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Conditions > Rheumatoid Arthritis > Rheumatoid Arthritis News & Research > Doctors Should Watch for Depression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Doctors Should Watch for Depression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

2/15/08 Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely to experience depression but are unlikely to talk to a doctor about it, according to researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In the study, published in Arthritis Care & Research, researchers found....

Loretta E

18 May 2012, 15:29

I have RA and it is virtually impossible now for me to get down or up out of a bathtub, so soaking the joints is impossible. I need a walk in tub where I can soak because of the RA and I also have Fibromyalgia. However being on disability there is no way I can afford one. Depression, yes, why wouldn't we be. We can't get any help in getting the equipment that would make life easier on us. and its not like I haven't worked all my life because I did until last February when my company laid me off because they say they downsized but the truth is because of my health issues. No immune system sick a lot and couldn't party like they do..(i dont anyway because Im a Christian) however, I just want a walk in tub. but had to use all my money to stay afloat until i got my disabilty. Depression yes, we are depressed...and yes I take med's for it. it's rough to be sick......

eric

24 Apr 2012, 04:13

hello, I was born with ra. My childhood nights were spent crying because I rode my big wheel, or used my legs to much. I too was told it was growing pains. Finally at 14 I was diagnosed. The pain has been increasing and spreading. It used to be justy knees. Now it is, worst first, knees, hands, shoulders, elbows, neck, back and occasional hips.

I am going to be 40 this year. I am having a hard time dealing with the pain. It is very hard to get up, not to mention doing something productive.

My wife thinks I am lazy or a drama.king. I would LOVE to have the energy to do stuff. I feel so worthless and am a burden to those that I love. I am so depressed that just want to free them of me. I have not been truly happy in many years. I cant sleep for more than 20 min. To be perfecty honest, I dont care if I live. I know I need to see a doctor and get on an antidepressants. not sure how I will feel but I hope the feeling of dread goes.

Cliff

17 Dec 2011, 04:28

Arthritis Pain,Wrecks your whole Body.24/7,365 I know I have both Osteo & RA.
The PAIN is HELL constant around the clock,NON STOP! The Depression from it is NON STOP. The Overated-Overpriced Medical community is NOTHING but a RIP OFF! ALL about money.ALL BLOW and NO GO.I Totally understand what EACH of you with Arthritis are going thru Daily!It affects your WHOLE BODY and LIFE!I have been told by Medical community Doctors,Specialist,Nothing more they can offer but Morphine,I Have tryed ALL other Med,s NONE Worked-NONE. My response to Morphine use is NO-Hell NO.After YEARS of so called Living with Arthritis JUST DO YOUR BEST to take it Minute by Minute-Hour By Hour-Day by Day!And GO EASY BEST YOU CAN.I KNOW its HELL, Dont believe all the Exercise Hype and other Medical community BLOW!If others Dont or Wont understand your Pain and suffering just say to HELL with them ALL.What GOES around COMES around! YOUR NOT ALONE.

Doubt u care

30 Oct 2011, 03:18

As this is getting worse I feel the professionals and carers r getting less wanting to help because they feel there is nothing they can do. I am at the end of my hope. There is no one around that will help. I asked for gama gobulin believing this would help and got a big fat no. Not because it wouldn't but because I wasn't needy enough. Now my pain is making me unable to do much.but who cares. no one. So go into your money making hole and write more stories of how u can help. zI will go slit my wrists. No one carer

ImagineJB

17 Apr 2011, 01:02

I have held strong for a year and a half now. I have been up and down the pharmaceutical slide, trying to find what helps the pain, what doesn't dope me up so much I am no longer me, where the balance is. I have kept working a challenging full-time job, continued progress on my graduate degree, taken care of my aging parents, and provided financial and emotional support to my partner who can't seem to find a meaningful path in his work. But today, I just can't stop crying. Today, the last 3 weeks of sleepless nights is catching up with me. Today, the weight just feels SO HEAVY! I know there will be better days. But today is really hard!

