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Valorie’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Valorie's Story (Rheumatoid Arthritis)Hi, My Name is Valorie. I am 37 years old, and a single mom of three teenagers. I was diagnosed with Rhuematoid Arthritis in October of 2011. I remember the day my doctor told me what was wrong. After months of terrible pain in my hand’s and feet, I was happy to finally know what was wrong, that was until I began my own research.

I first went to a RA doctor that was very old school because I had issues with ulcers over 12 years ago. They said that I couldn’t be on a normal treatment plan. He kept me on prednisone until just recently when I finally was able to switch doctors. I was on the steroids for a year and half but it didn’t help with the symptoms. I just began my new treatment of methotrexate and I hope it helps. The first day I took the medication I was in more pain than I was without it.

My doctor said that my RA is very aggressive right now, and I am doing major damage to my body. I just hope that we can get it to slow down. My family and boyfriend try very hard, but I’m not sure they really understand how hard this disease is to live with. My kid’s and I had to relocate to AZ in 2011, and I have no close friends or family near me (even my boyfriend is back east, over 2000 miles away). I really have never felt so alone. My kid’s are as good as they can be, but of course I try to be super mom and keep everything as normal as I can. 🙂

Valorie
Arizona
Submitted 3-4-2012

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.

This article is intended to convey general educational information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

One comment

  1. Sara

    When I was diagnosed with RA they immediately put me on Naproxin to reduce swelling and Methotrexate to try and treat.
    I was on a weekly dose of the Methotrexate and I never had any problems with side effects. I was diagnosed at 16 in 2008 and my arthritis was gone by the time I was 19.
    I’ve been arthritis-free for two years and it is a great relief. The doctors didn’t know why my arthritis came and they don’t know why it left when it did. It could come back at any time, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it stays away and I’ll cross my toes for you 🙂

    Best of luck. It gets better/easier.

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