Activities

I just want to let you know that you aren't the only one! I used to be on the swim team, dance team, and tennis team! My life was great although I always felt I was in pain more that I should be and wore occasional braces on my knee or wrist when needed until college when I just couldn't do it anymore! I thought I was going crazy and shuffled around fm dr to dr until I finally found out I had RA. It effects all joints that I have injured in sports or car wrecks and more. It drives me crazy! I understand what you mean in trying to have a "normal" life, it's very complicated at times especially when people don't understand. What I suggest to you is to make things easier around you for you and try not to worry about what other people think because thats what was the worst part of it for me. For instance, when going bowling I wear a wrist brace that allows me to bowl longer. I still sometimes when around "new" friends will wear a long sleve shirt to cover it up though. Themeparks are a fun one- I can't walk around day and climb the stairs like I used to. So when I need to sit, I sit at every chance I get if needed. What I'm working on right now is diet and exercise. I have switched around so many different medications, I don't know what works or doesn't. I'm looking more into natural therapy although I'm not saying it's best for everyone, but something to take a glance at! Good luck to you and always remember to keep your head up!

Hey it gets eaiser.. Its your own personal struggle to accept that your life is different. However don't stop doing the things you love.   Just find ways or things that help you do them. I rock climb 3-4 days a week (My RA is in my hands and wrist and I was 24 when I was Diag.) but I am able to take Alive, or Advil and that helps me. That is how i going bowling.  I also know that the next day it will be hard and there will be some pain. My Dr. is ok with this plan.  That is how I live with RA, I don't stop doing what I love. Some days I just climb easier climbs.

Hey there! I feel your pain. I am a 25 year old mother of a very active child. It is very depressing some days to hurt this bad! I have yet to figure out how to deal with this all either. I was diagnosed about 4 months ago. Some days I just want to give up. It is a total life change. I want to tell you to be positive and know it will all get better, but I am not there yet either. Some days you just need to be sad. I pray for acceptance and hope to be like those out there who have it all figured out, but today I am just fed up. Hopefully soon we can be where the positive people are. I'll pray for you in that regard! Good Luck!