my doctor diagnosed me with Rheumatoid Arthritis.?

Question

I'm 22 years old and found out today that I have rheumatiod arthritis. Can anyone share they experiences or advice for me?

Answer 1

Hi KrissyM,
You have to do what's right for you, and whether that's taking drugs or finding alternatives - so be it. But don't be brainwashed by people telling you to take the drugs. That is just the pessimistic attitude conveyed by doctors and Rheumatologists to their patients. They scare you into thinking you'll be crippled or dead if you dont take drugs. There are alternative therapies that work - drugs are dangerous and don't help you heal - only suppress the symptoms. If you have any interest in the natural approach, email me and I'll tell you what I do for my RA and how I got off drugs all together. I'd be happy to help. A starting point is to Google "Rheumatoid Arthritis diet".
[e-mail] - Leonie

Answer 2

ok, I don't want to scare you. I was diagnosed with RA and osteo arthritis about 10 years ago when I was 36. I have tried most meds available with no luck at all. I was given prednisone when my hands swelled up about 4 times normal size. Major mistake. Within a week I had gained 15 lbs, lost hair of my head, developed bald spots in my beard, had hot and cold flashes, and went through andropause, all due to the prednisone. This was an extreme case, I was extremely sensitive to the drug and I was given a very large dose. Now, I am 46, have trouble walking, kneeling, can't jump, can't lift more than 25 lbs, and my knee caps are deteriorating. The DR wants to do surgery on both knees, feet, wrists, R shoulder, both hips etc... My advice? Find a GOOD rheumatologist! The one I went to is now paying for me to retire. Don't let this happen to you

Answer 3

I'm so very sorry to hear this about you at only 22 years old!! I'm 44 & I was diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago with it.
If your Doctor has you on the right medication, it may take a while to get into your system, but DO NOT quit taking these medications unless you start having side-effects.

Please start taking med's now as even with me taking my anti-inflammatory, joint-muscle-relief med's, I stay in so very much pain all the time.
That's why I'm telling you to start taking your med's now. You are only 22.
I'm 44, and my doctor told me that this probably started years ago but I just didn't see/feel the symptoms. And the reason he is saying this now is because, we are still running tests to see exactly how far this has gone through my body.

Good luck to you sweetie & God Bless!!!

Answer 4

I was diagnosed at 29 but had symptoms at 21. My advise start to take evening primrose oil everyday without fail. I was told this by a Rheumatologist in 1998 [age 40] and only wish I had known sooner as I am now playing 'catch up'. However long gone are the red hot swollen joints and that is a big relief although x-rays still show the joints narrowing which is fine by me. I take a anti-inflammatory drug, evening primrose oil, 2mgs of Valium at night to relax the muscles and Lyrica due to the neuropathy due to the discs. I really have no complaints although recent problems stem from Disc bulges, but outside of that life is good. The same Rheumatologist gave me one important piece of advise, keep your head down and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Answer 5

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Like a magic wand was waived, you'd be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you'd never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

I know this sounds impossible right now, but bear with me, because sometimes miracles happen.

It was a gift from a woman on the other side of the world. From the kindness of her heart, she took pity on my suffering and taught me how to completely reverse my arthritis.

Today, I want to do the same for you!