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...
So I am new here. I am 34 yrs old and was diagnosed with RA in March 2017. I also have thalassemia and fibromyalgia. I have had Thalasesmia my entire life so I learned how to deal with those side effects. I am having trouble dealing with RA and fibromyalgia and the physical pain and tiredness all the time. I have 3 children 5 and younger. I am active and being in pain isn't helping. I am on methotrexate which has stopped the joints from swelling but the pain isn't getting better. The gabapentin is helping to a point but it only takes the edge off. When I first was diagnosed with RA my doc put me on prednisone only helped a little bit so I stopped. I am a person who is always on the go so I am finding having limits really hard to accept. How did you learn to slow down? I am having trouble accepting the diagnosis and also having limits now. I need some help.
I found I could enjoy doing more if I did less.
It sounds like methotrexate may not be enough for you or maybe you aren't maxed out on it. I would say that you need to have a heart to heart with your Rheumatologist.
Many people are able to be active moms with small children and have your illnesses. I would also say that you need to set reasonable expectations- marathons are probably not a good idea. You will learn your limits and find a balance that works for your family.
It is difficult when you don't end up with the life you thought you were going to have. Chronic illness is a tough pill to swallow. I wish you well.
Welcome! I am so sorry you have so much to deal with.
Work with your doctor re pain management. Work to find a cocktail of meds that will bring you relief, if not remission. Talk to him or her about biologics. They stop the progression of the disease, which is very important while giving you relief.
RA is forever, but pain does not have to be. With good treatment, you have a possibility of long-term remission. I am in remission 8 years on Orencia.
At it's worse, RA is a roller coaster of good and bad days, good and bad weeks, even months or years. You enjoy the good times and learn to adjust to the not so good ones, when you can not be the ball-of-fire who does it ALL! You learn it's ok to let others help and not always be the first to jump in and volunteer.
Let people know. They will understand. So many people are dealing with autoimmune diseases today.
Keep on keeping on! One day at a time. It CAN get better! I am living proof!!