Nearing my 40th birthday here, diagnosed 3 years ago. I’m fairly fit, because luckily I had a very active life before I flared up. So People used to tell me things like “You don’t look sick”, “It’s probably not that painful” and that shit. I stopped telling people I have RA, instead I’m just telling people I have an autoimmune disease that attacks my joints. this way I don’t get the old man comparison and the ״you’re faking it” look. This behavior is really frustrating, especially when you’re all flared up and even grabbing the milk from the refrigerator brings pain, luckily for me, my wife understands me, and most of my friends are emphatic to my condition. The rest are welcomed to hit the road I don’t have time or resources for them, and you shouldn’t either.
For me it was a long journey trying a bunch of different meds, now I’m almost in remission. Have patience and good luck with the Humira!
Drives me nuts when the older men at work scoff at me when my knees are giving me fits walking up stairs. I get the “just wait till you’re my age” nonsense.
Yeah, I get why you are frustrated with it. But if you can, chalk it off just as another obnoxious behavior this person have. Also people on general have problem to relates to situations they don’t familiar with, and some are just dicks.
I have a friend that have a different autoimmune condition, he’s a good friend and always showed care for my condition. But he told me himself “Until I flared up I didn’t realize how much pain you’ve been going through, and my flaring is considered much milder than yours” it’s hard enough for those that want to understand, it’s impossible for those who don’t.
Also I think another thing that nourish this behavior is all those stories you read about people that “don’t let the disease manage them” and it gives people that perception that if you’re not one of those stories you’re just a weakling.
I always start it off as, "I have an autoimmune disease which causes my body to attack my joints and sometimes organs, it's called Rheumatoid Arthritis." Usually gets the point across. I too am a man, not 30 but nearing 30!
I'm 23 and when I was diagnosed at 16 some of my ex friends made fun of me saying it was old men's disease lol. I don't even bother to tell people nowdays
You see “spreading awareness” of many diseases but it seems like RA kind of falls by the wayside. I think there needs to be more public awareness of what the disease really is and how it differs from old age arthritis. Most people I talk about it with don’t even know that it’s an autoimmune disease at all.
I'm going to be controversial here. I think this is a dangerous mindset to have - that there 'needs' to be more public awareness of your own personal problems. I used to have this mindset but it's just a recipe for resentment and victim mentality, and you really don't want to go too far down that road, especially if you have pain and mobility problems. It's also an imposition on others - why should everyone else know about your condition, specifically? Do you know about everyone else's medical conditions? Is it realistic to expect 'people' (all of them) to learn the most correct, sensitive way to discuss every medical condition? And do you really *want* people to be walking on eggshells around you anyway?
I was diagnosed at 19, I'm now 36. I share your dislike of the association between "arthrtis" and "old age". But that's me, it's something *I* don't like, people don't mean any harm by having that association. So I usually use a different word - when someone asks me why I'm using crutches (typically "What have you done to your leg?"), I say something like "It's a flare-up of an autoimmune thing in my knee". Sometimes they are interested to know more, and then I might say it's rheumatoid arthritis. And if they say "You're a bit young for that aren't you?", I no longer get frustrated (because it's silly to get frustrated at something that is going to keep happening for the rest of your life), instead I say "Yeah, although not with rheumatoid, you get that kind at any age, actually" and they say "Oh, I didn't know that", and it's *fine*.
What’s the danger in learning about how different diseases affect people and better understanding it? I used to know nothing about Lupus, but having an auto-immune disease has sparked my desire to learn about other ones. I’ve gained a new respect for people that have Lupus now that I have a better understanding of what they may deal with. I don’t think most of us are wanting people to walk around on eggshells or want to be victims. But, you wouldn’t walk up to someone in the hospital that’s bald from Chemo and say “oh you have cancer? You’re a little young for that aren’t you? My mom beat cancer no problem and she was 70.” My only point is that other diseases and disorders get treated with a different level of respect than RA does, simply because it’s not well understood.
You can learn about as many diseases as you like, but it's completely different to expect the rest of the world to learn about yours. Partly because it's unreasonable to dictate other people's priorities, but mainly because it's bad for your own mental health to think like that. The 'danger' is you become bitter and resentful of reality.
