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Hi! This is me, Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy. I am a superhero who lives with rheumatoid arthritis. My illness will last a lifetime, but reading this guide to RA will only take a minute – I promise. (I’ll even use a countdown timer, just like they do in the action movies!) Can one get a better understanding of rheumatoid arthritis in just 60 seconds? Let’s give it a try! |
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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints (and sometimes, the organs). An autoimmune disease is an illness where the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells as invaders cells. The result: the body sends out antibodies to attack these healthy cells. (It sure sounds like the Joker is talking…are you confused yet?) |
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Okay, let’s pretend that your body is Gotham City. Your immune system is Batman. Your joints? Well, they are tiny bat signals. Batman – thinking that Gotham City is being invaded – is forever going to all the bat signals and attacking everything in the vicinity, leaving behind lots of damage. (He never seems to realize that these bat signals are actually false alarms.) |
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No words can accurately describe the physical pain that is caused by rheumatoid arthritis. (Although this mental image, for me, does come close: A Mack truck ran over me. And then it backed up, and ran over me again!) Rheumatoid arthritis pain is chronic and is not something that can be easily fixed with just an aspirin. This pain can be one of the most crippling aspects of living with RA. |
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The constant attack on otherwise healthy joints leads to inflammation – the joints become red and swollen. When joints are constantly inflamed they eventually begin to move around. This can lead to disfigurement and joint damage, which can sometimes be permanent. Many of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are directly related to this inflammatory process. |
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Joint that are continually inflamed often begin to experience extended periods of stiffness. This can sometimes lead to drastic reductions in strength and mobility. One of the most prominent symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is morning stiffness – and unlike a squeaky hinge, we can’t just add a few drops of oil to make things better. (If only.) |
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When rheumatoid arthritis is active, a person can easily become extremely tired. Actually – it surpasses mere tiredness and rises to the level of fatigue. This constant lack of energy can be one of the most limiting aspects of life with RA. Quite often, a person’s level of daily activity must be reduced and periods of sleep and rest must be increased. |
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Living with RA can bring about many emotional challenges. Stress and anxiety levels may increase. Periods of depression, feelings of losing hope, and thoughts of suicide might become more frequent. Coping with chronic illness is difficult. If you feel that you or someone you love might be in danger of harming themselves, please reach out for help. |
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Rheumatoid arthritis is not related to age – it can affect people young and old alike. There is even a juvenile form of RA. Many people confuse RA with osteoarthritis, another form of arthritis which is typically associated with age. So if you really want to compliment a person on their young looks, go ahead! (But please don’t forget, no one is “too young” to have RA.) |
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Some people living with RA might show visible signs of joint damage, or may use assistive mobility devices. However, in many cases of rheumatoid arthritis the illness is invisible. Many people show no visible signs of RA. So once again, if you want to compliment someone on their good looks, go ahead. (But please don’t forget, people with RA don’t necessarily “look sick”.) |
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Although there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, many treatment options are available. Just as Superman had his Justice League, so too does RA Guy have his Team RA. A 360° approach is recommended: rheumatologist, psychologist, physical therapist, acupuncturist, spiritual guide, holistic healer, dietician, surgeon, and massage therapist. |
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(Unlike in the movies, my final five seconds don’t last half an hour!) Life with RA: Don’t lose hope! Talk to a friend, family member, or co-worker about RA. Visit one of the many online support groups, forums, and blogs that are available for people living with RA and their caregivers. Together we can increase awareness of rheumatoid arthritis – it only takes a minute! |
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60-Second Guide to RA (pdf format)
To download, right-click and “Save Link as…”.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and care. If you have specific needs, please speak with a professional health care provider.
Brilliant. I wish I had this concise, no-nonsense, look-on-the-brightside explanation 12 years ago when I was diagnosed. I would have shared with everyone that said, “But you’re too young,” or “My grandma has that…”
Short, accurate—I think this should be a pamphlet given to every RA patient as they are diagnosed!
Holy crap you nailed it!!! Looks like I need to get more ppl in my 360 circle. Iwas DX in 2001 , but didn’t REALLY experience RA till 2008, it went out of control and I’m now on Enbrel, MTX and a slew of other RA fighting agents.
I hope all my ppl check this out. Thanx RA Guy, you’re my hero!
Perfect!!! I am going to send this to my family and friends.
This is great. I am one of the old people who is disfigured, yet people still think it’s all in my head. I’d would be nuts to have this in my head on purpose.
Miss Dazey
I know you’re a superhero, but you should still get a medal for this!
This is simply brilliant! I am going to post this on my blog and pass it along to everyone I know.
One of my research projects that I am considering is the ADA and invisible illness. I will keep you posted.
Perfect.
Thank you.
Spot on my friend. Spot on.
You hit the nail right on the head. Again, another excellent post. I will be saving this and printing this for others to see. Good job.
Thank you! I’ve been looking for just such a thing!
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Add mind-reading to your list of superpowers
FANTASTIC this is the best down and dirty version I have ever seen I am going to copy it and take it to my Doctor so he can understand what this really feels like
keep up the good work
Great info and good job, Guy! Thanks and God bless.
Hey, this is great…. you explained it better than my rheumy did. Way to go, guy – oops RA Guy! Thanks!
OK, this was perfect. Am totally reposting it so as not to reinvent the perfect wheel….
Wow. How could you not feel a little better about your diagnosis if this was handed to you at the doctor’s office?
RA Guy, you really ARE a super hero. Keep ‘em coming.
Oh, and thanks for giving a crap about what I have to say.
