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Your arthritis cannot be that much progressed at 26 - I've had it since I was 28 and I'm 69 in 3 weeks and still working part-time (typing all my life).  I've had surgery on both hands for Carpal tunnel syndrome, and Osteoarthritis in my hands as well as RA all throughout my other joints!  One HAS to keep moving and do what they can - I live alone and am the mother of 4 adult children and 1 grandchild.  I know what you get as I've gotten "By now, everyone on the planet must know," but they still don't understand until probably I am long gone and they now have RA/OA themselves.  That's when I too realized what my parents went through and without much treatment except for an odd aspirin or topical cream rub like Ben Gay or Icy Hot, which I would send from America!!  However, before I go I have to be honest and tell you that finally, I gave my notice for end of year as I don't want to be a burden rather than a help, and whilst I always worked hard and fast some here admit that I "gave them everything, including my hands, eyes and heart."  So keep going as long as you can, maybe there'll be a breakthrough for you still - you're young and there's always hope! Rita Hynes at MGH or RHynes@Partners.org