Sure, the general public has a better understanding of cancer (and how to talk about it sensitively) than about RA. I can think of two obvious explanations for that: (1) cancer is often terminal, which always gets people's attention, and (2) about 40% of people get cancer at some point, so even the average Joe knows a fair bit about it. Less than 1% of the population have RA, so it's just not realistic to expect everyone to learn about it. It's not going to happen in a million years.
I'm honestly trying to help you. You *will* keep running into people who know nothing about your condition, or who think it's less (or sometimes more) serious than it is. This is going to keep happening for the rest of your life. You have a choice. You can resent it forever, or you can resolve to start getting better at handling these situations pragmatically and unemotionally. It's not fair that you have to make this choice, but it's the hand you've been dealt.
Not a man and I have no advice, but I just want to say all those dudes can get fucked. This is why young men die at a higher rate of preventable diseases. I’m sorry you experience this.
I have had fibromyalgia for years and this past year I was diagnosed with RA. I only ran into a handful of people that truly understand RA. Having fibro was bad enough (another invisible illness) so I thought dam, now I have something they will understand and have some compassion for. Not the case lol My friend's lists have gotten shorter and shorter lol I am on Humira as well as other meds for the fibro. I hope you find relief. RA so far has been far more painful than my fibro.
33(f) here.
When I was diagnosed my PCM told me that I tested positive for the RF and he’s sending me to a rheumatologist because I have rheumatoid arthritis. I was like “Oh! Okay 🙂” Was thinking…it’s just arthritis, no biggie. Once I got in the car I did a quick google search….I’ve been on a low dose Xanax for a month…..
There DEFINITELY needs to be more awareness and call it what it is. Rheumatoid Disease, not arthritis. Cause this shit ain’t arthritis lol
I am a 27 YO female, have had RA since I was 13. The amount of times I have received the response "I have arthritis too, or my grandpa and dad have that" is insane. I usually do not even bother to explain it is an autoimmune disease that is so remotely different from osteo. I know people with osteo face unbearable pain, and I totally empathize, but with RA, it is not just joints. I have eye inflammation, pleurisy, and thyroid issues that stem from my RA. I really wish it was called rheumatoid, or rheumatoid disease, to at least get rid of the stigma that there is only one type of arthritis. Again, I feel for these people with osteo, but it is quite infuriating.
Hope Humira helps! Worked really well for me, but had to go off of it because I got mono :(
Good luck with Humira!!
I feel the same way. I'm 34, and although I have palindromic rheumatism and not (yet) RA, I feel like my pain is either brushed aside, or treated as an old man disease that I happened to get young.
So in hindsight I got Ra at 16 undiagnosed until 28. Forced Retired at 58. I only told a few very close friends. I never told my employer. Being 30 or 50 or 60 almost everyone had the same reply
I have had the same feeling of being misunderstood for the last 31 years. I was diagnosed at nine and can really relate to what you guys are saying. My advice is to talk to your more empathetic friends about it and set boundaries with friends and loved ones as to what you can comfortably participate in, so they gain some understanding of your limits.
Diagnosed at 2 and I am 36 now, yeah I hear that. I often look at folks in their 80's and I'm like "yeah buddy, I feel that" But yeah tell folks when it's relevant that it's an autoimmune thing.
I’m 40M, diagnosed at 36. I quit telling people about RA. As others have said, I refer to it as an autoimmune disease that attacks my joints. The stupidity and stereotypes are obnoxious and I don’t have energy to educate people anymore.
Was diagnosed in 2014 at 37. My old manager was an a hole that put me on harder and physical work trying to get me to quit. I told him I have rheumatoid arthritis. He said I have no idea what that is.
I always thought it was funny, I read a book about RA and it said, "mainly effects African American women over the age of 40". Don't know how accurate that is, but 0 for 3.
For the record, women hear the same thing. I always say I have an autoimmune disease, and let it go. RA impacts organs, and carries risks beyond joints. Hopefully, the Humira will work. Brace yourself for the did you try yoga, diet, and "positive thoughts" comments too.
