30yr old recently diagnosed with RA

KG6

Hi all,

I’m Katie and was diagnosed with RA about 9 months ago it has recently got quite aggressive and they are going to start me on biologics.
as well as going back on steroids.

it has been quite draining and at times struggling with my mood, which is normally when I feel like I can’t do much for myself.

has anyone started on biologics? What was your experience?

And if anyone has any helpful tips for coping and getting through it would be much appreciated :) The only thing that’s been helping distract me at times is a new love of reading fantasy books - haha.

there doesn’t seem to be many young people where I live with a diagnosis of RA and a lot of my friends don’t really understand. So any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Poppyjane

Hello @KG6 welcome to the online community

We do have a Young People's community which deals mostly with school age children and there are numbers of young adults who are sharing their tips and experiences on how they cope and get through with their daily lives. So we are glad you have found us and we hope that you will gain the support you seek from online friends.

When we are newly diagnosed we all find it difficult to cope with on so many different levels, so be patient with yourself and those around you, you are all on a new learning curve!.

I attach some links which I hope you will find helpful.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/november/ask-the-expert-newly-diagnosed-with-arthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/august/the-boom-and-bust-cycle-and-fatigue-your-questions-answered/

I am pleased to hear you have found a new love of reading, it is my "go to activity" when I have to pause and rest.

I also attach a link to a drugs information page since you did not mention which specific biologic and steroid have been suggested for your treatment

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/

Do join us again soon when you have had a chance to look at some of the above information, no doubt with more questions! If you want to speak to someone the Helpline number is at the end of the email.

Take care

Poppyjane

olivia_b

Hey @KG6,

I am really sorry to hear you're going through a tough time but I just wanted to pop on here and let you know you're not alone. I was 18 when I was diagnosed and I'm 20 now, although a few years difference, I really do understand the feeling of being alone as a young adult with RA.

Though there aren't many of us, we are here and you truly aren't alone, it is a struggle but you are understood by so many who are going through the same as you.

When I was first diagnosed I was on two DMARDs which didn't work for me and my condition became more aggressive so I was moved onto biologics. I am on a biologic called etanercept which is a weaker treatment due to the toll my immune system took in the first year. Since being on a biologic, I have felt a massive difference and compared to when I was untreated, although there are the harder days, compared to two years ago my health has progressed a lot.

My biggest piece of advice when starting a biologic is trust the process, I was very stubborn and wanted results immediately and unfortunately it doesn't work like that (although that would be amazing haha) and I would get very down and feel as if there was no hope for the future. If I could go back to this time last year and tell myself that it really does get better, I would. Overall, biologics for me were life changing and I have heard the same from many people so don't lose hope, there will be a treatment plan that works for you, sometimes it just takes some time to find.

It is very much a mental journey as well as a physical one and that won't change over night but it really does get easier as time goes on and you adapt to life with RA and on treatment.

I hope this has helped and again I am sorry you're having a tough time, we're always here for you whenever so please don't hesitate to post again.

Wishing you all the best,
Olivia