Being diagnosed withrheumatoid arthritiscan be a pivotal moment in your life.
However, this may be really hard to believe if you havent yet found what works for you.
Here are their stories.
Sengchoy Inthachack / EyeEm
I have built a wonderful and successful career.
Thankfully, around six years ago we struck treatment gold and found a regimen that really works for me.
My symptoms are very well controlled, so I mostly have good days with very little pain.
Michelle O., 45
2.
In 2020, I ran my highest mileage in years.
My biggest fear when I was diagnosed in 2016 was that I would not be able to run anymore.
I did a lot of grieving, but I also did a lot of homework.
Ichanged my dietto eat fewer inflammatory foods and more fruits and veggies.
I took the medications my doctor prescribed, and I also continued to run.
Being able to get outside and run was a great coping mechanism during the pandemic.
Running has always been instrumental tomy mental health.
I also believe that it has been helpful with my rheumatoid arthritis.
Running keeps my joints in motion.
Wendy R., 58
3.
I can still be in the mountains and let my adventurous spirit run wild and free.
The fracture would not heal, and I had to have the bone removed.
The stress of this, plus 2020, triggered my rheumatoid arthritis again.
Instead of doing a ski ascent of Mount Hood, I now backcountry ski my local butte.
If the pain is too bad, I turn around before reaching the summit.
I still mountaineer, but the goal of reaching the summit is not always the end-all.
Alison F., 34
4.
I decided to start a masters degree in education studies.
My physical health hasnt always been good, and I have had ups and downs with my medication.
I absolutely loved being part of a team and feeling healthy.
Every now and again I have a bad week or month and need totake care of myself.
Joanna A., 38
5.
I went camping for the first time…something on my bucket list I never thought I could accomplish.
This past summer, I went camping for the first time.
I would have never tried that five years ago.
It was something on my bucket list I never thought I could accomplish!
Jackie A., 42
6.
I have a fulfilling career as an executive.
I was very fearful that this was what my life was going to be like.
Thankfully, my rheumatologist helped me find a treatment protocol that worked for me.
Its been 18 years since my diagnosis.
I currently enjoy reformer Pilates,swimming, biking, andNordic walking.
I have a fulfilling career as an executive.
(Its helped to have an employer who is understanding.)
By focusing on my work delivery and quality, I have built my credibility.
That is ultimately what most managers are focused ondelivery and quality.
Rheumatoid arthritis doesnt necessarily have to limit that.
Lisa O., 47
7.
Im signing up to do a half-marathon this summer.
When I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, it was debilitating.
My husband had to help me get ready for work.
It took a toll on our relationship and made a huge impact on my mental health.
Ibecame depressedand would only leave the house to go to work.
It dawned on me that my diagnosis wasnt just controlling my life, it was controlling his too.
At that moment, I decided to fight back.
I joined a gym and changed my diet, eliminating foods that caused flares for me.
As I kept up with this new routine, my morning stiffness and pain slowly improved.
I most likely will take walk breaks but hope to complete it.
Alison J., 31
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