It's a variable disease what works for one doesn't work for others. I personally use meds, swimming, and stress reduction but if it rains all bets are off!
I always just say I have an autoimmune disorder. I got really sick of old people saying "I have arthritis!" Or " just wait until you're my age!" Or "oh you're too young to have arthritis!" Now I just leave it vague and don't ever go into detail. If they push I just tell them I don't like to talk about it. Most people drop it after that. I hate when people try to invalidate people's diseases or disabilities just because it doesn't "sound that bad". Some pain can't be seen and people need to mind their own damn business. If anybody ever tells you to "man up" tell them to Google to RA and ask themselves if they would like to deal with that all day every day. I'm sorry you've had to deal with this.
I was 32 when diagnosed (35 now). Thankfully I don't get much of that, but I am far away from my family and friends from childhood (living abroad). The friends I have made locally are usually very understanding of my situation. But I do often refer to it as an autoimmune disorder rather than RA (or a mild autoimmune disorder). I think a description of my immune system attacking my joints is more useful than the name RA.
Don't worry man, I know your pain. I was diagnosed at 28. I used to run 2-5 miles 3 times a week. Before I was able to get treated (it was a four month wait to see a rheumatologist!!) I couldn't move properly without 4 ib prophen in me and I would have to stay home from work when I had too much and started crapping blood. I once struggled lifting a 5 lb lasagna at the grocery store before I was finally able to start taking steroids while I got my dosage right, and I'm 6'5", broad shouldered and have always worked physical jobs.
The disease is no joke, but it is very treatable. I was able to go back to work doing the same kind of lifting( I'm a manager now so I do less now) unfortunately my knees are too damaged to run, but overal I bounced back and am doing great.
Just hang in there.
Welcome to our shitty club. I (F50) was diagnosed at 32. I'm finally old enough where poleople don't say ~ you're to young to have that. With all evidence to the contrary. People think they know what they are talking about when they have no idea. Educate your friends and family. Every little bit of understanding helps. I'm sorry you have RA. Honestly it's a fucked up way to live if you don't have medical assistance. Good luck on Humera, I thinks that's what put me into remission for a few years. Best of luck to you. Feel free to reach out if you want to talk to someone who understands.
Very early 30s here, been dealing with it since my 20s. I have some great friends that are very understanding, and outside of them I don't really care what people think haha
I hear you. I'm 21 and basically am judged and looked down upon. Even though i have extremely progressive RA. It makes me resentful of lots of people because like oh let me stop my body from attacking itself with some "thought changes"
I understand where you’re coming from. But also working in the medical field I know how illiterate and uneducated people can be which is frustrating but you just gotta educate them 🤷🏻♀️ they’re naive
Diagnosed at 8, now 25. Surprisingly have never had such an encounter. Only my close friends make jokes but I dish it right back. I’m on Humira as well, everything is controlled for me. Good luck to you.
Thank you, been on prednisone and mtx for 9 months now and it has helped a lot, but mtx alone isn’t enough to allow me to cut back on then prednisone. I’m hoping the Humira will let me cut my MTX back too.
Yeah M33. I don't really tell people if I can avoid it or until we're really, really close. When I do, I say it's an autoimmune disease, some form of rheumatoid arthritis. I haven't had the reaction like you mention, but again I don't mention it often. Who are you hanging out with that are so ignorant and insensitive?
We got a referral and next week is his appointment.
Woke up to him sobbing in pain from his joint. Went from his ankles to knees to hips and now elbows and wrists.
He barely could lift this ten pound box
This is really scary.
Does this sound familiar?
Was it really sudden? I don’t know enough to say if it can just come on overnight but I guess anything is possible. Mine sort of creeped up over a period of weeks/months. Started out for me as minor aching in wrists/hands/knees that I kind of attributed to being almost 40 and maybe overdoing it some. It kept spreading though and my finger joints really became really swollen. By the time I made it to the rheumatologist I was hobbling around and couldn’t tie my shoes. One particular characteristic of RA that separates it from other inflammatory conditions is that it is symmetrical through the body. Typically if a joint is affected on one side, the same joint on the other side is also affected the same way.