No support from Husban

22 Mar 2011, 21:05

I've been diagnosed with RA since I was 22. First in my leg, now progressed to both wrists/arms. I won't go into the pain, since you all know how debilitating this disease is.
My main source of pain comes from all lack of compassion or empathy from my husband of 19 years. He looks at me with disgust as I lay in bed, exhausted and fatigued. He will ask in a sarcastic manner, "ate you OK!!". He doesn't ask because in pain, he asks because he wants to know why I'm in bed AFTER eve both helped get our twins ready for school. He adds to the depression because he DOES NOT UNDERSTAND the pain. I rarely, if ever, complain. It takes every ounce of energy fore to get ip and help my girls. Hr thinks I am lazy. Recently he told me "I can't take it anymore! ". Inferring divorce. Husband is healthy and a big yoga practiced. He thinks yoga cures everything, Hah! If it did, I wouldn't be in this condition.
My spirit is killed, especially after he said I am not being the kind of mother I should be, ouch. Adding insult to injury is just plain evil in my mind. He went on and on about all my deficiencies, as a wife and mother. I am the primary caregiver to out children. I make dinner, lunches, do all the laundry, keep Avery clean house, pay the bills, have worked full time and engage with my kids every day. I could be feeling my worst, buy I ALWAYS get the basics done. I truly believe a very good mother. I may not be able to do everything he does with the girls, but I'm by far a slacker. Many close relatives tell me what a great mother I am. To be threatened with divorce, unless I "change" caused me much depression, although I already suffer from it and and upped my dose of Zoloft after that episode. Doubled it in fact.
So someone please tell me where to go from here? Husband can be very controlling and has zero, and I mean ZERO compassion for what I'm dealing with.
Husband cannot stand my fatigue, being the active person he is. He has said it's "disgusting" that I have to sleep in the day. I have a hard time sleeping at night since my pain kicks in. I have severe numbness I'm both arms, in addition to the joint pain.
I'm at the end of my rope. Husband used to be rational, but for several years now he is interpreting my fatigue with laziness. I'm desperate for any advice to save my marriage. No, he isn't having an affair. I know this. Please help, Anyone with a similar experience or comments on this unsympathetic spouse?

Joseph

17 Mar 2011, 17:05

Nicole and Bruno, Rheumatoid Arthritis is such a lonely disease to live with, I know all to well. I've struggled to grow up with the condition and it's changed the very person I've become, both physically and mentally. I've grown up thinking myself weak and pathetic, and like you Bruno I was given treatment and medication that caused me to put on weight. Well that blew any self confidence I had and even though I've lost all the weight I had as a teenager I still see myself as that same person.
Personally I decided to move away from what friends I had, for one they would never understand and secondly they did what teenagers did and we would have eventually drifted apart anyways. I don't regret that.
I can't say any one thing that makes it all make sense, that takes years I'm told and I'm only just realising I need to just accept it. But I will recommend you look at sites like RAwarrior or RA specific forums for support at the darkest of times, I personally use Arthritis Care forums.
Hope things get better for you both,
Joseph.

Nicole

16 Mar 2011, 00:47

I was diagnosed with RA in January, and had only been suffering from it since Sept.2010, so luckily I was diagnosed right away and I'm already starting on some meds for it. I'm grateful for that. But having this sucks the life out of you, and when you're the only one who has it in your family or friend circle, the feeling of being alone is crippling. I'm only 19 years old, and until a few months ago, I didn't even know people my age or younger could get arthritis. I've had many bad days in the past, and it's made me put my job and University on hold. I want my life back. I'm sure many people feel that way. It was kind of comforting being able to see that other young people are very much affected by it, and it made me not feel like such an outsider. I'm left out of many things with my friends because of this. I just take each day slowly, and try and stay as positive as I can. But, like most of you, there are days when I ask myself "whats the damn point of getting up, and who the hell cares anyway?". I'm trying my best though. That's all any of us who suffer from this pain can do I guess. Keep trying. Good luck to you all. xo

