I just got diagnosed with RA in Dec. But I've always known I had a problem (different joints would give me problems) Does anyone get depressed about it? I do at times. I'll start thinking about it and start crying for no reason. I guess part of me doesn't want to be disabled at 27. How do you overcome this? No one understands my bone pain. I surely don't know how to describe it.
I will start applying for jobs this week (I'm a new grad) and my question is how do I bring it up or let my unit manager know I have RA once I get a job. I don't want to look weak or let her know I want special privileges. More so, I am having a hard day today or what not.
I have been taking tapering Prednisone when I have flare- ups which I have a love/hate relationship with. Prednisone suppresses your immune system so, would I not be able to take care of certain patients during treatment.
Also, I haven't seen a Rheumatologist yet. I have an appointment in June that's the earliest I could get seen.
I'm right there with you and just made a post about my situation. I'm not much older than you and shudder at the though of things 10 years from now. I admire your tenacity. And as far as depression...I'm having a hard day today, I think it comes with the territory of chronic illnesses. Hugs to you!!! You're not alone!
I'm 28, I started having problems with my joints when I was 22 and it is a loss I still struggle with. I hear you when you say you don't feel like being disabled at such a young age. I don't know if it will help you, but I tend to try to focus on the things I can do versus the things I can't or how I can modify the things I can't do so that I can. That includes dealing with doctors.
We're taught that the most accurate metric for pain or discomfort is the patient themselves so don't let anyone push you around when it comes to that. Only you know how you really feel. Please be aware you may have to put your patient advocating and problem-solving skills for yourself. Both for medication side effects as well as how to deal with discomforts on a regular basis. If I don't like something, if I need a referral for dermatologist etc my rheum hears about it.
From one fellow auto-immune sufferer to another, if I can help in any other way send me a PM.
I'm 28, I started having problems with my joints when I was 22 and it is a loss I still struggle with. I hear you when you say you don't feel like being disabled at such a young age. I don't know if it will help you, but I tend to try to focus on the things I can do versus the things I can't or how I can modify the things I can't do so that I can. That includes dealing with doctors.
We're taught that the most accurate metric for pain or discomfort is the patient themselves so don't let anyone push you around when it comes to that. Only you know how you really feel. Please be aware you may have to put your patient advocating and problem-solving skills for yourself. Both for medication side effects as well as how to deal with discomforts on a regular basis. If I don't like something, if I need a referral for dermatologist etc my rheum hears about it.
From one fellow auto-immune sufferer to another, if I can help in any other way send me a PM.
Thank you! I have my first appt with Rheumy on Monday. I am really looking forward to it :)
I'm right there with you and just made a post about my situation. I'm not much older than you and shudder at the though of things 10 years from now. I admire your tenacity. And as far as depression...I'm having a hard day today, I think it comes with the territory of chronic illnesses. Hugs to you!!! You're not alone!
Yeah, I try to stay positive and look at all the things I've accomplished. Something else I started doing is teaching others around me to be nicer to their bones. I let them know to make sure and buy good shoes that cost a little more but feel better on you. Or tell my little sister not to carry heavy items and ask for help instead.
determined rn
4 Posts
I'm right there with you and just made a post about my situation. I'm not much older than you and shudder at the though of things 10 years from now. I admire your tenacity. And as far as depression...I'm having a hard day today, I think it comes with the territory of chronic illnesses. Hugs to you!!! You're not alone!