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...

2,179 Members

16,355 Posts

0 Online

Mishelle 03/22/2018

Hello Fellow Ra’s! I am new here - I live in a populous area in TN but am unable to find a live support group. I was shocked! The phases of acceptance certainly require outside assistance. I wonder how many others out there have live group support vs. or partnered with online support.....

californialynn 03/22/2018

While I think live support groups are a good thing, I'm not so sure many RA'ers actively look for one. Perhaps one of the reasons is because most find the right drug mix for themselves and move on with their lives.

I'd be interested in knowing if anyone here knows of a live support group in their area.

nonightshades2 03/23/2018

Negative for SE Alabama.

CharlotteM 03/23/2018

I am in New Zealand and there doesn't seem to be any support here for RA, plenty of groups for other ailments such as heart, stroke etc

WarriorGal 03/23/2018

Tell us more. How old are you? How long have you've been diagnosed? What meds are you on? How do you feel???

MarleneJ 03/24/2018

I only went to a live support group for a year or so, after I was first diagnosed. The group had been started with by a cousin of mine, with RA. They mostly brought in speakers, and I learned a lot, but never got to know many people.

Then, because they same people, who were all sick with RA got tired of doing everything, they shut the group down. I thought it was kind of cliquey. And sad! So, I’ve been doing on-line support for 15 years, at least, and it has helped.

Glad to meet you, And welcome to DS and the RA group!

Join the Conversation