I am recently diagnosed with arthritis

acidic_wit

Hello, I got to know that I'm diagnosed with arthritis 15 days back and I'm just 18.At first, I couldn't digest it and I felt god, why me? It's very depressing for me to accept that fact that I have to live with it for the rest of my life.I joined this platform so that I could know more about it and help myself fight it.I didn't know that even younger people can get RA :( I think I would get some help here

Poppyjane

Hello @acidic_wit welcome to the online community,

Like many of us when we are first diagnosed, you have said why me? This is one of those unanswerable questions but what happens next is something that you can have some control over and your first step has been to get in touch. We are glad that you did and are here to share information , offer support to you and anyone close to you who is affected by your condition. You have RA, are 18 and want to learn all about arthritis and how to cope with it .

Our members are all ages and we do have an under 25's Young Peoples group so I attach their link as well as general information about Rheumatoid Arthritis which I hope you find useful.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/young-people/living-with-arthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

Many of our members have found that exercise benefits not only their joint and muscle health but also their feeling of wellbeing so when you have a minute look at the exercise videos and join in. Equally helpful are the mindfulness suggestions which allow you to give yourself time to adjust to the momentous news of the diagnosis.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/october/new-stretching-videos-to-help-keep-moving-and-manage-your-arthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/february/meditation-and-mindfulness-and-how-it-might-help-you/

I hope this gives you a flavour of the sort of support that the community has to offer, the best of all is the input from other members who are one of the greatest source of friends because they know about the journey you have started because they are going through it and can share their experiences alongside you.

So do join in and post more of the questions that are no doubt buzzing around in your head. We are here to support you.

Take care

Poppyjane

Poppyjane

Hello again @acidic_wit

I have another link which you might be interested in.

Poppyjane

https://arthursplace.co.uk/?msclkid=6907e716d06511ec903236a8eea76912

Although living with a chronic illness has its dramas, a lot of the time it’s really, really boring. During a flare, decisions are often made based on what seems likely…

Arthur’s Place is an award-winning, co-created, digital health and wellness resource for young adults aged 18-35 years with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and related conditions.

Our mission is to help you thrive in life, develop the confidence to be pro-active in your own care, and to relieve worry and isolation through shared stories, information and community.

Approved by VA

Louisa77

Hi @acidic_wit

Great that you have reached out to gain some more info and support, lots have been shared already above.

Versus Arthritis also have a Young People and Families service that offer a wide range of support, you can reach them by emailing ypfsuk@versusarthritis.org.

We also have a wide range info

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/young-people/

Please don't feel alone, we are here to help

Louisa