How Your Life Has Changed with RA

Give us a bit of your unique backstory. How did you learn you had RA?

I was desperate with pain, having seen GP and orthapaedic consultants diagnosed with osteoathritis went to a private rheumatologist who immediately told me I had RA also was fuming misdiagnosis had kept me from wrong medication now seeing same consultant in NHS pain is controlled and am relieved to know what I guessed all along.

How has RA changed life for you and your family? Describe the changes that took place.

Lowered my quality of life due to worse mobility, loss of self esteem and limitations regarding travel, holidays, access to buildings, list is endless. I am reliant on my friends and family much more, depression has kicked in, lack of decent sleep.

What is the best advice you would give to someone recently diagnosed?

Accept help when offered and try to stay optimistic, deal with bad flare ups with rest.