RA in cervical spine.

samanthadavison9534

Hi everyone I am new here today.

My name is sammy I am 20 I just turned.

I have RA.

I have RA in my cervical spine but it can spread to any parts off my body, like both my knees, both my wrists, my fingers, my feet and my lower back, hips, you know what I mean it can be anywhere but mainly my cervical spine.

It really hurts sometimes. I have recently been diagnosed with it as it was genetically passed onto me by my nana.

I take paraceptamol and joint relief cream ( Voltoral) to minimise the pain and to help me move my neck, as everytime I move my neck most times it really hurts or it will grate and pop.

I am still awaiting a plan on what will work for me. I have learned to deal with the pain but it can get too much and as I have anxiety I visit the urgent treatment centre alot for advice.

I don't know anyone else, friends or family who have it, as my nana who had it passed away before I was born.

I struggle at night to rest properly as my neck grates alot and is very worn out.

With my cream im using and paraceptamol it gives me some relief to continue some more hours off my day more mobilised. I am grateful for this.

I had trouble with Cannabis intake and immediately cut it out after my diagnosis as it made it worse.

I feel alone thats why I am here. I had a career ahead off me with my boxing but I can no longer do it, well ever, which really depresses me.

I am happy to be apart of this group and let my emotions out as no one except from people who suffer with this understand the daily struggles.

As I said I am still awaiting a plan for the right medication for me but will be having a XRAY and MRI to see what the damage has done to my joints and to see how spread the Disease is.

I will not give up with this and I will try my best to control it.

Thankyou for reading this and taking the time out off your day to listen to some off my story.

I hope you all have a lovely day and stay healthy.

Anna

Hello Sammy, and welcome to the online community,

I’m so glad you took the first step of posting on the community - hearing a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis at your young age can be really overwhelming, but you’re among friends here, never alone, and I’m sure you’ll find lots of members will understand just what you’re going through. I was diagnosed with RA at nineteen, and like you, felt sad for the future I didn’t think I’d be able to have. But I’m quite a bit older now and I can honestly say I’ve had a brilliant life - university, travelled, career, married, children. My life hasn’t turned out as I expected ( but whose has?) but it’s been good. I am sure you will find your new path as well.

It can take a while to find the right combination of medication that will suit you - everyone is different and responds differently to treatment. But you will work out the right treatment path for you, and things will start to get better.

We’ve got a great website for young people with arthritis- I’ve linked to it below - that talks about treatments and how to deal with pain, plus looking after your emotional health.

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

Hopefully other members will post to reassure you that RA does not have to limit you and that you can get through this, but meanwhile, you might like to read Emily’s story below. She’s one of our members who speaks candidly about life with arthritis.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/march/mum-and-dad-didn-t-think-it-could-be-arthritis-as-i-was-so-young/

Please keep in touch, ask us any questions you have, and do let us know how you’re getting on.

Anna ( Mod)

frogmorton

Hi @samanthadavison9534

Just a quick welcome from me. As Anna says you are amongst friends here.

Most of us will be older than you, but that means we might be able to help you.

Boxing?!! Nooo!!!!😮 I am sure that would be terrible for your poor neck. I'm glad you've decided against that now.

I wonder what medication your Rheumatologist has started you on too?

Wishing you the best of luck anything we can help with do let us know.

Take care

Toni x