Comments on: One More (Male!) Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog

By: zena

zena — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:56:04 +0000

Hi, Im also 40 and was diagnosed just after christmas, it was a terrible time for me and my family as i looked horrific was constantly in pain, could hardly walk, couldnt open my christmas presents! im a teacher and ex athlete so im very active. it was a massive shock to be told i had RA! i started on steroids and dolqu, then added in methro aswell. I have to try and come off the steroids gradually which i have done and im having twinges already! i worry about side effects, liver damage etc etc but i have no idea what to do really, i just listen to the doctor and obey him! i go again in may for tests and then to the hospital to see the specialist. lets see what happens. by the way i look and feel loads better so far and dont seem to have side effects apart from a cloudy left eye!! hope you are ok

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 22:21:06 +0000

My RA is certainly nothing compared to what I’ve read about in this thread so I definitely sympathize with you. I’d been having on and off joint pain in my fingers for over a decade and about 5 years ago, it was mostly on rather than off. In that 5 year period two joints in my hands started looking like what I remember my grandmother’s hands looking like. They would hurt if I even looked at them. Other finger joints also hurt also but there didn’t seem to be any visible joint damage yet.

6 months ago I started taking an OTC nutraceutical and was surprised that the daily pain in my hands went away. I’ve had no flare-ups since that time and the only pain that I have left is in the finger joints already damaged and only when I bend them too far or twist them.

You’re much younger than I, I’m 63, but you’re right, physical activity will definitely help. I wish you good luck.

One thing that I noticed in reading through this blog and others is that most posts and comments are from women. Is the rate of RA really that much higher in women than in men or is it that men just don’t want to talk about it?

By: Terry

Terry — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:17:38 +0000

Mike, I was diagnosed 6 years ago and still work a pretty physical job as well plus I workout with weights and do cardio. Reading this brought me back to my diagnosis and what I was feeling and worried about, pretty much everything you are. I live with mild pain and the occasional flare ups where your pain level spikes, but in the last 6 years have only missed one day of work due to my RA. Your life is not over, it just changes and if you are willing to change with it, you can still enjoy life. I raced motorcycles for 15 + years, but now ride dual sport rides instead. It’s not as exciting, but I’m still on my dirt bike.

By: Carla Anderson

Carla Anderson — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:16:25 +0000

I know how you feel. When I was diagnosed I thought my life would end. Softball and volleyball were my life and I wasn’t able to play those any more. I have been on all forms of MTX(14 yrs) as well as prednisone for 18 yrs. The side effects were terrible. I am a doctors night mare. I would only take meds if I absoluetly had to. Thankfully I was abe to get off of 5 prescription drugs using a natural supplement. My only presccription now is Orencia Infusions….. I feel so Blessed to have almost no pain anymore…..
Life can go on and you can do all the things you do now. A positive attitude will be a huge part of keeping you well. People are amazed I have only had surgery on my feet any no where else. I have found that when I live my life like I don’t have RA I feel so much better. “The power of a positive attitude” goes a long way!
Keep the faith. I have found that have RA has turned out to be a blessing. Who knows whats in store for you. Maybe God plans on using it in your job. Keep your eyes and ears opeBlessings on your day,

Carla

By: Brian Twohig

Brian Twohig — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:24:21 +0000

I can relate to your fears, your pain and uncertainty. I was very much crippled – I couldn’t hold a piece of chalk ( I was a teacher) and had extreme difficulty walking. For the past six years I have been symptom free and very active. ( I have a Group site on Facebook – Rheumatoid Arthritis Stories )I was very reluctant to take any medications but eventually when I could barely move – I did. For the past 6 years I have been on Methotrexate and Humira. I don’t have any problems with these medications – thankfully. I am not trying to offer a prescription for you but I just want to say don’t give up and don’t be discouraged by others horror stories – we all have had them. Now I’m riding big mountains, lifting weights and leading a fitness class at the YMCA. I don’t say this as a boast but only as encouragement – don’t give in!!!