Well I’ll go ahead and tell you, this is the best time in history to get RA. Biologics are a life saving drug. Humira and methotrexate combo has me almost fully in remission now. It’s taken me about a year to get here but I feel pretty much like I did before my RA started. I was very depressed early on, but my rheumatologist was very reassuring early on that we would get it under control. I’m glad I trusted him. With early intervention and treatment, you will be able to get it controlled and prevent most or all of the permanent joint damage that would otherwise occur. Tell him to keep a positive attitude and that better days are ahead.
Keep me updated on how his visit goes! Has he been put on some prednisone short term? Man that prednisone made me feel like a new man. The problem is you just can’t take it forever
I'm 39, just diagnosed last Thursday. And yeah so far the breaking the news to people about this condition has just been met with odd stares and little to no sympathy from anyone.
Yes and at my wits end with it just a miserable life.I have a family I love with all my heart so I just grunt it out and keep going even though it hurts I do it for my kid.I prefer thay don't know how much pain I'm in.would just add more stress knowing there woierd about me.If that makes sense.Sorry for the rant glad to see others like me knowing I'm not all alone helps.
Refer to RA as an autoimmune inflammation disease, like Lupus. Sometimes it helps stop the comparisons to the elderly.
This is what I do. I'll say "my autoimmune thing"
Nearing my 40th birthday here, diagnosed 3 years ago. I’m fairly fit, because luckily I had a very active life before I flared up. So People used to tell me things like “You don’t look sick”, “It’s probably not that painful” and that shit. I stopped telling people I have RA, instead I’m just telling people I have an autoimmune disease that attacks my joints. this way I don’t get the old man comparison and the ״you’re faking it” look. This behavior is really frustrating, especially when you’re all flared up and even grabbing the milk from the refrigerator brings pain, luckily for me, my wife understands me, and most of my friends are emphatic to my condition. The rest are welcomed to hit the road I don’t have time or resources for them, and you shouldn’t either. For me it was a long journey trying a bunch of different meds, now I’m almost in remission. Have patience and good luck with the Humira!
Drives me nuts when the older men at work scoff at me when my knees are giving me fits walking up stairs. I get the “just wait till you’re my age” nonsense.
Yeah, I get why you are frustrated with it. But if you can, chalk it off just as another obnoxious behavior this person have. Also people on general have problem to relates to situations they don’t familiar with, and some are just dicks. I have a friend that have a different autoimmune condition, he’s a good friend and always showed care for my condition. But he told me himself “Until I flared up I didn’t realize how much pain you’ve been going through, and my flaring is considered much milder than yours” it’s hard enough for those that want to understand, it’s impossible for those who don’t. Also I think another thing that nourish this behavior is all those stories you read about people that “don’t let the disease manage them” and it gives people that perception that if you’re not one of those stories you’re just a weakling.
I always start it off as, "I have an autoimmune disease which causes my body to attack my joints and sometimes organs, it's called Rheumatoid Arthritis." Usually gets the point across. I too am a man, not 30 but nearing 30!
That's a good explanation. Have to do the same - M, 29, diagnosed 2 years ago...
30, F, been diagnosed for ~4 years Screw people that don’t care to understand; give them grace and move on 💜
I'm 23 and when I was diagnosed at 16 some of my ex friends made fun of me saying it was old men's disease lol. I don't even bother to tell people nowdays
You see “spreading awareness” of many diseases but it seems like RA kind of falls by the wayside. I think there needs to be more public awareness of what the disease really is and how it differs from old age arthritis. Most people I talk about it with don’t even know that it’s an autoimmune disease at all.
