Amy Bittner
I have been diagnosed with RA for 8 years now. Your questions about RA are founded because you don't really know what to expect. Each person may be different in how quickly it changes things for them. I understand that I was fortunate because it took almost 3 years before I really noticed changes. As RA worsened, I experienced fatigue, soreness in my hands, wrists, feet, etc. Occasionally I would experience a bad flare that would make a joint almost immobile and sore. With a good doctor and experiement with different combinations of drugs, I managed to keep it under control. I am now on an injection drug called Enbrel that has given me back the life I had before I was ever diagnosed. It is amazing. My doctor is now trying to wean me off all the pill drugs that I have been on for so long. It takes a lot of time, patience, rest and common sense to learn what works for you. Don't let it kick you. Fight it with a positive attitude. I also recommend reading the Arthritis Today magazine that is available. It has loads of information to help......