Bruna B

12 Mar 2011, 22:45

Hi, I'm Bruna, I'm from brazil and I'm sixteen now. I found out that i had RA when I was 7. I have the worst type of RA I have pain in every joint ALL of them. At first I coudnt even eat because the spoon hurted my hand. School was like a place that I had to go a few times a month. I started taking cortisone, lots of it and i got fat. I was 8 years old at the time. I had friends yes, because we were kids and kids don't think about what's your color/size and stuff. Can I just say the true? I forgot about the rest. Seriously I can't remember my 9th birthday, 10/11/12/13 and then at 14 I got better. For a while, for 6 months I was a normal kid, still with the effects of the cortisone but I was happy. Then it got back. Since then I stopped hanging with my friends, I lie about everything to my best friends because I don't wanna loose them, but I don't wanna be with them either. Finally when I was 15 I made a best guy friend and he understood me, not because of the RA but he had problems with his family and I had too. I lost him too. Since then I have nothing, at all. That's why I'm here today, crying my heart out writing this and reading all the stories asking WHY? I can't take this anymore, seriously I can't. I finnally for better with this med called Acthenra or something like that and I'm still with the effects of the cortisone so, I'll never be normal, I'll never have a boyfriend, I miss all the parties and stuff, what's next? I can't take this anymore, I cry myself to sleep every night, school sucks and I can't think of a future to myself so, yeah I'm depressed. My mom doesn't care, my family thinks that I'm better so they don't ask. Why? I don't wanna be strong anymore, I wanna be normal. Sorry about this, I just had to talk to someone..

11 Feb 2011, 13:22

I stopped drinking cows milk and now have no pain. I use soya milk instead.

Alexander Provda

01 Jan 2011, 14:26

Having Ra really sucks, i was diagnosed at 2! im 23 now, and even though my life is a supposed sucess story, it often feels more like a bad joke. Like many people have said no one understands the pain and frustration. The really sick thing is that the more i manage to overcome my debilitating pain, the less people believe it. Apparently my Ra went into remission at 14, the thing was that it come back at 19. However at 14 your a kid and people trust you, at 19 your a loser making up excuses for your deficits. I managed to graduate form UC Berkeley even while in severe pain every day. And guess what my reward was, my parents threatening to kick me out of the house on a near daily basis for not being pleasant enough and complaining. Can you imagine being on the street with ra, no bed, no money, no heat source... its insane. Not only does my own pain trouble me, but now im burdened with how cruel and shortsighted human kind really is. I dont have anywords of comfort, except to say that none of this is our fault, and seize every moment of happiness you can.

private

23 Nov 2010, 16:07

I've been diagnosed with RA for nearly 20 years, I'm now in my 40's. This year I have had one of the most worst spells of depression I have ever had. Neither my GP or Consultant has discussed the two issues together, albeit both know about it. The worse person to explain my disease to is my line manager. I feel I'm being placed in a 'competition' with them, so I say nothing. Its caused problems and now I feel I'm having trouble at work due to sickness absence. It was difficult enough coming to terms with RA, then depression but how can you explain what/how you are when others dismiss your health issues as being 'insignificant and problematic' for achieving tight deadlines. You try so very hard, and get no thanks. AND in this current economic climate you are meant to be thankful for having a job???? I could go on and on and on. I get so frustrated that working in the nhs, has some of the least supporting people/professionals you would expect to understand your limitations.

Joseph

16 Nov 2010, 18:13

Recently I had what I can only describe as an emotional breakdown concerning the chronic pain Rhuematoid Arthritis as caused me. It was an awful experience, one that I find hard to think about even now.
This breakdown finally got me to discuss the issue with my specialist, who was kind if not entirely experienced with the emotional issues RA can cause. He did however direct me to a Psychologist who I've yet to see, but will hopefully discuss the mental issues with me and how I can battle these problems. I'm finding just writing this helps my mental state as I'm in some pain.

Danni, I very much understand how you feel. While it's tough handling Rheumatoid Arthritis at any age, it's even tougher when your younger. You miss out on a lot of wonderful experiences and it can be mentally exhausting. I'm 22 now and in all the years I've suffered with RA I've only ever met one other person with the condition who was about my age. It might sound weird, but it's nice to know I'm not allowed in understand the issues that can occur both physically and mentally when your suffering from RA at a young age. I hope that your condition improves, and I'm positive that while your sister may be cruel to yo sometimes, she will understand one day. I have an older sister, which in many respects I'm lucky in having as she understands the problems I have.

Joseph. :)

Jana

24 Oct 2010, 03:01

I tried oil pulling with olive oil for 2 days but suffered from severe headaches, huge mood swings and felt very agitated during both days.
I will continue to look for alternative remedies and might attempt oil pulling with a different oil next month.
I believe avoiding cows milk has helped reduce my symptoms.

