Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Stories

Ebony’s Fight Like a Girl Story Part 2 (Chronic Pain)

Feb
20
2012
Ebony's Fight Like a Girl Story Part 2 (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

So, I have been here before…sharing my FLAGC story about RA. Since that post, my story has changed. I received a phone call from my doctor that left me in tears, then ready to press on. As of today, I don't have answers as far as my diagnosis, but I'm finding my way back from square one! The following is from a blog post in September; I decided to continue sharing my story so others won't be discouraged by their present situation. " I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders." This was one of the first quotes I clung to when I first made the choice to speak up about my illness. I knew it was going to take a lot of God's guidance, faith, and guts. I have reached many cross roads over the last year: raising my son, getting laid off, losing insurance, my condition getting worse, finding "the right doctor", trying to uncover the best pain management, looking for work, applying for this and that while keeping a smile on my face and saying "I'm okay". This … [Read more...]

Ebony’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Rheumatoid Arthritis RA)

Jul
30
2011
Ebony's Story (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

"We’re only here (on Earth) for a little while…take this (Plaquenil) and come back in three months." This is what I heard after a year of testing, x-rays, blood work, CAT scans, poking and prodding, finally leading to the diagnosis of RA aka rheumatoid arthritis. Living in a rural community, resources are limited and folks (including medical professionals) have limited information for inquisitive people like me who need to know ’who, what, when, where, and of course…why.’ After a few months of personal research and basically begging for referrals, I embark on a new chapter in this long journey.  The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far: we have to be our own advocates in the doctor's office and in life.  We may have limited time on this planet but it doesn’t mean we have to sit on the sidelines. Go. Fight. Win! Ebony Viginia Submitted 6-3-11 The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s … [Read more...]

Linda’s Fight Like A Girl Story (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

May
22
2011
Linda's Story (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Rheumatoid Arthritis hurts! I found that out 3 years ago when I was finally diagnosed - the pain had a REAL name! RA has forced me to leave my job as a teacher aide in a home for very disturbed youth. I am permanently disabled now and miss working with kids I really enjoyed helping. I can't do many things that I once took for granted - holding, opening, pulling items that are used daily. I have been on many meds, Prednisone, Methotrexate, Humira and Remicade to name a few. Unfortunately, their side effects outweighed the benefits. Life is tough, but I am tougher!! We, as women, need to support each other no matter what the illness is. We are the Sisterhood of Support for all those who suffer! Linda New York Submitted 3-20-11 The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice. … [Read more...]

Madison’s Power Story (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis JRA)

Dec
06
2010
Madison Juvenile RA

Hi, I'm Madison. I saw my friend post something in here about her Lupus so I thought it was time for me to share my story. Though I do not have lupus, I have arthritis in every joint and it causes many pains. I'm 14 years old (soon to be 15) and a freshman in high school. I have had my arthritis since I was in 5th grade (4years). Being in high school with arthritis can be challenging. Many do not know what it is, or why I have it at such a young age. People are always wondering why I get off easy in gym or why teachers give me extra time while doing writing assignments. They do not know why I'm on so much medication or why I go to the hospital every other month. I think this is because I do not open myself up enough and they don't open their minds to the possibility of a young girl having arthritis in every joint. When I was first diagnosed with JRA so many people in school thought that if they touched me they would get it or that my disease was deadly - for the record, ARTHRITIS … [Read more...]