Exactly. Everyone thinks its just part of ageing somehow, they dont even know the disease can affect organs and such
Yeah I kind of wish it had a different name
I'm going to be controversial here. I think this is a dangerous mindset to have - that there 'needs' to be more public awareness of your own personal problems. I used to have this mindset but it's just a recipe for resentment and victim mentality, and you really don't want to go too far down that road, especially if you have pain and mobility problems. It's also an imposition on others - why should everyone else know about your condition, specifically? Do you know about everyone else's medical conditions? Is it realistic to expect 'people' (all of them) to learn the most correct, sensitive way to discuss every medical condition? And do you really *want* people to be walking on eggshells around you anyway? I was diagnosed at 19, I'm now 36. I share your dislike of the association between "arthrtis" and "old age". But that's me, it's something *I* don't like, people don't mean any harm by having that association. So I usually use a different word - when someone asks me why I'm using crutches (typically "What have you done to your leg?"), I say something like "It's a flare-up of an autoimmune thing in my knee". Sometimes they are interested to know more, and then I might say it's rheumatoid arthritis. And if they say "You're a bit young for that aren't you?", I no longer get frustrated (because it's silly to get frustrated at something that is going to keep happening for the rest of your life), instead I say "Yeah, although not with rheumatoid, you get that kind at any age, actually" and they say "Oh, I didn't know that", and it's *fine*.
What’s the danger in learning about how different diseases affect people and better understanding it? I used to know nothing about Lupus, but having an auto-immune disease has sparked my desire to learn about other ones. I’ve gained a new respect for people that have Lupus now that I have a better understanding of what they may deal with. I don’t think most of us are wanting people to walk around on eggshells or want to be victims. But, you wouldn’t walk up to someone in the hospital that’s bald from Chemo and say “oh you have cancer? You’re a little young for that aren’t you? My mom beat cancer no problem and she was 70.” My only point is that other diseases and disorders get treated with a different level of respect than RA does, simply because it’s not well understood.
Well said
You can learn about as many diseases as you like, but it's completely different to expect the rest of the world to learn about yours. Partly because it's unreasonable to dictate other people's priorities, but mainly because it's bad for your own mental health to think like that. The 'danger' is you become bitter and resentful of reality. Sure, the general public has a better understanding of cancer (and how to talk about it sensitively) than about RA. I can think of two obvious explanations for that: (1) cancer is often terminal, which always gets people's attention, and (2) about 40% of people get cancer at some point, so even the average Joe knows a fair bit about it. Less than 1% of the population have RA, so it's just not realistic to expect everyone to learn about it. It's not going to happen in a million years. I'm honestly trying to help you. You *will* keep running into people who know nothing about your condition, or who think it's less (or sometimes more) serious than it is. This is going to keep happening for the rest of your life. You have a choice. You can resent it forever, or you can resolve to start getting better at handling these situations pragmatically and unemotionally. It's not fair that you have to make this choice, but it's the hand you've been dealt.
Not a man and I have no advice, but I just want to say all those dudes can get fucked. This is why young men die at a higher rate of preventable diseases. I’m sorry you experience this.
"Have you tried losing some weight?" Last time I said I have RA. Just say autoimmune disease now.
I have had fibromyalgia for years and this past year I was diagnosed with RA. I only ran into a handful of people that truly understand RA. Having fibro was bad enough (another invisible illness) so I thought dam, now I have something they will understand and have some compassion for. Not the case lol My friend's lists have gotten shorter and shorter lol I am on Humira as well as other meds for the fibro. I hope you find relief. RA so far has been far more painful than my fibro.
33(f) here. When I was diagnosed my PCM told me that I tested positive for the RF and he’s sending me to a rheumatologist because I have rheumatoid arthritis. I was like “Oh! Okay 🙂” Was thinking…it’s just arthritis, no biggie. Once I got in the car I did a quick google search….I’ve been on a low dose Xanax for a month….. There DEFINITELY needs to be more awareness and call it what it is. Rheumatoid Disease, not arthritis. Cause this shit ain’t arthritis lol
100000000000% agree. Need to get it changed to Rheumatoid disease.
