I was an active, healthy male. I was diagnosed with RA at age 44 (9 months after a minor motorcycle accident that injured my left wrist). My symptoms began with a general feeling of fatigue and malaise. Then a few months later, morning numbness in the fronts of both feet that lasted for a few hours. I saw a podiatrist and was mis-diagnosed with "Morton's Neuroma". As my symptoms progressed, I had sharp shoulder, wrist and elbow pains during the night. Then, a gradual stiffening of my right, pinky finger; followed by stiff, sore and swollen fore and index fingers predominately on my right hand, but also on the left. I was diagnosed with RA and Hypo-thyroid initially. After taking "Thyroxin" for about 4 weeks, I began taking "Hydroxychloroquine" and "Naproxen". My thyroid corrected and I stopped taking Thyroxin. My RA symptoms persisted with primarily sore, stiff hands in the mornings (3-4 hrs), sore ankles, a swollen elbow and muscle fatigue. After about 4 months, we added "Methotrexate" for 3 months with some success (no more swollen elbow or sharp shoulder pains and less sore hands), however, my liver enzyme count became elevated too high. I've now (5 months) been taking "Sulfasalazine" (3 grams/day) with "Hydroxychloroquine" (400 mg/day) and am having much less swelling in my hands and ankles now. Some days are better than others. I have much less energy than I used to. I stopped working (6 months after my diagnosis) because the medicine didn't eliminate the pain, fatigue and swelling; and I could no longer move heavy objects without possibly causing permanent damage to my joints. I was approved for Social Security Disability benefits immediately (after initial 6 month waiting period). I'm hopeful that my symptoms will go away one day or at least be controlled with medication. Published: August 27 ::

I had been sick from Bronchitis. I complained about feeling "stiff" in my shoulders. They told me it was from coughing. I started having problems walking, my hips hurt. I thought it was because I stopped going to the gym due to the bronchitis. Within a week, I couldn't lift my shoulders off the bed in the morning then to not being able to even pull the blankets up to cover up because my hands hurt so bad. Within two weeks my hands, wrists, hips and feet were in so much pain. Currently I am being managed with Plaquenil and Methotrexate and Prednisone. I have full mobility but tinges of pain every now and then. Published: August 27 ::

I was diagnosed with RA when I turned 40...Happy Birthday to Me...This took me by surprise – I was well one day and then next day I could hardly get out of bed. I was hurting so bad, my hands and my feet were so swollen and I could hardly take a step without pain. I continued that way for about a week then went to see my primary physician and he referred me over to a RA doctor. And sure enough It was confirmed, I had RA....it was a devastating blow to me. I sat there in the doctor’s office and cried my eyes out and luckily my doctor took time and explained everything to me and immediately put me on methotrexate and prednisone. Luckily my RA was barely starting, and yeah there are days that are very bad, especially for a person who is used to doing everything and anything....and then there are the good days, I really enjoy those days. I had never heard of RA before I was diagnosed with it and now I read up on it as much as I can. Published: November 06 ::

I was diagnosed with RA one month ago and have been on prednisone and hydroxychloroquine for three weeks. I am in constant pain and the pain sites move from day to day. I am 62 and feel 92. The doctor says it may take months to feel relief but I am getting worse by the day. See him in two weeks and hope for some better meds… Oh and I live on pain pills, ugh. Published: October 28 ::

One must not overlook the effectiveness and safe use of natural therapies in management of Arthritis and RA. Biotechnology, resonance homeopathy and Ayurvedic Herbs offer comprehensive relief from the complaints. They strengthen muscles, ligaments and cartilages, reduce pain and inflammation, and create better flexibility. Published: October 07 ::

i was diagnosed with RA almost 1yr ago. I am a 53 year old female. I am on methotrexate - 6 pills once a week and prednisone 10ml once daily. I am finally feeling the difference, I am not stiff when I get out of bed and I can walk without being so stiff with pain. Still have some bad days where I will hurt all over if I do too much, and it doesn't take much! I take a lot of Ibuprofen (probably too much), but they work. My RA factor was 25 about 6mo.ago and now it is 17. Published: October 07 ::

I get swollen, painful hands the day following increased activity. Usually my right hand was worse than my left. Some days my puffy right hand looked as if I was wearing an inflated glove. Now this makes sense due to my right hand dominance. Published: October 07 ::