What was your age?

[takatenamano]

What was your age when you first felt the effects of RA?

[malou]

What was your age when you first felt the effects of RA?

hi takate..on this very moment i am glad to say that i haven't yet diagnosed for that ailment.. but i am still interested to know on how to deal with it..since we are not really getting any younger..what about you??

[vlada]

I had felt the effects of RA when I was 21 years old. And it was an absolute shock for me to understand that I have this terrible illness. I think that it is absolutely impossible to get accustomed to this terrible pain.

[mamabear]

I haven't yet confirmed through tests that I have RA but at my present age some pains are already being felt and I'd like to know if it is already starting.

[malou]

I had felt the effects of RA when I was 21 years old. And it was an absolute shock for me to understand that I have this terrible illness. I think that it is absolutely impossible to get accustomed to this terrible pain.

you're too young for that illness... is it in your genes? i mean is it common in your family to have a RA at an early age??

[jenstot]

I'm fortunate that I don't have this disease. My friend was diagnosed with RA so I know it's difficult to be diagnosed with this disease. I can't imagine living with RA. I think that would be a lifetime of pain.

[malou]

I'm fortunate that I don't have this disease. My friend was diagnosed with RA so I know it's difficult to be diagnosed with this disease. I can't imagine living with RA. I think that would be a lifetime of pain.

i agree with you jenstot..the pain and the agony ..

[Heather]

I was twenty three, almost twenty four years old. My doc suspected it but since I was pregnant, the xrays had to wait for a couple months.

[savvyeyty]

What was your age when you first felt the effects of RA?

As for me, I had it when I was 18. The doctor said that there really are cases when one got RA at an early age.

[savvyeyty]

hi takate..on this very moment i am glad to say that i haven't yet diagnosed for that ailment.. but i am still interested to know on how to deal with it..since we are not really getting any younger..what about you??

Oh, so you really don't have any RA as of now. Good thing you're already preparing for it. Its really a pain in the, you know what... Body. :D

[savvyeyty]

I had felt the effects of RA when I was 21 years old. And it was an absolute shock for me to understand that I have this terrible illness. I think that it is absolutely impossible to get accustomed to this terrible pain.

Yeah. I think so too. Even though I hear from the old folks that you'll be able to handle it when its been there for very long, I don't really believe anyone really can because it just really have to hurt you.

[savvyeyty]

I haven't yet confirmed through tests that I have RA but at my present age some pains are already being felt and I'd like to know if it is already starting.

I see. If its okay okay to ask, how old are you?

[savvyeyty]

I'm fortunate that I don't have this disease. My friend was diagnosed with RA so I know it's difficult to be diagnosed with this disease. I can't imagine living with RA. I think that would be a lifetime of pain.

Not really specially when you live in a hot place like in the desert. Its because RA is also usually triggered due to the cold weather as well.

[Mac]

I was 62. I got hammered in January and February, especially during the cold rains. Maybe I will move to the desert. Not a bad idea, if it helps.

Mac

[crimson]

Unfortunately for me I have not been diagnosed with this disease and I am not waiting to get this but is good to be prepared for it.

[naturelover]

My wish is that even though this is chronic disease, I wish no should get affected by RA. I am seeing day in and day out through my wife and sister. Both are having mild RA and struggling to cope with the pain. I think right from very young age we have to inculcate a very good diet habit to our toddlers, to not to get affect from this.

[Terrie]

I had the symptoms of at age 24 but I didn't know what it was, so I wasn't dxd. until I was 25 y/o.

[crimson]

As of now I'm 30 + years old and I'm not yet diagnosed with it and I wish I will not get RA but thanks to this forum I will know how to handle it.

[naturelover]

Now, how are you feeling Terrie. My wife started showing some sign of dizziness because of cold climate at our place and this is really upsets her very much of her daily routine work.

[kageyd]

69!!! Never too late to get a new shock in life. Kageyd

[Terrie]

Now, how are you feeling Terrie. My wife started showing some sign of dizziness because of cold climate at our place and this is really upsets her very much of her daily routine work.

I'm feeling upbeat today. November 14th was (WDD)World Diabetes Day(I'm Type 1). I was going to celebrate it like last year but we were asked to a Birthday Party for 2 little Girls. So we were Happy to attend that instead.

Most days are pretty painful however but I have had RA for 26 years and I've had many Good years in between. Thanks for asking.

Sorry that your Wife has been dizzy. That isn't a symptom of RA or the cold. Where(country) do you live? The dizziness may be a symptom of a medication that she is taking. Does she have high or low blood pressure, anxiety attacks or low blood sugar?

