Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow Pictures Take the RA Quiz Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Groups and Counseling

Living with the effects of rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult. Sometimes you can feel frustrated, perhaps even angry or resentful. Sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to.

This is the purpose of support groups. Support groups consist of people in the same situation you are in. They come together to help each other and to help themselves. Support groups provide reassurance, motivation, and inspiration. They can help you see that your situation is not unique, and that gives you power. They also provide practical tips on coping with your disease.

Support groups meet in person, on the telephone, or on the Internet. To find a support group that works for you, ask your health care professional or contact the following organizations or look on the Internet. If you do not have access to the Internet, go to the public library.

• Arthritis Foundation
  800-283-7800