Danni

13 Oct 2010, 20:45

I also meant to add that i feel my family and friends have no understanding of my illness, my mam and Nanna have been godsends as they have helped me and cared for me in so many ways and my grandad has a car so that makes life easier to get around, but when it comes to pain level they think i overreact and play on my illness to be lazy! my younger sister and I often argue and she can be really mean and hurt me physically she grabs my wrists and twists them and kicks me in the back of the knee to make me fall over it's a joke to her because when I am in tears she laughs and my mam says i'm crying like a baby and overreacting. It angers me so much that they think I would play on my illness I'd be so lucky not to have RA and I know the seriousness of it I'd never play on it.

Danni

13 Oct 2010, 20:34

I'm 21 and have been diagnosed for 5 years but I've suffered from being a small child. Doctors said oh she has growing pains and then they said she's just attention seeking, it's the most awful thing to be a child in pain and to be ignored by the doctor. It wasn't til I became older and the pain worsened that they actually tested me and found that I do have RA aswell as hypermobility. Ive taken lefunomide for the past year and it's kept me steady. last Christmas I felt like a disgusting mess all my family where happy and cheerful and I couldn't even get in the bath I coulnt get out of the chair or even lift my arm to scratch my nose, I felt helpless, useless and pointless I was depressed and cried all the time I feltworthless and wished I could be like everyone else, I have had many horrendous flare ups and pray I never have any like them again and I pray for you lot too, sometimes I feel so tired I could sleep all day and if I am having an off day I might burst into tears over something really little, I see my consultant on Monday and i plan to have a lengthy talk to him about this as I don't want to suffer the feeling of worthlessness and helplessness ever again. Danni x

sumithra

13 Oct 2010, 04:01

i have arthritis . I have the habit of oil pulling with sesame oil every morning and night, which has brought down my arthritic pain to a great extent.Why don't you people also try oil pulling ?

H oliver

11 Oct 2010, 13:44

I was diagnosed with JRA when I was 7 and have experienced flare ups most of my life.I am now 40 and still active and mostly healthy apart from a very fat painful knee! I have been treated in the states, in England and now in Eastern Europe. I have tried steroids and various anti inflammatory drugs but now I have decided to try acupuncture and a big change in my diet. I have eliminated milk and wheat and I feel much better. My knee is down, my mood has lightened and I feel optimistic about my future. Medicine is developing at such an impressive rate and I believe that with the right combination for each individual relief from this disease is possible. Hope feels good!

edward sanders

09 Sep 2010, 22:54

REMICADE has been a life saver for me. I have been on Methotrexate, Prednisone, and a dozen or more different meds. You CANNOT quit, there is a combination out there that can help. I pray daily, fight off the depression with anti-depressants, the pain with pain killers and exercise religiously. I am 62, have been dealing with this for 14 years and many times felt so alone it was dangerous. I've had nurses tell me "you look great" and I could hardly walk or talk from the pain. I now play basketball regularly, walk several miles a day, eat healthy, and when the bad days come, and they always do, I trust God and know it will get better.

Joseph

08 Sep 2010, 07:19

I was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when I was 11 years old though I'd had severe aches and pains since I was even younger. It took an whole year of going from hospital to hospital before I was diagnosed and have since been classed as suffering from rheumatoid arthritis a few years back. I'm now 22 so have lived with the condition for many years and it's not at all easy. I have absolute respect for anyone else with this condition, especially those who are able to handle it better then I.

I've had gold injections and steroids (which I had when I was 12)and while they did help me through secondary school I regret having them in some respects due to being the age I was at the time. I've at to push this year for better medication as I've been on painkillers for years now and I'm hoping I find something that suits me eventually. I've never felt comfortable calling it depression, but I've suffered severe dark spells through the years. It's only this past year that I seriously think I need more help and advice.

So it's nice to know I'm not the only one. You all have my respect and friendship.

25 Jul 2010, 13:46

Have any of you here, talked to your doctor about the depression your feeling?
Telling them your tired, can't eat, pain, is just part of the RA so might have to come right out and say, I want to try an anti-depressant and see if it helps.
Some of the things that have helped me are:
Sleep number bed
yoga
lots of fruit, expecially in the mornings, blend it, drink it, however you get it in, helps the fatique.
Going to get some vitimen D today and try that also!
The main thing is stay positive and if you can't...come right out and tell your doctor how you are feeling and what YOU feel you need to take to help it...doing something..anything...is better..then giving up!

toni

25 Jul 2010, 09:42

We all sure to be in the same boat. I've had an anti-depressant sitting here for two weeks and afraid to take it! The thought of added another medication sucks! Have any of you tried an anti-depressant and did it help? The symtoms from RA mirror depression, so don't want to take something I don't need, or won't help.