[prasanth5]

I am not yet diagnosed for the ailment. But I want to take care. I am taking guard against it through certain restrictions such as diet and exercise. I am exercising daily in the morning. My exercise comprises of a few stretching ones and a stint at the jogging area.

[kageyd]

68. But I've had serious osteoarthritis since I was in my late 20's (one artificial hip thusfar...), so who knows whether some of the earlier pain was RA. The doctors weren't looking for it until I had gout, and the rheumatologist who saw me quickly looked at my knuckles and said I now have beginning RA. I've started on sulfasalazine.

[debby]

I dont remember how long i had been feeling the effects for really...i have had back pain with disc problems since 96..and neck problems since 92...i was diagnosed in 2006 age 39 with RA and also possibly AS.
I was always on the go working full time looking after home and children..i dont think i really had time to stop and think about pains i had..just maybe thought they were all work related..as i worked in a psychiatric hospital for 10 years which involved a lot of heavy physical work..moving and lifting patients etc.
But 39 was the magic age when i woke one morning and found i couldnt stand due to excrutiating pain in my feet..i put up with it for a week..when to see docs and that was life starting with RA officially :D

[prasanth5]

Since my mother had RA and since RA research shows that genetic factors cannot be sidelined totally, I have a feeling that I may be affected by it soon. I am 45 and occasionally am feeling pain in the walking foot. I felt it even today. I might consult my doctor soon.

[_K_]

you're too young for that illness... is it in your genes? i mean is it common in your family to have a RA at an early age??

I was diagnosed when I was 4yrs old (im 31 now). Its more common than you think in the younger generation, Ive known hundreds of people with RA that were diagnosed when they were a young kid.

[kay22]

Is there some mix up for some people between RA and osteo-arthritus? RA can hit people at any age including children and teenages. Healthy diet and exercise won't help prevent about it. It's an auto-immune disease that attacks joints in your body kinda randomly not because theres been stress or wear and tear on that particular joint. Osteo-arthritus effects certain joints and is the wear and tear one that many people worry about later on in life.

This is my understanding anyway feel free to correct me if I'm wrong! Also for those worried about getting it although it sucks big time and I'd get rid of it in a hearbeat if I could it's not going to stop me doing the things I wanted. Medication and treatment is getting better and better so the futures bright! (Well I like to think so anyway)

Sorry for the rant! In answer to the questions I was and still am 22.

[_K_]

Is there some mix up for some people between RA and osteo-arthritus? RA can hit people at any age including children and teenages. Healthy diet and exercise won't help prevent about it. It's an auto-immune disease that attacks joints in your body kinda randomly not because theres been stress or wear and tear on that particular joint. Osteo-arthritus effects certain joints and is the wear and tear one that many people worry about later on in life.

This is my understanding anyway feel free to correct me if I'm wrong! Also for those worried about getting it although it sucks big time and I'd get rid of it in a hearbeat if I could it's not going to stop me doing the things I wanted. Medication and treatment is getting better and better so the futures bright! (Well I like to think so anyway)

Sorry for the rant! In answer to the questions I was and still am 22.

I agree with Kay, it's not great to have RA but you learn to live with it and get on with things, it doesn't stop me from doing anything I want to and I have been a full time wheelchair user for a good few years now.

Kay, don't apologise for ranting I never do :)

[juliei40]

49 yrs old. Just found out 2 months ago.

[elmonix79]

My wife was diagnosed at 24, it was a shock for both of us I see her in pain every day and it kills me I can't say that I know her pain but it crush my heart especially because I can do anything to help her when she is in pain.

[Ana]

20. 4 months ago but i think have had it since 10 years old and thought it was normal to be in pain or as everyone told me just "growing pains" has progressed so much now in alot of pain in all my joints the inactiveness is killing me as i use to be a pt and was great at sports although had gut feeling something was always wrong. Nice to hear tho not only one going through the same things

Ana

[amylaurencliffe]

i was diagnosed this morning with RA, it came as abit of a shock considering i am only 19... but its great to see im not alone.:)

[Ana]

Oh im so sorry to hear that, yes dw finding out its alot more common in younger generations too. Hope your coping ok Free to talk even if your just having a bad day not having anyone else understand how you feel =)

[sennacharib]

Under investigation for RA and I am 39. X

[keepgoing53]

Hello, I'm 53 and was diagnosed a month ago. I am on methotrexate 10mg once a week. I have known that something was wrong with my body, but couldn't figure out what. Now, I'm just trying to figure out what this disease does. I have had one terrible flare up and now it's like little flare up, is the normal for RA.

