Rheumatoid Arthritis

I was diagnosed on November 5, 2007 with RA, so I've had it for almost a year now. Sometimes I find it hard to remain positive, nobody in my family has it, I am the first. Sometimes I think that people feel that there is nothing wrong with you because you don't look any different. They don't understand. I'm 33 and get Remicade infusions every 2 months and I take methotrexate. Sometimes though, I just feel down, and wonder if there is anything that I may have done to cause RA? It's just hard sometimes to be positive about this whole thing, and I get down sometimes, anyone else ever had these feelings.

I take every day one at a time, I know that God loves me and that my RA is not a punishment but I can't help but feel discouraged sometimes.

Hi there,

I am 39 yo and was diagnosed with Rheumagiod Arthritis a little over 2 years ago. I fully understand what you are saying about having a disease that cannot be seen and thus makes it more difficult to have others understand. It can be extremly frustrating and overwhelming. I have been diabetic since the age of 13 but this Rheumatoid Arthritis is worse.

Hang in there. YOu are not alone