How did your condition begin and progressed to where it is today? Share to Raise Awareness!
I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I was 23. Looking back, I had numerous symptoms before the diagnosis for many years. Throughout my high school years, I had constant burning, inflammation, and difficulty moving my feet constantly. I would have times of flare-ups as well.
Read more: A Painful Life: Having Three Diseases
My pain was relatively disregarded until I demonstrated the continuity of complaint. I finally got somewhere, and someone looked at my feet, but nothing came out of it. One day, when I was 22, I woke up in the morning and couldn’t bend my left ring finger. It was the size of a sausage, and I could not move it, and I had severe pain.
Eventually, I was seen by a rheumatologist, and after about a year of monitoring my symptoms in my feet and hands, I finally got the diagnosis. I felt really relieved and happy because someone was finally listening and able to help me. I’ve been on meds for about 2 two years now, and they are really helping. I tried to take a few at once but the side effects were not great, so I am only on one now. I am really thankful that I am feeling better.
Read more: Handling Rheumatoid Arthritis at the Age of 15
In addition to that, I stay active on a daily basis, and I am very health conscious. I eat only lean meats, fish and vegetables and I do not drink alcohol. I still have days where I have joint issues and do not feel well, but I am doing well and stay positive throughout this process. I have a great family support system and a partner who is really supportive of me. Best of luck to anyone who reads this and lives with RA.
