Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis ten years ago, right after my twenty-first birthday. Most of the time arthritis is something you think only afflicts the elderly. But, here I was a 21 year old kid that felt like an 81 year old woman.

The signs and symptoms for RA are as follows: aching swollen joints that are warm to the touch, fatigue and weight loss. Okay, that's the medical description now this is how I felt. I dropped ten pounds in one month. My shoulders felt dislocated, sitting down or standing up brought tears to my eyes, and when I walked it felt like knife blades were in my feet. And this is no exaggeration. I have a new respect and sense of compassion for the elderly. So don't rush Granny as she hobbles along in the store. She is in a great deal of pain.

After, hurting for so long I went to my doctor. He examined my joints and ran some blood work. At my next appointment he gave me the results my sed. rate was elevated and I tested positive for rheumatoid factor. This man who saw me for strep throat and colds since I was a child; came to me and said, "I'm sorry honey it looks like rheumatoid arthritis." I was dumb founded, was I going to be crippled. I had no idea what my life may be like. I just went to my car and cried. I was wondering could I ever have kids. And if I could would I be able to take care of them? These questions would be answered later along in this journey.

So I went to a rheumatologist and started treatment. They are three drug categories to treat RA. NSAIDs like Daypro and Celebrex; DMARDs like methotrexate, and the new biological drugs like Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade. Since the biological drugs were out of my price range. I started on methotrexate and Daypro. Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug in pill form. It made me extremely nauseas and some of my hair fell out. Not fun especially for a woman. But as my body adjusted my hair grew back thick and my stomach eased.

I began to feel better. The pain lessened and life went on. My husband and I decided to have children. I was one of those lucky women that went into remission during pregnancy. I wished they could bottle what ever causes the remission. Some days parenting with RA is very difficult, especially during the younger years. I remember one day I was having a bad flare up and I could hardly lift my infant son. That day we spent a lot of time on the couch. I chose to stay at home for my kids and it was easier on my joints.

Exercise is a key element in living with RA. Although painful at times it lubricates and loosens the joints. Sitting around all day is worse than being up and moving. Walking and swimming are great for people with RA. They are both low impact and easier on the joints. Exercise also helps with the depression that often accompanies RA.

By following treatments and exercise I have a pretty normal life. I can't go rock climbing, but I can roller blade with my kids. I'm looking into biological treatments and hope I can get an even more relief there. So this is my continuing journey through RA. And if you have been just recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis I hope my story can help you.