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I was diagnosed a little over a year ago at the age of 28.   It took me loosing the function in my right hand to where I couldn't even hold onto a dollar bill before I went to a Rheumatologist.   One of my sisters was diagnosed about 8 years ago.  She suffered from pain in her shoulders for years and went through physical therapy.  She was finally diagnosed with RA.  She has it quite severe.  My great-grandmother also had it and was confined to her bed or a wheelchair in her early 30's. I recently went back for a check-up and my RA has progressed so my medication has been increased and started on yet another med.  Shortly after starting the new med I ended up needing a cortisone shot in my left wrist due to such severe pain/stiffness that didn't subside after a week.  I haven't had any pain or much stiffness for about a month now. (knock on wood)