Coping with Rheumatoid Arthritis.?

Question

As I sit here typing this, I'm struggling as my fingers and wrists are swollen, stiff and terribly sore. I woke up early because I cannot stay in bed for very long. I am feeling exhausted.

I was diagnosed with RA last year, this is only my second "flare". I am in between insurance right now and cannot see my Rheumatologist :big tear:

I guess what my question is to those with RA:

How do you cope?

I can barely wipe my own bum (when I do, my wrist creaks and pops and hurts) or get dressed. I use a computer at work and barely have the strength to press the keys down with my fingers. I wake up every morning crying. I know it's taking a toll on my partner as well.

I am 22. Any advice?

I'd also like to ad that I am a strict vegan - but I can't say whether it has helped the RA because I made the lifestyle change prior to any RA symptoms.

I did not have a sore throat prior to this flare.

It's both nice and sad to know that there are other people out there suffering from RA. I too don't want it taking over my life.

Thank you!

Answer 1

I share your pain and Disease. I also was diagnosed with RA last year and have had to have two total knee replacements since then. The doctor has me on Methotrexate which does help with the Inflammation and swelling but while it kills the Bad cells in your body it also attacks the "good" cells, leaving you prone to infections and your Immune system very weak. You are so correct that simple little things you do will leave you in agony. My Doctor keeps pushing me to Exercise, more and more even though its terribly painfull at times, it does seem to help the stiffness in my Joints. Most people I know with RA are now on Depression Medicine and anyone can see why. Hang in there Gal.. Try to stay Positive and enjoy each day as much as possible. I refuse to go down without a fight, even though at times it would be easier to just give in...Hugs

Answer 2

Yep diagnosed at 29, first sign 21 and now 49 so how do I cope? First low fat diet, as RA and High Cholesterol run hand in hand. Second evening primrose oil everyday without fail, this regulates the hormones, important for us Gals and again is a essential oil GLA that we cannot get in our diets. My evening primrose oil is prescribed like a drug from my GP. After that a good anti-inflammatory with about 100 on the market might need to try a few before you get the right one. I was lucky third one did it for me Difene and have been on it since 1989 with no side effects. Everyday I take it no matter what my symptoms, good, bad or indifferent. That is what I started with, have added a few more drugs but only when I started Menopause. Likewise keep away from Infections, children have infections, colds, bugs, stay away. If you do get a sore throat seek the Doc and get it seen too ASAP. Just be interesting to know if you had a sore throat prior to the Arthritis flare? Good Luck.

Answer 3

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!