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
I am a 29 year old Canadian female and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in April. I am single mother with a very active little 2 year old boy. I am exhausted beyond what I could imagine. I have pain all over and have had zero relief. I've tried three drugs so far. NSAID that gave me intense stomach cramps and vaginal bleeding. Methotrexate that made my hair fall out and become so fogged up I couldn't function and the fatigue with no relief of pain. Recently started Plaquenil which gave me severe nausea, insomnia, incredibly painful and itchy skin, depression, anxiety, nightmares and suicidal thoughts with no fatigue or pain relief. I am at such a loss on what to do next. I am terrified to try another drug but I am terrified of feeling the effects of rheumatoid arthritis anymore. The only relief I have found is through diet and light exercise, if I can get through the fatigue to take proper care of myself. I don't have many friends or family near. I don't have much support. Every time I see my rheumatologist I leave more confused and thinking my disease isn't that bad but then why do I feel so horrible? I had to stop working in March due to the pain and was just denied disability (will be appealing). I no longer have a source of income and live alone with my son. I am hoping to hell it gets better. I don't have a support group, so I am here hoping someone has experienced something similar and can give me some advice
I am a 29 year old Canadian female and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in April. I am single mother with a very active little 2 year old boy. I am exhausted beyond what I could imagine. I have pain all over and have had zero relief. I've tried three drugs so far. NSAID that gave me intense stomach cramps and vaginal bleeding. Methotrexate that made my hair fall out and become so fogged up I couldn't function and the fatigue with no relief of pain. Recently started Plaquenil which gave me severe nausea, insomnia, incredibly painful and itchy skin, depression, anxiety, nightmares and suicidal thoughts with no fatigue or pain relief. I am at such a loss on what to do next. I am terrified to try another drug but I am terrified of feeling the effects of rheumatoid arthritis anymore. The only relief I have found is through diet and light exercise, if I can get through the fatigue to take proper care of myself. I don't have many friends or family near. I don't have much support. Every time I see my rheumatologist I leave more confused and thinking my disease isn't that bad but then why do I feel so horrible? I had to stop working in March due to the pain and was just denied disability (will be appealing). I no longer have a source of income and live alone with my son. I am hoping to hell it gets better. I don't have a support group, so I am here hoping someone has experienced something similar and can give me some advice
Eventually they will actually cure it and all the other auto-immunes but right now our choice is the potential of quality of life verses the potential of quantity of life. Don't be afraid, fear is not your friend. Wish you well!