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...
Hello, my name is Cacey.
Im 21 years old and I was just recently diagnosed with RA. I'm feeling scared and extremely depressed about this, as it's hard knowing I still have my life a head of me. It's also difficult because I'm being faced with the decision of staying in school or going home till I can sort this out. My muscles are also getting too sore to walk or move which is a problem.
As well as this, my boyfriend has been helping me do just about everything. but he's becoming more like my nurse then my boyfriend and I know that's a lot of strain to put on someone, even if they say they don't mind. He has a life of his own and I feel like a burden. I also feel awful cause it's like I'm signing him up for a life of this. Living with someone who will constantly be suffering, at least that's what it feels like.
Anywyas im looking for support and just like guidance on what to do now. I'm so new at this and I'm slightly freaking out.
- Cacey
So sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with RA and that it's started at such a young age. You'll find a lot of people here with more knowledge than me (I'm fairly new to this myself) and I'm glad you've found this group to help you get some answers to the many questions you'll no doubt have. Knowledge is empowering!
You do still have your life ahead of you and it's great you have a supportive boyfriend, and hopefully supportive family too.
Everyone's different in terms of their disease and responses to medication. Sounds like you've been having such a hard time of late, and I appreciate that can be a lonely, depressing place to be, but please don't assume it will stay this bad.
You have a diagnosis, now you need to find out all you can about this disease, and the best ways for you to accept it, teat it and cope with it. Life will go on. There are lots of treatment options that can help.
I hope you have a good rheumatologist, and hope you've started on DMARD treatment? A good physio is also invaluable, as are the people who contribute to this group.
Of course, you might want to skip a semester and when you are feeling better, start up again.
As for the muscles aching, make sure you tell your rheumatologist. I started getting muscle pain about 12 years after I got RA. Turns out, I have fibromyalgia, too. I take Gabapentin, and it has really helped control it.
So please keep posting and we will try and help you get through this. And do not push the bf away. Just consider him a keeper, is my thought!
Just know that you've taken the first big step.....you're developing a support system.
Can you tell us if you've seen a rheumatologist and if you're on DMARDS yet?
Lynn
You need to push to get into the Rheumatologist ASAP. When is the appt? See if you can't get on a cancelation list.
The sooner you get on DMARDS the better.
The first year is the toughest. It's about finding the right DMARDS for you. Then it takes time to kick on.
It will get better.
My diagnosis consumed me for a period of time, but I find that now, after a few months, I have long, long stretches of time where it doesn't even enter my mind. I don't have the perfect Rx yet, I think I'll need a few more tweaks on that, but I believe that I'm going in the right direction. It's gone from being the center of my focus to one element in a rich life. You can do this, Cacey.