I have not but I know I read here of some people who have been able to get back to jogging so hopefully that'll be you too:)

Jordan, I am so sorry that you are having to experience the awful pain or RA. I don't post on here often but had to give you a little hope. I was diagnosed in 2007 and had some horrendous flares over the next two years while my rheumy and I went through the steps of finding the right mix of meds that would work. During that time I exercised with water aerobics. In 2009 I began Enbrel. It doesn't work for everybody, but it has been miraculous for me. I have had no flares since I began using Enbrel. I still get tired but not like before. I exercise with step classes, walking, biking, and ballroom dancing. Running hurts my hips, but I've never been a runner. There is a drug out there somewhere that will help you, but it may take trial and error and patience. I pray that you will find your "cocktail" very soon.

Thanks, Lois! That does give me some hope. I appreciate your feedback.

I agree that Lois' input really gives me hope!

My worst fear is that the pain will never go away enough to be active again - but I'm only beginning my journey of finding the right RA "cocktail".

So stories like Lois inspire me to not give up on myself.

Jordan I'm so sorry that you are having to go through all this - you are not alone and keep reading here for inspiration and encouragement!

I'm sorry that you have started this journey. Be patient while you search for the right meds mix and trust your doctor, learn what you can and have faith.

We all here are on a journey such as you and our sharing here has certainly helped this old man keep his head up through tough times.

Peace to you and welcome

Bluedogs2

I have little wisdom for you but to assure you that you are not alone. I have the same concerns. I AM older at 43, but I was lifting and running, and practicing yoga. Now I feel like a lump.
I am swimming now. I used to hate swimming but I have found I can get a good aerobic workout and lap swimming doesn't bother my joints. I'm up to 25 min a few days per week (when I feel ok).

thanks for the post.

I would think that being young is very much on your side. I was 47 when diaged and very active with bike riding, hiking, snowshoeing, etc.

I have had other complications along with RA but starting to find the right meds and doing very well....and i hope to be completely back in full swing even tho i am more in my 50s.

You may have to give it time.... it isn't like having a temporary illness....

Your body will have to adjust and learn how to cope with the autoimmune disease. But needs help a great deal and so does exercise as long as it's not in excess. Your body will tell you your limits.

But being in good shape prior is a big advantage for you.

Good luck to you.

jordanmann,
Don't give up! I'm 58 and was diagnosed 3 years ago with RA and just diagnosed with Addisons disease (adrenal glands quit working). I have had to just take it slow and if I feel bad don't push myself, which is totally opposite of what you hear people say....When I used to push myself it would take me days to recover. Just give yourself some time and don't let fear take over!!

Thank-you everyone for such encouraging words!

Hi Jordan.

All over it. I'm 30 and have had RA for 18 months. I was diagnosed a month ago. Up to that point I took Ibuprofen and ensured I exercised every day. The method of exercise depended on how I felt. Swimming, running, horse riding etc.

As long as I exercised I felt good both mentally and physically. If I didn't the RA was worse.

Since being diagnosed I have been given a massive Steroid shot and put on Sulfasalazine and Hydroxychloroquine. I now feel lethargic and rubbish but continue to run 3 days a week. A reduction from 6 days a week. I'm in the process of working out which drug is causing this which I aim to achieve over the next 2 months, no rush.

My view is that although exercising is painful, (it always is if you're pushing it!) I may as well do it, because my joints are going to be knackered anyway and, as far as I have read, there is no suggestion that exercise makes them worse.

To assist with the phsychological impact of RA I have just bought a 1,000cc yamaha R1. It is very, very quick. So, if the RA doesn't get me,maybe that will.

Stiff upper lip, push and live as much as you can and you'll be right as rain.

Hi Jordan,

I am very physically active, as I find this helps my RA. I run, swim, trail ride, and took up karate this year. Last year I spent on my back, sorting out meds. There is hope :-)

Hi James,

Thanks for your reply. My RA has affected my knees the most which prevents me from doing any running, squatting, or any lunges. I am also on hydroxycholoroquine but I haven't as though I am feeling lethargic at all. I have only been on the medication for about 3 weeks. The doctor said it could up to 12 weeks for it to work! Which is crazy to me. This is the second medication I have tried. I can do some upper body work, but it's difficult to anything lower body.

A lot of people say that swimming can definitely be beneficial but I don't have easy access to a pool. I used to run a lot and I did a lot of weight lifting and plyometrics. I feel like my world crashed down ever since I developed RA and I never thought that I would ever develop something like this since I was so active. It's so hard to be patient, and I really want to go back to living my life before getting RA.

After my ankles became more affected, I found that warm water provided the best place to exercise without stressing joints. In the deeper water, I could move about in water aerobics without having to touch the floor on my painful feet. Even that was too much during my last flare. Modified yoga and walking can also be good. The main thing is to try and move the joints and get some form of exercise so you don't start a vicious cycle.

Lois was right about getting the best meds for you and that can take a while. Really sympathise with your being so young too and it hitting someone with an active lifestyle. There is a book about someone called Alice Pederson (English) or very similar name and I think called Just Alice who was hit in late teens and had been a promising tennis player. It is inspiring. I found it helped me mentally as much as anything.

I dont think plaquenil is all that strong but others on here may disagree. Also dont see any steroids for the inflammation but maybe they are being as careful as they can as you are so young.

I have a daughter diagnosed at your age with another immune type illness and she doesnt have any medication for it as there is little on offer. She was also very active but has cut back quite a bit but does go to a gym with hydraulic weights so she cant hurt herself. It has also helped her weight control.

I also go to a similar gym (Curves) and cant do all the machines as cant operate one of my shoulders. Going to a gym may be too early for you until you have more control over pain and not being near a pool is a real negative with knee issues. My US geography is a bit hazy - I know where things are but not about climate etc - but wondering if it is possible to get really cheap "garden" pools. You would only need a small one. it must be summer type weather at the moment.

What about advertising to share someone's indoor pool? I have a block about using public pools and wont.. I imagine there is one of those you could use but you dont want to??

Sorry to be lengthy - I tend to go on but like others here want to finish by saying that in the four years I have been following DS it is rare for someone not to regain some quality of life with good meds. There are often remissions and, not on here but elsewhere, I know of two people for whom it did "go away".

I can't go back to the life activity I had before, but I can find new ways to do some things. I cycled quite a bit, but was afraid that if I got caught out in the wind, across hills, or too far away from home when my body started giving out, that I wouldn't make it back home. Today, I bought an electric assist bicycle. It will not work unless you pedal, but it magnifies your strength up to 200%. Tried it out today into a wind and uphill and it did great. I have some freedom back.

My encouragement would be to try to find some ways to adapt rather than quit the exercise you enjoy, and look for some new ones that fit your life now. Hope you do well, and keep on keeping on.