in my neck, torso and back between my L5-L8.....
I'm really frightened to have the X-ray that my doctor wants me to have. I know I must. And I will. But to sit here and say I am not scared would be lying. I see my uncle suffer to even walk. I'm only 41 years old.

deleted_user 02/27/2014

It's normal that you should be scared. However, you are brave and are having the tests done, which is only sensible, for not knowing may cause your condition to worsen, while knowing should give you the treatments and meds to progress.
Yes, you are very young. And because you are young you have all the chances to have a good future. Pardon me, I unfortunately I know nothing, but it seems to me that, even though it be in your family, its not to say that you cannot have better chances! Each day there's progress in the medical field. Stay standing!! Try not to loose hope or faith. Be patient and know your time is closer than you think. Lots and stacks and tons of love. Loretta

shelbyalright 02/27/2014

Thank you Loretta.

naturegirl65 02/27/2014

It's tough dealing with arthritis at a young age. I was in early 20's when I got aggressive RA. It Changed my life.

I understand being scared.
It is a difficult thing to face sometimes and it takes courage to get tests done, imaging etc to help determine what's going on. And listening to the doctor tell you what the results reveal can be tough at times.

I have had x rays done of various joints and body parts and I do not like to look at them really (when discussing with doctor he will hang them up in the light box to view).
an image is so in your face and they do not lie. It makes it all so VERY real. And it always hits home how screwed up my joints are.

I hope that whatever your results are you will be able to carry on and keep hope that things will be ok and That you'll receive the best medicine and solutions to your problem.

I wish you well.

YvetteK 02/28/2014

To be honest, I'd be more worried about degenerative disc disease in your spine than I would about arthritis. If you have DDD in your family, you should be having a MRI of your spine, not just an x-ray.

I have the same thing in my family. My sister just had a MRI of her cervical spine. It did not come out good.

Good luck to you.

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