Fantastic!! What a great job you’ve done putting everything together and putting it all in perspective. I love your website! You have done such an excellent job with it. I also love the humor. We need a lot of humor. lol
Linda
I guess it’s safe for me to assume that you all liked this guide? Grin. Seriously though, I am glad that people are liking it, and hopefully it can help more people gain a better understanding of RA.
What a super-hero job you’ve done. Thanks for helping all of us assist others to understand our condition. Love your site too.
well done! this sums it up perfectly!!
Excellent. Thanks!
Gee, Kids …Who Is This Dude??!!! Our very own RACentral Guru.
“What a difference a GUY makes!” Very impressive~
You are right on!!! You made it short and easy to understand yet you express what people who have RA live with every day. I agree with Millicent about making it into a brochure to be passed out to all RA patients and their families. Great job!
super job! you really nailed it. thanks!
brat
Wow, this is about as accurate as it gets. I give you an A+. What a great job you did describing this awful disease. I had my first attack in my early twenties, and have had it for over 30 years now. I am lucky that mine is intermitting RA. I also have OA, fibro, chronic back pain, and of course depression. Thanks for writing, and I agree that it should be a brochure…Selina
This is brilliant ! I especially like the bat signals analogy ..
Hi RA guy,
This is a good description on RA! I like the way you describe by using the batman example!
Look forward to learning more from you about arthritis.
Well done!
Joyce
I was diagnosed with RA in 2007 and NEVER have I understood RA more than I do now after reading that.
Absolutely Brilliant!
THANK YOU
I simply had to share this little gem on my blog… It is fantastic, and I’m certainly going to be sending the PDF to my rheumatology team!
Tortoiselvr said it best… Add mind-reading to your list of super-powers!
Thanks – this really hit the spot for my 10-year-old with JRA. Got lots of giggles and some nodding, as in “Yeah, I get that…”
Kudos!!! I couldn’t have described it better myself. Im going to print this out and put it in my office, so MAYBE people will understand what we go through! ( if thats ok with you)
Good way to get your point across. I have RA and fibromyaliga. Some days are good, some are bad. I just take it one day at a time.
Nice, succinct summary. One thing I would add: RA often flares up, and then calms down again…making it very difficult to assess whether some treatment option is really working — or if you are just coming out of a flare naturally. I was diagnosed with RA at 18, after both my knees puffed up like balloons, and am now 40 — meaning that I have had RA my entire adult life, although there were times when it was excruciating, and times when it wasn’t active at all (although I still had some pain from already damaged joints). I got both hips replaced in my twenties — so I am very familiar with the “but you’re too young” comments!
Thank you yet again, your 60 sec blurb is perfect for me today. I needed to put it in a nutshell and it worked. Thank you RA guy
Hi RA Guy,
Your 60 second guide is wonderful, and I’m going to point my rheumy team towards it.
Keep up the great work, and I hope you’re not too creaky at the moment.
Best wishes
Joanne
Brilliant!!
Wow! Thanks for this!
Just joined the site and noticed the 60 Second Guide right off. I’ve had RA for 20+ years now, and have never seen it explained and described so well.
Thanks ‘RA Guy’ and I look forward to being a part of this community!
God, how many times has someone said to me “you’re too young to have RA” …over and over and over!
you put the thoughts that i have in my head in a format that i have been unable to express, thank you!
and the part,”you don’t look sick” perfect, im 26 year old woman with a thin build who has to use a handicap pass at times and i have been accused of stealing the pass instead of rightfully needing the pass based purely on only my appearance. Not fair- diseases to not discriminate they attack people of all shapes and sizes.
thanks again you’re wonderful
Thanks, that site is so informative. The best site I have seen.
My RA started when I was 23 years old.. you are right, it knows no are or gender, Thanks so much for hooking me up eo a GREAT site, Sandra
This is great! I’ve had back pain for over 20 years now and only just diagnosed with arthritis just over a year ago! Its nice to finally be listened to!
LOVE IT!! Thank you for all that you do for us RA victims!
I love this 60 Second Guide to RA… I have a local support group that I run once a month for RA and Auto Immune disease…I have had RA for 35+ years and this is such a simple explanation..do you mind if i hand it out along with your website???
Thanks…
I love a sense of humour added in horrible situation! Well done, love it!
OMG, thankyou for describing exactly how I feel. This upset me because this all happens. Like you said keep positive and there is light at the end of the tunnel, even though it is a long one.
I have only had it for about 8 months so I am a Newbee, still struggling to find other Newbees, so if there is anyone out there?
Wow. In a nutshell. Dx 16 years ago as a young mother. With the help of meds (hit or miss) and kind, compassionate coworkers, I am still able to work and be productive. Thanks for the light-hearted attitude. Makes all the difference!
This is perfect! I have printed off a copy for all of my family in hopes to better help them understand. I am one of those who does not looks sick….. but am now 36 and walking with a cane. People always look at me funny….I cry alot…it has been 4 years and tons of medicine….pain always breaks though eventually…..but I love this!!!!!! Thanks RA guy.
Ahhh!!! finally someone who understands!!! The oil can was the perfect way to put it! I call my self a “tin man” that just needs an oil can to feel better!
Thank you RA guy!
just stumbled across this ..i am 43 and was diagnosed with seronegative inflamatory arthritis a few months back and am now on methotrexate which seems to be doing the trick. twelve months prior to my disgnosis i had just completed radiotherapy for a sarcoma in my thigh and i thought that was bad enough, but the impact of arthritis is actually greater than the impact of cancer…sadly people dont understand arthritis and its many variants. its more painful, more debilitating and more depressing than my particular cancer…and whats more we get to keep it for life..cant be surgically removed cant be zapped and cant be chased away by drugs. more people need to be educated in the difference between osteo and rheumatoid…well done RA guy