Jane

19 Jul 2010, 04:12

Is it wrong to be relieved that there are others in my own situation? Maybe ... but reading some of these posts has made me more determind that I am going to get my head round this lurgy and find a way of accepting and dealing with my situation.

My rheumy says that acceptance is half the battle, that I need to plan my week so that if one day is really busy a further 2 should be lighter. I've not been good at that lately and my body has made me take time out when I have overdone it.

One of the things I thought I should mention was that some of the drugs we take have a depressive side effect - not uniformly of course - but I felt really really down when on sulfasalazine. I stopped taking it in April and by June had lost the large black cloud that spent most of its time sat over my head.

I'm waiting for the funding to come through for Embrel at the moment and it seems like forever ... but if you folks can do it then so can I. Lets win this war with positivity just one small battle at a time.

Kristen Fenby

11 Jun 2010, 10:36

For those of you who are in pain or have RA. I have found a fanstatic drug for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is called savella. It has totally changed my life. No longer do I call upon steriods. I take 100 mg. It is worth the shot. It helps with depressions as well. It is great drug. No a lot of side effects, my doc was a genius. Have a great day. Kristen

Rishma

01 Jun 2010, 22:12

It's good to know that people are experiencing the same symptoms as i am cause i thought i was just going crazy. Right now i am in a lot of pain and people really seem to think that the pain is fake and you just do it for attention. i am 30 and i have 2 kids aged 6 and 2 and i can barely even prepare meals twice a day, to even think of playing or going out with them hurts.i am employed as a clerk at a government office , its a great job ,but i am seriously considering quitting cause co workers or bosses don't care that you're in pain all the time and i really don't know how long i would live, so what ever time i do have i would like to spend it with my husband who is a darling by the way and my lovely children, i really don't think they should suffer like that. i think that is is very hard for families to watch their loved ones and can't do a thing to help.

Mary

01 Jun 2010, 10:27

I have had RA for about 6 1/2 years and I'm on Humira, steroids, etc.-total of 30+ pills a day. I was looking for comments on reducing steroid, because I can't seem to function under 10 mg. /day. I found this site, and I have to agree, how can one not be depressed when you deal with RA day in and day out. My frustration lately seems to be my inability to predict/control flairs. One day I seem okay and able to function and the very next day I wake up in horrible pain which makes me depressed. What did I do ? My doc says rest more, don't go crazy on good days (she means don't go to grocery store, mall etc. Walk more, rest more, all at the same time. How can you plan anything or function in a family. Children don't understand and can't remember me when I wasn't sick. I had cancer too, but that was a snap compared to RA.

susan smith

27 May 2010, 02:37

I was diagnosed with RA in 2003 although I had positive blood tests in 1997. I am currently having Rituximab Infusions plus
Methotrexate and folic acid. Feeling tired
and weepy and hurting just now, getting out of bed is an effort, I have always found it difficult to talk about "me". This is not a good time but I know in my heart of hearts I am in a much better place now than I was.
My best wishes to you all.

delores guye

26 May 2010, 17:07

I'm so depressed. I tell my husband, he says go to bed. I am a clock watcher now at work. I hurt all the time, I don't care about seeing any one or going any where. I am blessed with a good job. I don't want to work. I'm so depressed and tired all the time. I hurt, I need help, my brother just killed himself with a gunshot to the head, my sister killed herself gunshot to the head, I don't want to hurt my family like that. I just want to go away, I'm crying, I have to go home, I try to act ok at work. My boss is nice, she doesn't know what pain or depression is like, I hope she never does. I don't have the money to take care of my self without my job. I just want to go.

Jodie

24 May 2010, 19:07

I was diagnosed with RA 3 years ago (when i was 17) and suffered with it for about 2 years before that.
the doctors were always very positive that things were going to get sorted out very quickly as i was young and they had caught it early so they were going to do "everything we can to get this under control as fast as possible" but since then, nothing much seems to have happened.
they put me on two different forms of medication and spent the last 3 years just increasing them over and over again when the pain still wasn't going away.
im in my second year of uni now and i moved out of home a year ago. i thought i would be able to cope fine with the pain by myself, but i feel so depressed all the time. so much so that i've completely ruined my second year at uni and may not even be able to get into the third.
im finally being put on self-injections in about a month (i forget the name though) but i feel like the disease has already completely ruined my life.
no one understands the pain that we are constantly in, every day, so my uni tutors just think im making things up - they only see me on good days when i can actually move enough to be able to walk in.
i feel so alone all the time and don't know how to talk about how depressed i am to anyone.
i've had enough of all of this, and don't feel like i can cope anymore.

