Make a connection, ask a question, share a concern, give advice or just chat. Our message boards connect you with a community of people who understand where you’re coming from and what you’re going through.
Hey. My name is Kristen Brand. but i go by Kris. I was just diagnosed with RA about 2 weeks ago. Im 18 years old. Everything hurts. i was on 10 mg of prednisone 3 times a day. then they changed me to 5 mg of prednisone just in the morning. None of it helps. the doctor told me i had a mixture of RA and Lupus. But i hurt so bad. And i feel like no one around me understands. It hurts to walk and open water bottles and everything. But they just think im being a drama queen. But my shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, hips, neck, knees, ankles and toes hurt.. its everything. and i dont know any other teeens with RA to talk to. and i have a softball scholarship... and i cant even walk without pain. im getting a physical therapist/trainer.... but i feel so... helpless.. and the fact that those around me dont understand just makes it harder... they dont understand that walking up the stairs to get the camera for them is a really painful task for me and they need to do it themselves. they just tell me to get over it. and i dont know what to do.
-Kris- *Prayer Changes Everything, Just Gotta have Faith!* =-)
I am sorry for your diagnosis. But I do know how you feel, however. I am a fitness instructor and personal trainer for 27 years, and have been diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) this January. Yes, it hurts all over, especially my feet and lower legs where the skin and connective tissue feel like stone. I am glad to see you believe in the power of prayer. The more you can be lifted up in prayer, the better you will feel in your spirit, and that will make all the difference while your body is in pain.
I have chosen to be thankful one day at a time, and believe God for His promises that I will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail (Is. 58:11). I try to do what I would normally do, with modifications. In lieu of training clients and teaching cardio and strength classes, I am teaching Line Dance and Gentle Yoga, and very grateful that I can.
As far as your scholarship for softball, that is to be determined. PT and exercise will identify that. I do hope you will be able to keep it.
Have you seen a rheumatologist or merely an internist? A rheumy will be more educated in how to treat your condition. You are not alone. We are trying to live with our diseases as well. Stay connected to a good support system, and search out friends and family that will understand and love you.
Hi Kris,,,I'm so sorry that you've been diagnosed with such a painful illness. I was diagnosed last year with moderate RA,,which I'm not sure yet if the Dr was right or not.
But for me,,,the most concerning and heartbreaking news I received the other day is about my "grandson,,Daniel". He's been diagnosed with RA,,and he's only 16.
He's starting Prednisone treatment now,,,and of course the Dr wants to follow up with treatments ,,after the prednisone is finished.
The treatment that this Dr wants to start is called Methotrexhane,,,or something similar. I've read up online about it,,and it sounds worse than the disease itself,,,tons and tons of horrible side effects.
Right now,,I'm in my "angry mode". How could this happen to someone so young,,,why didn't the Dr catch this a long time ago,,how could my daughter,,Dan's mom,,not have noticed things sooner. Course I know she is a wonderful Mom,,but I'm just annoyed and upset that this is happening.
I would very very much appreciate any and all information that anyone is willing to share. Such as what type of medications you're on for the pain,,how do you feel,,what side effects have you had,,ect. Thanks so much.
Hey Kris, I know exactly how you feel! I am 13 and I have athritis in my left knee, my pinky on my right hand, and there is a huge possiblity it is in my jaw and shoulders as well. I have a really hard time with it. I can barely get ou t of bed and going to school and walking up and down the steps is very very hard on me. I look terrible when I walk. And not to metion my knee is completly filled with fluid....Everything you said is the EXACT same for me....it sucks....but I took the same medicine as you but mine was 12mg. It made it better for a few days but then the pain just kept coming back. I am trying it my self because I have heard it works...but if you are in as much pain as me you are willing to try anything....Get pure 100% Aloe jucie from the inner gel (GNC seems like it holds the best) You need to pore at least 4 full ounces into a cup and get Ocean Spray Cranberry Rasberry 100% jucie and pore about 4 full ounces into the cup as well ( to help the aloe taste better) Drink that as much as you can for at least 2 moths the feel results and hopefully this will work for you =) But beware it is really nasty without the juice! I hope this works out for you.....I know what you are going through...believe me!
Rheumatoid Arthritis Community 
