Comments on: Autoimmune Portrait Project

By: Daniel Wilde

Daniel Wilde — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 15:16:33 +0000

I have had R/A now for almost 29 years. I like web sites like this for gives you feeling of not alone. Just about every Joint in my body is effected plus my lungs and sometimes heart. I’m Thankful everyday that I live in the great country of the United States of America with the best medical Doctors in the world.

By: RA Guy

RA Guy — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:30:56 +0000

If you’re wondering how you can help support this wonderful project, I’m sure that a small purchase from Jodi McKee’s Etsy shop would be more than welcome! http://www.etsy.com/shop/jodimckee

By: Patty

Patty — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 14:32:37 +0000

I was diagnosed at age 29. I had 2 small girls to raise. It was so hard. Now I’ve had RA 34 years and many joint surgeries.
It is so sad that when I was diagnosed in 1977 the medical “plan” was to start with the mildest medication and then, while I suffered over time, gradually build until, years layer, I was put on Methotrexate and just this year, ratuxin. Needless to say, by this time my joints are deteriorated and crooked.

I love this website and I thank you for being so creative in your treatment. I do see this as part of your treatment and treatment for all of us; speaking the truth of these diseases and knowing that others really hear it.

Thank you.

By: Cammie

Cammie — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 13:34:32 +0000

What a wonderful idea. I live way out in Phoenix, but I think as others do that anyway we can get the word out would be great. Anything to bring awareness. I am one of the older faces of RA. I was diagnosed when I was 46. However, it took 1-1/2 years for my RA to get recognized and diagnosed. The RA did everything it could possibly do me and yet no doctor would figure it out. Some didn’t even try. I was accused of everything from being a cry baby to being a hypochondriac. I was at my lowest when finally I received my diagnosis. I cried, not so much from learning I had an incurable chronic disease but from realizing I wasn’t crazy and it wasn’t all in my head.

Now I struggle with getting people to understand just how RA affects me. Most people say you look wonderful, or just be glad it isn’t cancer or some life threatening thing. I am often still accused of being a cry baby. They can’t see anything physically wrong so the assume it can’t be as bad as I say. It is maddening at times.

Best of luck with your project. We need more things such as this to bring awareness and understanding for those of us who suffer with this disease. I also feel that through better awareness and understanding of this disease will come more research into this horrible disease and that one day there may be a cure.

By: joy

joy — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 13:17:14 +0000

i got ra just after my 30 th birthday im 46 this year im in the uk good luck all x