Pat Howes

22 May 2010, 17:01

I was diagnosed with RA over two years ago, but looking back I think I must have had the disease for much longer. I've always thought to myself" there are so many people worse off than you", but today I am very down in the dumps as I seem to have torn the muscles in my shoulder and that pain added to the RA pain is almost unbearable. I am on Methotrexate and Folic Acid, Tramadol and P aracetemol for the pain, and am taking it regularly to try and control the pain whilst walking or just doing anything. Like many of you, I am tired all the time, but I will not give in. However it was good to read the letters from you and know other sufferers have similar feelings.

Lanier

19 May 2010, 14:26

I have had RA for 21 years now and have been through all the meds and trying to find the magic one that works..finally after 10 years I got on Remicade and it has changed my life!! I have been through being in bed for months on end in pain or some reaction to meds...been there..done that.. all I can say is DON'T GIVE UP.. they are coming out w/new meds all the time now and there is one that will work for you. I found that humor and a good attitude was everything for me.. my motto is "attitude is everything and always with humor". You have to find a way to surrender but not give up.. it's not what you can't do..but what you can do..even the littlest things will help. I am actually doing a cross country motorcycle trip this July to raise awareness about RA and helping people to stay positive and keep trying.. I still have issues w/my body..like my ankles are fusing and hurt like hell everyday and I cannot walk very well or far.. but I dont let it stop me anymore..I have a facebook page for the trip called "the extra mile tour" I will be updating everyday w/pic's and stopping in certain cities to give talks or just chat w/people along the way..so if I can help even one person out there it is all worht it!! so..hang in there and don't give in to this disease..learn to live w/it and keep going!

Mindy

19 May 2010, 14:04

I've had RA for 29 years. I can say that there are sometimes when I do get down in the dumps because I hurt so bad that I can't even play with my 7 year old. She doesn't understand, but for being only 7 she does try to. I can totally understand how RA and depression are linked to each other. It is depressing knowing that you are not able to do the things you want to or could do before. People use to think that I was making up my pain for attention. You can't tell I have RA unless you know me, therefore people I use to work with would accuse me of complaining for attention. I had to quit my job as a nursing assistant because there were times after my 8 hour shift, I'd barley be able to walk. It's a tough disease, that's for sure. Good Luck to all of you who have RA.

Julie

03 May 2010, 17:17

This is the first time I have heard of anyone having the same symptoms as I do. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2003. I had abcesses,abdominal pain, the works. Then 3 years ago I was diagnosed with RA. All I can say is I know what pain is and I also know what depression is. It seems as though people think I am making it up just to get attention. I used to force myself to go to work as a CNA in pain every day and try not to say anything to anyone because I didn't want people to think I was a sissy. I refused to take my pain meds, toughing it out and denying it. I finally had to quit my job because the pain got to be unbearable. I was mad at the world and in denial. I'm so glad to see that there's a place for people like me to connect. I thought I would have to suffer in silence. Thank god for all of you, thank you for giving me hope!

Bryan

12 Apr 2010, 09:43

The Arthritis Foundation's Online Community, which includes forums and chat rooms, is also a great place to connect with others who have many different types of arthritis and related conditions. Cut and paste this link into your browser window to try it out:

http://community.arthritis.org/community/app/nf/vistafs.aspx

Anne

11 Apr 2010, 12:13

There are support groups online especially on facebook. Check out Faces of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Group there as well as the Arthritis Awareness Project all are on Facebook. These are grat places to ask all kinds of questions, read info posted by those also going through this! I have found alot of comfort there!

Sue Kilbane

08 Apr 2010, 03:24

Hi everyone! It was great reading all your comments of which I can relate to. Feeling really down in myself and feel that because I'm frustrated this is causing more pain. Only just admitted that I'm depressed and that helps. Would love to have a support group on-line.

