I have been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for 46 years, being diagnosed at the age of 19. The disease burned its way through my body like a forest fire. Before I had it for two years I was on crutches. I married and had two daughters, having to become creative  in how I cared for them, wheeling them around in a stroller in the house because my wrists and elbows were so involved. At that time all doctors could tell you was to take aspirin until your ears ring, which I did. There were no Rheumatologists where I lived. I finally finally found one in Philadelphia and he put me on Gold injections. It took a few months but I was finally off crutches.

  I have had two knee replacements and an ankle and for anyone contemplating this, it is like a new lease on life. RA is not a fun disease, but today can be managed very successfully  with the help of the right doctor.