I think it is possible to have a reasonable life with RA. But only if you get on the right meds, and quickly. The reason I have such bad damage in my body, is because I was not correctly diagnosed and treated aggressively. From your profile, it appears you have had the same problem. If a doc doesn't treat me properly, I find another one who is more compassionate. Please move on.

If you cannot use your hands, and cannot bend down, your RA is not under control. Be assertive, and demand better treatment, is my suggestion.

She'd be singing a different song if she had RA!! While it can be controlled on the right meds, finding that mix is the trick and for her to act so cavalier about it makes me think maybe you should find another rheumy because I have found most family and friends don't think it's a big deal so it'd be nice to have a doctor that understands your plight. I feel your pain, my hands are the worst and without them what can you really do? I have found many devices at Bed Bath and Beyond that help with opening cans, jars, etc. and also get some pens with large foamy ends. Hang in there.

It's probably a little bit better now than back then when my mother was alive. She had RA for over 40+ years. But I can't really say for sure because I'm pretty bad myself and my thyroid problem made the RA worst for me.

{{{hugs}}}

Well there are meds that do help prevent RA from being as crippling as it once use to. HOWEVER, these meds are still hard on the body. Finding the right combo is key, I've been trying to since 95 and still no luck. Ultimately even though I'm still not under control, I have been fortunate to experience some benefits such as having all of my own joints still. I'm thankful of that every day regardless of all of my other problems that RA and the meds have caused.

I do have a few things that assist when I get really really bad but my favorite is using whoever is next to me. Sometimes people can be pretty nice. Before I leave the gas stations, I have the attendant open my pop for me. They are always so nice. I've even gotten help pumping my gas from pure strangers. Just can't be afraid to ask. :-) "RA Sucks....do you mind.....?" is a common phrase I use. Heck, I've asked the embarassed man walking down the tampon aisle at walmart to grab stuff off the shelf for me when I've been stuck in the scooter and cant reach. LOL

I think if you are DX'd quickly and respond to meds she is right. Some people- but it is the minority- are med resistant and they get progressively worse, including deformities. You may get the impression that more people are in this category by reading forums. This is because people who are doing well have less of a tendency to come for support.
If you have significant pain that requires prescription pain meds and have more days with lack of function then the other way around- you have not yet found the correct meds for you. Please keep trying and if this doctor poo poo's you change to someone who will listen. I wish you all the best.

My first rheumatologist was like that, he didn't even want to give me anything except Alive and thought it was alol in my head. I am lucky that I do have a milder form of the disease but yet it was very confusing to hear that from him. I always say get a second opinion to always make sure what you are dealing with, you are dealing with your life here.

Angela is right and I cannot say it better "it is possible to have a reasonable life with RA, but only if you get on the right meds, and quickly". Rather than dismissing your concerns and your pain, your doctor should be focusing on finding the right cocktail for you. The fact that you are in such pain means that you are not there. Perhaps a "bridging" treatment (with Prednisone) might help relieve your pain until the DMARD's kick in? In any case, if your doctor is not treating you correctly and aggressively, it's time to move on. I hope you find relief soon.

There was something else that Angela said that I thought was brilliant - she commented on the fact that this group tends to attract people with worse RA than the general population because those who are better may not need the support. She might very well be right. There is a certain self-selection here and your impression that people in this group might have worse RA than the general population could very well be correct. Again, I hope you find relief soon.

Thanks for all the support! You are some awesome people! I'm going to see how I feel next week and if there is no improvement then I'm calling my Dr. Thanks!!!

I am also newly diagnosed RA since november after I was seen by ortho for joint swelling and pain. I knew something was really wrong when it went to both joints and would rotate from wrists to shoulders and hands. I can't decide what I think of my doctor, I have seen her twice and was told this isn't really a bad diagnosis, it means I have a kickass immune system. Funny thing is I got a mtx shot in the office and even had to double my dose over the first 5 wks with no results. I started embrel after I saw her the second time, but I almost feel like a winer at her office. I am thinking of getting and opinio from someone who talks to me. I have learned more from this site than her.

My rheumy always told me that a diagnosis within the first six months of onset is critical in minimizing joint damage. I'm not saying avoiding, just minimizing. We all wind up with some damage and just do what we can to keep on going. I agree with Angela - yours is not under control and that means you need more effective treatment.

I hope you get it and wish you all the best - stand up for yourself!