Hannah

10 Feb 2010, 11:43

Hello everyone. WOW. Reading all of these comments is so bittersweet. First of all, I am 18 years old and its my senior year in high school. But two years ago I was diagnosed with RA (which actually now I have psoriatic arthritis) but I am on enbrel (which was veryyy hard to get btw.) and methotrexate and the physical pain is slowly going away. However, my arthritis has also caused idiopathic condylar resoprtion which I have suffered from all my life. I have seen numerous doctors and specialists and I am getting jaw surgery in the summer right before I start college. I'm so sick of being sick. But I am glad to know I'm not alone. I dont know of any support groups and I think all anyone needs is to talk with people who understands. Thank you for listening and remember to laugh and smile!

Carrie

24 Jan 2010, 20:17

I am 31 years old and was diagnosed with RA about 6 months ago, but in all reality have been batteling RA for a couple of years due to denial. I am a Paramedic and would blame my pain on lifting heavy patients or just pulling muscles...etc. I have never up until now had the feelings that I have with RA. I have days that all I want to do is cry, then I have days that I am mad at the world, then there are the mornings where I literally have to crawl out of bed. I often feel that I am in worse shape than most of my patients. I guess my question is: Are these feelings normal and will they pass? OR..is this something I am going to have to learn to deal with?

JOHNNA

14 Jan 2010, 14:25

I FEEL FOR ALL OF YOU SO MUCH. I HAVE HAD RA FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW AND SOMETIMES LIFE IS SO HARD TO LIVE EVERYDAY. IT HAS BEEN A NEVERENDING BATTLE EVEN WITH ALL THE MEDICINES, PAIN PILLS, AND INFUSIONS.I PRAY FOR ALL OF YOU. IT IS GOOD TO SEE SOME PEOPLE UNDERSTAND HOW HORRIBLE THIS DISEASE IS FOR US.

Egondu

14 Jan 2010, 12:21

Hi everyone! I was diagnosed with RA 3 years ago, but I've been living with the disease for at least 4 years, probably longer. In February of 2006, I started experiencing severe pain in my shoulders - as if I pulled or strained something. I thought it was from working out. As the months went by, the pain worsened, and began affecting most of my joints, symmetrically. Eight months later, I had lost about 20 pounds, which was a lot for my already slim frame, I could barely walk up or down stairs, and I was still terrified to go to the doctor! Looking back, I wish I had gone to the doctor early, because I really think I could have slowed or prevented some of the progression of the disease/joint damage. I feel much better today than I did before I received my diagnosis, but I still have really bad flares sometimes, and I know the RA has had a direct affect on my mood/mental health. I'm currently taking methotrexate w/folic acid & naproxen, but I will start on simponi soon, as the methotrexate alone hasn't been working as well as expected. I can empathize w/so many of your feelings and experiences - believe me, you're not alone. Help people to understand your RA & everything that comes along w/it. Don't feel guilty when you don't feel well, whether it be physically or emotionally. And know that you should be able to receive the best treatment that's out there right now. I think the most important thing that we can do is educate ourselves and do everything we can, through diet & fitness, along w/medication, to live as optimally as is possible w/RA.

marty wilder

25 Dec 2009, 16:30

It's Christmas day and my husband, who has RA (and diabetes, among other things) is in bed. He's been there a couple hours which is actually a pretty good day for him. I'm on this site in absolute frustration and despair as to how I can help him. He not only has extreme fatigue but severe pain much of the time. I keep trying to search the internet as to what might be causing his problems but it always comes back to ... R.A. I just read an article on RA and depression. No shit, Sherlock. How depressed would anyone be to have this horrendous disease and almost nobody who understands?
Can anyone help me understand if what he has is typical or R.A. or not? We've asked his doctor(s) and even been to Cleveland Clinic. I guess I just can't accept the simple truth that this is all just R.A.
Any input would be helpful.
Marty'

Steve

14 Dec 2009, 11:19

I am glad to see that I am not losing it, or at least not losing it alone. I feel so stupid when I find myself unable to watch a simple movie or even commercial without braking down in tears. I am a grown man for heaven's sake. I am sneaking around hiding it from everyone because I don't want people to think I am some kind of pansy. Is it the medicine, or is it the disease? I want it to stop. Tired of being sad and tired of the tears.

