Does anyone out there have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Do you know and understand what I'm going through or am I as alone as I feel? I have it very bad and now I'm stuck in bed and cant walk at all. I need both knees and both hips replaced and I'm in pain beyond belief all of the time. But that's nothing compared to the feeling of being alone in this world with this condition.

Yes I have family that support me a great deal. I live with my 3 kids and my boyfriend who all take care of my every need, as well as they are able to. Its just that this has been going on for so long now and I only seem to be getting worse. I can see its taking a toll on them and it worries me. How much more can they take? How much more should I expect them to take. What will happen to me when they've had enough?

Hi Melody,

I was diagnosed with RA at age 38. My son was 10 months old and I was in so much pain that I couldn't hold him. I do know what you are going through and I do know it's not easy. The pain is terrible, but the mental stress was far more worrying. I, at the time, was very active and athletic. Then, all of a sudden, I could hardly walk, pick up my son, or do any of the things I used to take for granted. My joints (wrists, fingers, feet, and others) were swelling sooo much and my fingers so fat that I couldn't grip a baseball bat. I was thinking "Who is going to tech my newborn how to play sports or play him like other fathers do?" My wife will now admit she did not understand or appreciate how much pain I was in.

Now, I tried to deal with the pain on my own and educated myself about RA. The pain I could keep manageable with over the counter drugs. By manageable I mean pain to the level I felt I could cope. The pain never, never went away and was hard to deal with. After about a year I finally decided to see a rhumatologist because the damage to my joints would not stop even though I was pretty drugged up. This would only mask the true issue.

You will notice in my first paragraph I used the word "was" several times. That's because my rhumatogist and I worked real hard to find the drug that works for me. We had to try several before we found the right one. I'm now 52 and my RA has been in remission for about 10 years (hopefully for ever) and I have absolutely no pain or swelling. I am back to my old self as long as my body will accept the drug. There are many choices out ther and I really believe a good rhumatologist can help. You are not alone. You must be computer savy, so look up support groups in your area for help when you're really down. Good luck.

rheumatoid arthritis - i was told by my doctor that R A affects the same joints on both sides at the same time. such as both knees or both hand or both hips. and yes it's very painful. i have R A and psoriatic arthritis.
yes it's painful. but you can't let it get to you. stay in touch with family and friends. and others that have the same thing. sometimes its nice to talk to someone that knows how you feel. so your not alone in this. ok

ivy

I not sure what i have Melody i've been trying to find out for the last 3 years. I have had several Doctors "Nuro's" and have been getting dfferent injections...steriods.....cortazone was the last one.
I had whats called the Facet Proceedure done last month but i still have lower back pain and burning that radiates to the buddocks and down both legs. Everyone says "Siatica" is my problem...i wander why they cant do anything about it.
I have been percribed Avinza 60 mg twice a day, Avinza is a timed released moraphine but it sure doesnt help much.
I can some what relate to what your going through and it's awful...no doubt about it. I take a vallium 5mg at bedtime and i think that helps most of all.
I'll keep you in my prayers, Try to have a nice Easter

Of course others have RA. I have heard that 1% of the population has this. Get a good Rumey and keep them. Don't be shy about pain meds that's what they are for.
Sounds like you are depressed talk to your Doc about this.

Good Luck

Hi Melody, I've had R.A. since the birth of my daughter in 1986. It is a very painful disease and progressive. What measures have you taken? You are in no way alone... I am currently in alot of pain! My sister has it also, (and my late great-grandma). May I ask you, if you don't mind; do you know Jesus? I do. I don't want you to think 'oh no'...and have you not want to talk to me..I'd like to get to know you and discuss the disease, etc. and if you like - meet Him. After all, if other methods haven't worked, what have you got to lose, right? God bless you and I hope you had a pleasant Easter. Do you have family? a support system?

God bless you and happy Easter.