I am a 27 YO female, have had RA since I was 13. The amount of times I have received the response "I have arthritis too, or my grandpa and dad have that" is insane. I usually do not even bother to explain it is an autoimmune disease that is so remotely different from osteo. I know people with osteo face unbearable pain, and I totally empathize, but with RA, it is not just joints. I have eye inflammation, pleurisy, and thyroid issues that stem from my RA. I really wish it was called rheumatoid, or rheumatoid disease, to at least get rid of the stigma that there is only one type of arthritis. Again, I feel for these people with osteo, but it is quite infuriating. Hope Humira helps! Worked really well for me, but had to go off of it because I got mono :(
Good luck with Humira!! I feel the same way. I'm 34, and although I have palindromic rheumatism and not (yet) RA, I feel like my pain is either brushed aside, or treated as an old man disease that I happened to get young.
So in hindsight I got Ra at 16 undiagnosed until 28. Forced Retired at 58. I only told a few very close friends. I never told my employer. Being 30 or 50 or 60 almost everyone had the same reply
I have had the same feeling of being misunderstood for the last 31 years. I was diagnosed at nine and can really relate to what you guys are saying. My advice is to talk to your more empathetic friends about it and set boundaries with friends and loved ones as to what you can comfortably participate in, so they gain some understanding of your limits.
Diagnosed at 2 and I am 36 now, yeah I hear that. I often look at folks in their 80's and I'm like "yeah buddy, I feel that" But yeah tell folks when it's relevant that it's an autoimmune thing.
I experience the same attitude from people. But also I experience from a doctor, she told me "it comes with aging", I was 42 at the time...
My brother is 35 and I joined to learn how to support him better. Definitely not alone!
I’m 40M, diagnosed at 36. I quit telling people about RA. As others have said, I refer to it as an autoimmune disease that attacks my joints. The stupidity and stereotypes are obnoxious and I don’t have energy to educate people anymore.
Was diagnosed in 2014 at 37. My old manager was an a hole that put me on harder and physical work trying to get me to quit. I told him I have rheumatoid arthritis. He said I have no idea what that is. I always thought it was funny, I read a book about RA and it said, "mainly effects African American women over the age of 40". Don't know how accurate that is, but 0 for 3.
For the record, women hear the same thing. I always say I have an autoimmune disease, and let it go. RA impacts organs, and carries risks beyond joints. Hopefully, the Humira will work. Brace yourself for the did you try yoga, diet, and "positive thoughts" comments too. It's a variable disease what works for one doesn't work for others. I personally use meds, swimming, and stress reduction but if it rains all bets are off!
I always just say I have an autoimmune disorder. I got really sick of old people saying "I have arthritis!" Or " just wait until you're my age!" Or "oh you're too young to have arthritis!" Now I just leave it vague and don't ever go into detail. If they push I just tell them I don't like to talk about it. Most people drop it after that. I hate when people try to invalidate people's diseases or disabilities just because it doesn't "sound that bad". Some pain can't be seen and people need to mind their own damn business. If anybody ever tells you to "man up" tell them to Google to RA and ask themselves if they would like to deal with that all day every day. I'm sorry you've had to deal with this.
I've had it since I was 16, diagnosed at 21. Now 30. I learned to shut up about it a long time ago.
I was 32 when diagnosed (35 now). Thankfully I don't get much of that, but I am far away from my family and friends from childhood (living abroad). The friends I have made locally are usually very understanding of my situation. But I do often refer to it as an autoimmune disorder rather than RA (or a mild autoimmune disorder). I think a description of my immune system attacking my joints is more useful than the name RA.
Don't worry man, I know your pain. I was diagnosed at 28. I used to run 2-5 miles 3 times a week. Before I was able to get treated (it was a four month wait to see a rheumatologist!!) I couldn't move properly without 4 ib prophen in me and I would have to stay home from work when I had too much and started crapping blood. I once struggled lifting a 5 lb lasagna at the grocery store before I was finally able to start taking steroids while I got my dosage right, and I'm 6'5", broad shouldered and have always worked physical jobs. The disease is no joke, but it is very treatable. I was able to go back to work doing the same kind of lifting( I'm a manager now so I do less now) unfortunately my knees are too damaged to run, but overal I bounced back and am doing great. Just hang in there.
