Tell me about life with Rheumatoid Arthritis

[Anonymous]

I’ve just been diagnosed and am still in shock. I thought I had unrelated cases of carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and knee pain. I’ve been living with pain for 7 years and it’s been manageable, but definitely worse after my last kid two years ago. I’m in my mid-40s now.

What has living with RA been like for you if you have it? Are there any support groups you know of?

What are the treatments like? I’m doing ok without medicine and afraid of the side effects. But my husband wants me on medicine so my RA doesn’t get worse. Anyone else choose not to take medicine?

[Anonymous]

Since RA is an autoimmune disorder, the meds are either steroids or immunosuppressants. Both have negative side effects and weird that DH wants you on them if you are doing ok managing it without.

[Anonymous]

Disagree with PP. This is not just about pain; it’s about joint destruction. Some of the newer biologics have been revolutionary in minimizing or totally preventing it. You ofc want to avoid steroids if you can, but soldiering thru on NSAIDs (which have their own long-term risks) is no longer gold standard treatment of this diagnosis.

Do you like and trust your rheumatologist, OP?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since RA is an autoimmune disorder, the meds are either steroids or immunosuppressants. Both have negative side effects and weird that DH wants you on them if you are doing ok managing it without.

Umm, he probably wants her to go on biologics because they help prevent progression of RA? Why wouldn't he want his spouse to try and stave off the RA symptoms for as long as possible? The benefits of biologics outweigh the side effects.

OP - I don't have RA but I have ankylosing spondylitis and have taken biologics before and I feel spectacular when on them. Unfortunately they stopped working for me after awhile so now I'm not taking anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since RA is an autoimmune disorder, the meds are either steroids or immunosuppressants. Both have negative side effects and weird that DH wants you on them if you are doing ok managing it without.

Umm, he probably wants her to go on biologics because they help prevent progression of RA? Why wouldn't he want his spouse to try and stave off the RA symptoms for as long as possible? The benefits of biologics outweigh the side effects.

OP - I don't have RA but I have ankylosing spondylitis and have taken biologics before and I feel spectacular when on them. Unfortunately they stopped working for me after awhile so now I'm not taking anything.

My relative has ankylosing spondylitis and has seen a huge improvement with biologics. I have a different autoimmune disorder and have been on steroids in the past and strongly urge you to try to avoid them and go right to biologics.

[Anonymous]

FIL has it. Used to cry daily, but takes meds now in his 70s and has no effects. Take the meds so it doesn’t progress.

[Anonymous]

Had severe RA for 20 years. I’m 40 now. I’ve been on biologics for all that time, and been able to have a really normal-looking life until the past five years or so. I think they have slowed disease progression (but not eliminated it), and provided periods of nearly-full remission.

Try to limit the steroids as you are able. You will likely need NSAIDs sometimes (or all the time, like me). There are RX NSAIDs that are stronger than advil, if you need them.

What else do you want to know?

[Anonymous]

I have been on methotrexate for 8 yrs. It has definitely slowed the progression of my RA.

[Anonymous]

I’ve had it since childhood and don’t remember life without it. Biologic were a game changer for me with minimal side effects. I have cumulative damage from the years before these were available. Biologics allow me to remain active and in great physical shape. Hopefully you have a good rheumatologist who can thoughtfully guide your decision and provide education and support.

[Anonymous]

I have reversed my osteoarthritis with the elimination of sugar and dairy, and greatly reducing gluten. I also do frequent effective exercises recommended by my physical therapist. I wasn’t onboard with the recommended drugs and surgeries.

It’s taken a few months, but I succeeded.

[Anonymous]

I was diagnosed in 2019 with RA and two other autoimmune diseases. I had a massive flare. I highly recommend getting on a biologic if you can. RA is more than joint pain. It can cause cardiovascular problems, which is what reduces lifespan for people with RA. Now would also be the time to come up with an excellent workout routine and diet. I didn’t join a support group because I don’t know of any.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was diagnosed in 2019 with RA and two other autoimmune diseases. I had a massive flare. I highly recommend getting on a biologic if you can. RA is more than joint pain. It can cause cardiovascular problems, which is what reduces lifespan for people with RA. Now would also be the time to come up with an excellent workout routine and diet. I didn’t join a support group because I don’t know of any.

Want to add: I have been on two different biologics. I haven’t experienced any of the side effects on either. The first biologic I was on stopped working after I got Covid. Don’t let the side effects scare you off. Yes, many of the side effects sound terrible but RA is disfiguring and can cause heart problems. I will say that my current biologic seems to have done something for my migraines. I haven’t had one in a year since I started it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I have reversed my osteoarthritis with the elimination of sugar and dairy, and greatly reducing gluten. I also do frequent effective exercises recommended by my physical therapist. I wasn’t onboard with the recommended drugs and surgeries.

It’s taken a few months, but I succeeded.

That’s nice, but completely irrelevant to the topic at hand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I have reversed my osteoarthritis with the elimination of sugar and dairy, and greatly reducing gluten. I also do frequent effective exercises recommended by my physical therapist. I wasn’t onboard with the recommended drugs and surgeries.

It’s taken a few months, but I succeeded.

OA is not the same thing as RA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I have reversed my osteoarthritis with the elimination of sugar and dairy, and greatly reducing gluten. I also do frequent effective exercises recommended by my physical therapist. I wasn’t onboard with the recommended drugs and surgeries.

It’s taken a few months, but I succeeded.

PP, you have no idea what you’re talking about. Osteoarthritis is NOTHING like RA. RA is an autoimmune disease where your body attacks its own joints. Get educated before you respond.