I am currently 24 years old and I was dianosed at the age of 20 and I am already seeing a couple of my fingers going crooked. Mainly my pinkeys. But I have noticed nodules already as well on my wrist and my ankels. That is what I have noticed in my four years of having it sorry if thats not encouraging :(

Leigh-Ann

what medications are you guys on? The biologicals taken together with MTX are supposed to stop the progression...

Slight deformity in left foot almost from the start (four and a bit years ago). Hasnt progressed much since steroid injection under scan about nine months into diagnosis. Right hand deformity after about a year over mid knuckle and right hand wrist and joint on top of hand near it. Dont know name of this joint - looks like lump). Slowly getting worse. Nodules started after three years but first once grew to walnut size within a couple of months. Seems stable now. Other two nodules quite small after three and a half years. Seem stable too. Right hand mid finger tending off centre recently.
Thank you for this question - I hope more people answer it because it's something I've been wondering about too. I just hope with you being younger your body may be able to compete better. A physio I saw a couple of months ago said she had an elderly patient with hand deformities which were greatly helped and even reverse with exercise. At a recent private rheumy appointment I was told it is vital to keep joints moving and body as fit as possible to keep joints from straying as it were. I am persevering with exercises in the hope the deformity at least stays as it is. All the best.

I was diagnosed at the end of May, 2007, in the early stages of RA and started on a biologic in September, 2009. I have one toe that is starting to creep out of place (not sure if it's RA or just another bunion), and one nodule on my wrist. Other than that, there are no outward signs that I have RA. Like Camba, I try to exercise regularly to keep my joints working. My rheumy says that keeping the flares at bay will help prevent deformities. If you are not on a biologic, I suggest you ask your doc about it. I haven't had a flare since I started Enbrel.

You are so young. . .I'm sorry that you are having to cope with RA when you should be just enjoying life! Lots of hugs,
Lois

Leigh-Ann just try to take one day at a time. Everyone's arthritis is difffrent. I was young when I was diagnosed and remember thinking the same thing, it's hard not to worry about the future. I remember my doc telling me this is a really good time to have arthritis...gee thanks I thought. Really I realize now there is a lot more now doc's can do to help you with meds and such. Just remeber to be your own advocate keep track of what works for you and what doesn't so you can get to the doc as soon as you have a flare because no one know your body like you. This will hopefully keep changes at bay. Hang in there!
Amy