Sorry to hear you've been diagnosed with RA. Very often the first visit to the rheumatologist is more about the dr gathering information from you and sending you for tests than giving treatment other than pills. It does suck and it is scary.

Not everybody gains weight. Some people lose weight. Keep coming to this site and you'll get lots of support and information. If you're down or depressed tell your doctor so they can prescribe antidepressants. The pain and just trying to wrap your mind around the disgnosis can take you there mentally. Lots of people on here take meds for depression.

I'm sorry you have RA but I'm glad you came here for support. There are lots of great people on here that are all ages.

So sorry to here that ashandani. The best advice I can give is to try not to let yourself get to scared. There are so many things they can do for RA now that can help you live close to normal. No, you'll never be 100 percent, and yes it's a scary thing. What you have to do now is to start thinking about how to change your life to fit the RA. You can still have fun and do things, so long as you know your limits.

Your parents will find you a good Rheumy and he or she will take good care of you. And most important, no matter how hard it is, stay positive. Stress and anxiety can cause flares.

I have a 6 year old with JRA and you would never know it to watch her! I know when her days are bad because she get's cranky, tired and emotional. Along with telling me her wrists hurt, or her finger, etc. No one on the outside would ever guess she had it because she stays full spead. (sigh) To be young and determined again. And that's what it is. She's determined to have fun and laugh. Nothing is going to hold her back. We could learn from little ones with JRA.

Good Luck hon, and we're all here if you need us.

Welcome ashandani. So sorry you have RA at such a young age. This is a disease that causes emotions to run high. I have often said it's the worst part of it all. People do not understand and it's hard to blame them because it's so hard to even understand yourself! Please come here whenever you need to talk- WE understand. You might want to type in JRA Support Groups or something like that in your browser to find a group of people your age. Not that you are not welcome here- you most certainly are! But sometimes it feels good to talk to someone with the same exact issues that you are dealing with.
Best of luck with your doctor's appointment and keep us posted!

I am so sorry to hear that you are so scared. I can 100% relate to all of your worries, as I struggle with the same things everyday. In fact, I was just talking to my mother about this!

I was first diagnosed when I was about 8 or 9. While my life dramatically changed, I found ways to adapt. By my teen year, I had completely outgrown all symptoms of RA and was able to cheer 6 years through middle school and high school, competed national (and won many titles :) ), and eventually went to cheer in college. After that, I became an avid runner.

Now, I am 22 and again living with RA. I know your worry, your fear, and your embarrassment, because I feel it too. Your chances of having surgery are not very likely. You WILL find ways to develop healthy habits and keep your RA under control. Remember, that these worries and fears are a very challenging part of this disease, but take one day at a time. Enjoy your good days, and take it easy on the hard ones. I constantly have to remind myself that I WILL NOT let this disease beat me, I will beat it! You can do the same. I believe in you, and if you ever need a friend who can relate, I'm your girl :)

Stay strong, and enjoy the best years of your life!

I found out I had RA when I was just beginning 3rd grade, maybe sometime in second. The doctors said I likely had it all my life or since very early infancy.
You are not alone.
I know you are scared now, and that will subside overtime, but there is nothing to be embarrassed about. I remember feeling embarrassed all too much as a little kid bc I didnt know why I couldnt run like the other kids. But there is a reason for this. Our bodies seem older than we are and we have trouble with getting that exercise. But this doesnt mean that you will get fat. I never got fat.
If you want to remain "fit" start with things like crunches on a soft yoga mat or even your bed. Leg lifts are also really toning. Ask your doctor or go online and you can find lots of little things you can do.
You won't get any shots that I can think of. the only shots in RA treatment that exist are some medications, and you have the right to know everything about all your medication. You won't be getting surgery, even getting stuff like a hip replacement is more due to osteoporosis than RA.
HEAT! that is how to best help your swelling when you are sitting on the computer or whatever. get those microwaveable heat pads. also exercise is the other best way to help with swelling. Running not so much, but gentle lifts and stuff.
You can message me any time you want, I will be happy to help answer any questions and to just talk.

You will be okay,
Get some heat on those joints in the meantime and again, message me anytime. I know things can get scary and it can be scary not knowing what to do so PLEASE please dont hesitate to ask me anything, I am about to turn 23 and have had it all my life.

Yes RA can be scary but you have to remember your strengths, be it mentally or physically. I did not gain weight with RA. I am 28 and I feel like a 70 year old a lot of times. I too get embarrassed when my fiance has to help me like a lil old granny. But I laugh about it, I have to or I'll go crazy. People always tell me "you are so young to have RA". I just want to scream when I hear that. But I am dealing with it. I know you can get through it too! There have been so many medical advancements in the past few years I know that there will be something to help us in the near future. In the mean time listen to your rheumatologist and take care of yourself.

~Anita

No matter your age, we have all felt that scared feeling when we heard those words "you have RA". The best advise is to use the support group, this is where you will feel emotionally better. You will learn so much here and before you know it, you will be helping others your age! Good luck, feel better, and think positive.

J

I gained weight, but it was because of the prednisone I was prescribed, not the RA. That and not moving or exercising. You probably have JRA, which means you have a good possibility of outgrowing it. There is lots of hope for treatment these days. My cousin had severe RA at age 1 1/2 and she is one of the happiest people I know.

Even the weight I gained, I have been able to lose. You may never need surgery. Don't cross that bridge until you get there. There was a figure skater from Saskatchewan a few years ago.
She had JRA, but didn't let it stop her from competing up to a national level. You can still live your life, and have your dreams. So take courage, and be sure to read lots and you have a good chance at a normal life.

I know this post is about 8 years old now but I’m the original poster! I’m 21 now and unfortunately i didn’t grow out of my RA. I had forgotten my login info and didn’t know how to find this post at the time. I randomly remembered I posted something like this and googled it and i found it today! I want to say thank you to everyone who replied to me. Those comments hit home and are still very encouraging even now. You guys may not see it but if you ever stumble upon this post again, thank you for your kind wishes ❤️

I posted above about my cousin growing out of it. But, she was in her mid twenties, so don't give up yet, ok?

I hope you got on good meds and got the JRA under control! And thanks for checking back.

My daughter has Juvenile RA since she was 4. The realty is yes it sucks. Best thing we did was get help from an arthritis organization that put us in touch with other kids and teens that had arthritis.. The information we found took away the fear. Knowing other people with RA took away the feeling of isolation and feeling embarrassed. You are special and there will be friends that will see you that way. Don't hide. Friends that judge you aren't friends. Friends that accept all of you are keepers.....By the way my daughter is 40 years old now. :)