“I’m 34 years old and was diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis 18 years ago, to the point during flares (often for months at a time), the pain and inflammation was so severe that I’ve been bedridden or had difficulty doing simple tasks such as walking, driving, turning door knobs/opening jars, eating (when I couldn’t bend my elbow enough to reach a spoon or fork to my mouth), etc. Even when I wasn’t experiencing a flare up, I more often than not experienced joint stiffness and moderate difficulty/pain walking and moving in any capacity. With a few notable periods of exception, it was rare that I experienced little to no pain or inflammation, even with the use of oral steroids, drugs (e.g., Humira, Enbrel), or first line treatments (Methotrexate).
Over the years I’ve sustained significant joint damage in my feet, knees, hands, wrists and right elbow, resulting in joint deformation and significant loss of range of motion.
Historically my flares have been worse during fall/winter months and usually start like clockwork in early October, often lasting into March/April. Continue reading →