I have a friend with Rheumatoid Arthritis. We were diagnosed the same month. She’s afraid to take drugs. I’m afraid of not having them.
If you’re newly diagnosed with RA please look into the disease modifying drugs. Most of the day I don’t hurt. It’s unlikely that I’ll need a joint replaced, and the fatigue is almost completely gone.
I was terrified and I know you are too. It’s okay to be afraid and to keep moving forward. Don’t miss your chance to be well.
Jessica- my 1 year old niece was recently diagnosed with JIA. Have you stumbled on any good resources for children with RA? Specifically, support. Doctors have bombarded my brother and SIL with binders of info, but little in the way of down to earth info.
Being diagnosed at 40 I have VERY different information than what you’ll need. I do have some folks in my inbox though and I’ll ask permission to share their emails.
For me, having no insurance means having no drugs and almost consistent pain.