It started 5 years ago. My right shoulder hurt. I thought I had pulled a muscle or something. I had a physical and mentioned my shoulder was giving me trouble. My docter had me submitt blood work and sent me home. A few weeks later he told me I had Rheumatoid Arthritis.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis- It is an auto-immune disease that cause chronic inflammation in you joint.

I hadn't turned 30 yet! I though my docter was crazy and didn't know what he was talking about. I blew it off!

My pain was off and on for 2 years. I felt great! I was sure my docter had missed diagnoised me. I had my second child and life was going into full swing.

And then it HIT me!!! I couldn't move! Pain was everywhere! My shoulder, Kneck, Knees, wrist, fingers, elbow's and feet. My wrist, fingers, knuckles, feet, anckles where all swollen. I couldn't move my kneck back and forth. I couldn't raise my arms above my head or behind me. I knew something was wrong! I never dreamed that Rheumatiod Arthritis could cause so much damage. 

My life came to a hault!!! I enjoyed playing ball, running, and being active. I was constantly on the go. I could function on 6 hours of sleep and hit the road running.  I was always tired!!!!   NOW I could barley MOVE!!!

I am in constant PAIN! Thing that were easy are difficult. I couldn't open lids, turn the steering wheel, walk for a block, comb my hair in the back, hold my arm long enough to comb my hair, turn or grasp anything, and even picking up my baby was difficult. Everything Hurt!!! Everyday!! All Day!! I couldn't sleep, just rolling over hurt. My kneck was stiff and shoulders hurt all the time. I would get less and less sleep.

My husband and chidren didn't understand the sudden transformation. They knew I had a disease. They still thought I was being a baby. House cleaning took for ever. Cooking took longer. Going to the store was difficult. Everything was harder! I

My husband and children had to adjust to the change. I was upset, depressed and even angry. I was in my 30's and moved around like a 80 year old women. I take that back, my 80 year old neighbor did better than me! I was uninsured therefore, put off going to the docter. I would take 4 to 6 Aleve a day. I started taking vitiamens and natural suplement.

All my friends and family gave me advice on what I should do. There is no cure!!! There is medicine for the symptons. Maybe you should eat healthier, watch this, don't drink that, and gave me article after article about success stories. I tried several. The pain was still there!!!

I fineally went to an RA specialist. He told me 95% of my joints were inflammed. He treated me aggressively. I am doing much better! I am still limited to alot but the pain is minimal compared to what it was. I haft to pace myself and not over do it!

Rheumatoid Arthrits (RA) can hit anyone! They do not know what cuases it. It is a disease that can be brought on by viruses.

If you have a family member or friend who has RA be supportive and understanding.