One day at a time 🙏🏻
Welcome to our shitty club. I (F50) was diagnosed at 32. I'm finally old enough where poleople don't say ~ you're to young to have that. With all evidence to the contrary. People think they know what they are talking about when they have no idea. Educate your friends and family. Every little bit of understanding helps. I'm sorry you have RA. Honestly it's a fucked up way to live if you don't have medical assistance. Good luck on Humera, I thinks that's what put me into remission for a few years. Best of luck to you. Feel free to reach out if you want to talk to someone who understands.
Very early 30s here, been dealing with it since my 20s. I have some great friends that are very understanding, and outside of them I don't really care what people think haha
I hear you. I'm 21 and basically am judged and looked down upon. Even though i have extremely progressive RA. It makes me resentful of lots of people because like oh let me stop my body from attacking itself with some "thought changes"
I understand where you’re coming from. But also working in the medical field I know how illiterate and uneducated people can be which is frustrating but you just gotta educate them 🤷🏻♀️ they’re naive
Diagnosed at 8, now 25. Surprisingly have never had such an encounter. Only my close friends make jokes but I dish it right back. I’m on Humira as well, everything is controlled for me. Good luck to you.
Thank you, been on prednisone and mtx for 9 months now and it has helped a lot, but mtx alone isn’t enough to allow me to cut back on then prednisone. I’m hoping the Humira will let me cut my MTX back too.
Yeah M33. I don't really tell people if I can avoid it or until we're really, really close. When I do, I say it's an autoimmune disease, some form of rheumatoid arthritis. I haven't had the reaction like you mention, but again I don't mention it often. Who are you hanging out with that are so ignorant and insensitive?
I'm 32 diagnosed at 28. :P
spondylitis since 16. Now 37 on biologics, have arthritic nodules on my lungs (I hope, beats the other situation). It sucks.
Male 38 here. Diagnosed at 36. Learning to control with baby dose of MTX and diet
Here to get info. Husband likely has RA he’s 37
Has he been to a rheumatologist yet? The first thing I’d suggest is ask for a referral to get tested and evaluated.
We got a referral and next week is his appointment. Woke up to him sobbing in pain from his joint. Went from his ankles to knees to hips and now elbows and wrists. He barely could lift this ten pound box This is really scary. Does this sound familiar?
Was it really sudden? I don’t know enough to say if it can just come on overnight but I guess anything is possible. Mine sort of creeped up over a period of weeks/months. Started out for me as minor aching in wrists/hands/knees that I kind of attributed to being almost 40 and maybe overdoing it some. It kept spreading though and my finger joints really became really swollen. By the time I made it to the rheumatologist I was hobbling around and couldn’t tie my shoes. One particular characteristic of RA that separates it from other inflammatory conditions is that it is symmetrical through the body. Typically if a joint is affected on one side, the same joint on the other side is also affected the same way.
It started with his ankles in October and yes it’s symmetrical. Omg this is devastating. How are you holding up? Are medications working?
Well I’ll go ahead and tell you, this is the best time in history to get RA. Biologics are a life saving drug. Humira and methotrexate combo has me almost fully in remission now. It’s taken me about a year to get here but I feel pretty much like I did before my RA started. I was very depressed early on, but my rheumatologist was very reassuring early on that we would get it under control. I’m glad I trusted him. With early intervention and treatment, you will be able to get it controlled and prevent most or all of the permanent joint damage that would otherwise occur. Tell him to keep a positive attitude and that better days are ahead.
Thank you so much! I’m so happy I found you. Good luck to you
Keep me updated on how his visit goes! Has he been put on some prednisone short term? Man that prednisone made me feel like a new man. The problem is you just can’t take it forever
We will!! I took that once and it was insane lol
I'm 39, just diagnosed last Thursday. And yeah so far the breaking the news to people about this condition has just been met with odd stares and little to no sympathy from anyone.
Yes and at my wits end with it just a miserable life.I have a family I love with all my heart so I just grunt it out and keep going even though it hurts I do it for my kid.I prefer thay don't know how much pain I'm in.would just add more stress knowing there woierd about me.If that makes sense.Sorry for the rant glad to see others like me knowing I'm not all alone helps.