I was diagnoised with RA in my late 20's (am 60 now). I was put on a low-dose of prednisone for a year. It put me into remission. Stopped taking prednisone and all in all I felt pretty good. I would have a mild flare from time to time but it was managable. About 8 years ago, RA reared it's ugly head with a vengence. I cannot take prednisone because of other health problems and now I have no insurance and don't qualify for any medical assistance so I am not able to get treated. No pain meds or anything. It's not easy. I am now in congestive heart failure due to RA. Not much can be done at this point. All I can say is good luck on trying to manage this disease. I hope you have a good support system around you. That helps.

Hi Vickie.  I am new to this site, and just started posting.  I am in a similar situation, I think.  This is what has helped me:  I have done extensive reading on, and follow an anti-inflammatory diet.  This is not a cure by any means, but it does help.  I take many natural supplements, and have read several really good books about them.  I take an anti-depressant, not because I have depression, but because it really helps with pain.  Lack of sleep, stress, pain all deplete seratonin, which you need to be able to keep fighting.  I also go to a pain clinic, in addition to my rheumatologist.  They can, and will prescribe the medicines that will control your pain.  Rheumatologists usually won't/can't, because of current laws and politics.  But I can't overstate how much it helps.  There are many good books that have been published about living with chronic pain, and many of them explain why we shouldn't fear taking stronger pain meds.  Educating myself on as many topics related to my ailment as I can, has been a huge help to me.  Part of the tragedy of any chronic illness, is the helplessness one feels.  Knowledge is power.  Hang in there Vickie, and don't give up!