New to this

JC9870

Hello, I'm 27, young and fit and love sport. I got reactive arthritis as a result of food poisoning and stress. I have rested and relaxed for 3 months since, with steroids and meds, but still symptoms linger and has become chronic. It is unsettling and I am impatient to see progress. I feel ashamed and confused by the condition, and it's stopping me living. Any advice out there for managing a new lifestyle and keeping faith that it's worth it? Thank you.

susy123

Hi it's not easy gets very frustrating when you were so active. What's helped me is voltarol 2.32% gel. I dont know if you can use it. It's been my life saviour.

Susy133

annabanana

Hi @JC9870 and welcome to the community!

I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling and I want to make sure that you know that you are not alone, we're all in this together here in the community 😊. I understand how you feel, I was diagnosed with RA at 16 and was so embarrassed that I didn't tell anyone outside of my family about my diagnosis; looking back now, I know I had no reason to be so ashamed of my diagnosis but it was just the stereotype of "younger people can't have arthritis!".

What works for one person may not work for another so I don't believe there is any medication I can recommend. However, I will link some articles on pain management that may benefit you to read through.

Have you tried swimming? I know everyone suggests swimming but it is truly my saving grace, I've attached a couple of links on it below. Also, another thing that I've found works well for me is my Walking Pad - it's perfect for some low intensity exercise and I usually just chuck on a movie to watch whilst walking on it.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/december/top-tips-for-swimming-with-arthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/june/is-swimming-and-exercising-in-water-good-for-people-with-arthritis/

I truly hope things improve for you.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2024/february/living-with-arthritis-tips-for-coping-with-morning-pain-and-stiffness/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/your-experiences/your-questions-answered/your-questions-on-exercise-and-arthritis/