[kay22]

The mxt can takes awhile to work I started on 10mg now on 25mg and an additional medication. If the flare ups aren't dropping I'd book an appointment with your rheummy there's lots of different medications and combinations they can try. I was told total remission is the aim. Hope your not suffering too much. It'll get better :)

[keepgoing53]

Isn't the mxt really hard on the body? I don't have a splean and my immune system is weak to begin with. What do you do to help your energy level. I do low impact aerobics twice a week and do water aerobics or a stretch and tone once a week. I live in the country and have lots to do, but I have no energy!

[Orcinus orca]

Was diagnosed at 3 or 5. I don't really know. I'm 22 now and feel pretty hopless, not to bring all you fighters down but this just seems like a lose-lose life. Time to focus on things I can barely do than things I can't do?

And no one gives a ****.

[Ana]

Hi please dont say that ive been through the same thing 20 now and yes some days can be bad but others can be really good too i give a s**** so you can talk to me if you like?

[kay22]

Orcunis I'm so sorry to hear you've been suffering so long. I have no idea how tough it must be for you but for what its worth I give a monkeys about everyone on here and anywhere that's suffering with this. This forum is a good place to rant and vent you'll always find someone who will listen

[Orcinus orca]

Definitely was a bad day when I typed that message. Learning your bodies limitations is tough.
Ana-
Out of curiosity, how did you go undiagnosed for so long? Everything I've read suggests the younger the onset the worse it is.

[Ana]

Hey Orcinus orca oh no thats ok i get the same on bad days, well found out feb this year it just progressed and got worse in my legs had the pain in my shins and feet for three years constantly kept being told was stress factures from all the exercise had done over the years all the time but once stopped running for 2 years and it never went away knew somthing had to be wrong, pushed for bone scans finally got them at the start of this year and MRI on hips and shins. They showed up black in all my bones and joints where i was always sore. RA factor never shows up in my blood tests too they always come back normal. I dont ever remeber not being in pain with my bones even as a little child, so think have had it whole life but normal it would shift around like back and feet sore at the same time, rest for two weeks or so then would neck and hips would hurt but then never left. since jan this year pain started up my legs into knee's and hips then past two months to shoulders arms hands everywhere i don't have a bone in my body that doesnt hurt now constantly and i know what you mean when body's limtations a weeek ago i had four days i couldn't walk then. Couldnt believe it still in shock that it has been this bad from a girl that would jump out of bed evey morning at 5 30 am to train and work at the gym all day and night and i find your right with the younger onset its worse i definatly agree to that. im on all the medications you can think of plus the strong narcotics are not working either i now being sent to a pain clinic in a few months time its an 8 week wait hope they can help me =) i have my days with it past two have been bad as well but im going it fight it as much as i can, my mother also said to me must have had it from a toddler cause she rembers had a ulta sound on my and had an abnormally high white blood cell count, wish they started to help then but no one knew any better told me was just growing pains. no one else in my familly has it but my sister has type one diabetes anothor auto immune disease thats the same gene as RA so think it has jumped a gene do you mind me asking what happened to you? :)

[Orcinus orca]

I remember having a flare up in kindergarten. There was an old fashioned bath tub filled with stuffed animals where I laid with a fever. It doesn't really make sense thinking back on it, but I remember that pretty vividly.

[pragmatic]

50 years old. Pain free until then. Snow skiing, mountain biking no real pain. Woke up on morning my knee was swollen. Thought it was a ski injury. Went to the doctors starting going to an orthopedic to look into getting the knee fixed.

Within one month could not get out of bed, both shoulders, both knees and both wrists were in constant extreme pain. Could not get dressed. Went to a Rhuematologist. A couple of shots of depo-medrol and I could function.

Started Prednisone (20 mg per day) after three weeks started Methotrexate 15 mg/week. No real relief. Started Simponi and tapering prednisone. When the prednisone got down to 15 mg/day showed signs of vasculitius in my legs. Prednisone upped to 20 mg/day and methotrexate to 20 mg/week. After three months of Simponi and no improvement switched to Actemra.

Three months of Actemra and swelling in knees is down and am walking with out a cane for the first time in 11 months. Have tapered prednisone down to 5 mg/day, methotrexate is still at 20 mg/week.

While most pain is gone I still cannot run, I climb stairs with great difficulty and have trouble walking on anything but level ground at a slow pace.

While the treatments are working, I use to ski 30 - 40 days a year, trees bumps, any trail on the mountain. Knew many people who were still skiing in their 80's. Right now I couldn't ski the bunny slope.