Rheumatoid 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. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
I think I have probably come to the point where I actually realize I have RA. I was able to control some of the symptoms with medication but now it seems it is getting worse. I say that because I think I was in denial. I am 51 and have been diagnosed about 3 years now, although I am sure I have had this longer. I am on methotrexate and lots of sulfasalazine. But the more I am on the more it does not help me. Of course the prednisone helped a lot, but I don't take that any more. I can hardly move my hands and feet in the morning and this pain seems to continue longer each day. I drop things all the time now. I cannot grasp things. I think I will be moving onto the biologic type of medicines. I don't know what else I can do. I try to be positive and keep moving, but sometimes it's hard to be that way.
Talk to your doctor about getting on a biologic. 3 years with pain could mean you have damaged your joints, but it could also be that you haven't and a biologic will prevent damage.
Best of luck. I completely understand how you feel.
Whatever you might have, please find a rheumatologist. Get yourself some help and relief.
Hugs