shona russell

13 Dec 2009, 16:28

hi to all the people out there who, suffer from .R. A can relate to person who said to depressed to comment,,,,
i have nearly crawl in the mornings, i stiffen up and get up, walking like i have something up my backside, untill i warm up,, ands then same things over and over, do not much support from spouse either,,, but i guess when they no in pain, and it does not effect them, its ok. im starting to sound bitter, but it sure sucks, right,,,,, shona

Michelle

11 Nov 2009, 13:46

Do I feel all your pain - both physically and emotionally. It is the worst pain and does suck the life out of you sometimes. Reading all of these posts I feel so sad for all of you - including myself! Right now I have a huge flare up in both of my shoulders, on t3's all night. It gets hard working and dealing with clients and trying to put on that happy face when all you want to do sometimes is crawl in a hole. But everyone hang in there. Try different foods, omega 3 fish oil is good for you I try lacota and I am on 2 different kinds of meds. Try and stay positive, trust me I know it's hard. I would love to start a support group as there is not one where I live - even an online one - maybe meeting once every 2 weeks just to compare notes, maybe different things people are trying, etc, etc. If anyone is interested my email is mknudsen@telus.net. Thanks for listening.

Leasha

27 Oct 2009, 10:28

Don't give up on life Lynn, life hasn't given up on you at all. It may be really tough for you and not having the support of your husband sounds awful. But please don't give up. People on this site understand how you feel and maybe its better for now if you vent to us. At least we will not judge you or think you are a faker as we all know what it is like, good days and bad. But please don't give up on yourself. Its not your fault or your bodies fault you ended up with this horrid disease.

ravenscry

19 Oct 2009, 23:56

Be sure that your doctor is checking your Vitamin D levels. I experienced a tremendous relief of pain as my D level came up from 12 ng/ml to 39 ng/ml with Vitamin D supplementation and more sunlight. My mood is also much brighter. Which came first? I think it was the mood. After a year of higher D levels my joints are all fine instead of swollen and achy. I have been able to go off the methotrexate and reduce the Enbrel as well. I also do 20 min. of functional exercise every morning before I get out of bed, which I think helps as well. I have been able to increase my activity from about 1,200 steps a day to 8,000-12,000 a day. Envision yourself healthy.

Lynn

19 Oct 2009, 12:03

I was just at the Rheumatologists office last week. I was in tears venting about my frustration with this disease. I feel so alone. My husband has disconnected from me completely and makes me sleep on the couch. The kids stil expect mom to do everything and I just seem to explode then cry and no one cares. No one cares I'm sick of being sick. I'm sick of being a walking pharmacy and pin cushion for tests. The girls I work with don't understand and treat me as if I'm just a complainer. How can I not give up on life when it's given up on me?

Leasha

13 Oct 2009, 08:26

I totally understand what you are all saying and sometimes im so thankful for getting this disease when i was a young child. Ive had RA since i was 4 yrs old and im now 25 and Ive always said to my parents how bad it would be to have had a " Normal" life and then to have been struck down with the disease- I guess because i have grown with it, Ive become more accepting. Doesn't mean i don't have my down time either and i can understand how frustrating and lonely it can be at times when no one else understands the pain and what you are going through. This disease most certainly does suck a lot and well i guess all we can hope for is a cure someday- But try not to get too down on yourself, as hard as that sounds. At the end of the day, YOU are not just the disease. That's something that took me a lot time to learn.

Shelley

11 Oct 2009, 12:33

I can't believe the hopeless I feel because of the pain. No one understands what it feels like not to be able to do the little things in life. If I do the little things then the pain is so extreme that I go into a depression. It's hard to explain even to my spouse who is a very loving and sensitive man. I can't even find a doctor to treat my arthritis in my town. My grandkids are always asking "do you feel better grandma so we can spend some time with you?" I finally got time with four of them and now I'm exhausted. Along with the RA I suffer from neck and back problems. I wish there was a blue sky in sight bringing a better day.

just a mom

06 Oct 2009, 14:06

Ever since the RA started the doctors told me to 'hang in there, the cure will be here soon'. Sometimes the pain is so bad I have no hope. The other times the side effects of the medicines are so bad, I have no hope. My quality of life is that of an old vegetable. Now that I look back, I've been waiting 11 years. My youngest daughter is only 12 and I just haven't been able to run and jump with her like her older sister. This disease really sucks, not to mention all the infections we get. I hope the flu shots actually work this year.

19 Sep 2009, 23:43

I'm too depressed to comment.

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Doctors Should Watch for Depression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

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