A letter to all the Rheumatoid Arthritis "Newbies"

You are not alone!

I have chosen to write this letter to you, as well as share a little of my life with you to let you know that you are not alone.  I want you to know that I too have experienced depression, and I still have unanswered questions.  I have felt the hopelessness and the uncertainty of my future.  I have wondered what I have done to deserve this disease, and I have wondered how I could possibly live one more day with the pain. 

But I have chosen to be a fighter.  It is not a decision that came easily to me, or one that I made right away.  I wake up each morning and I know that if I can just get out of bed, then that is one ugly slap in the face of rheumatoid arthritis.  Yes, I lost all the plans I had made for my future, so I made new ones.  No, I can't do all the things I could in the past, but I feel deeply, laugh louder than anyone, and am constantly forcing myself to get out of bed.  It's not easy, but it does get easier.  It's not always fun, but it is worth it.

Rheumatoid arthritis can only take from you the things you let it.  Only you can decide when enough is enough.  We are all here for you.  All of us fellow rheumatoid arthritis fighters have felt the same way.  Maybe we can be the ones answer some of your unanswered questions.  Maybe we can provide you with hope.  I am a strong rheumatoid arthritis fighter, but together we are stronger and we will make it.  You never have to fight this disease alone.  If there are days you feel like you just aren't strong enough to fight, give us a chance to help or to fight for you.  Living with rheumatoid arthritis is a battle, but not one I am prepared to lose...are you?