Struggling to deal with Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis at 30/Swimming

Hi,

I've just turned 30 and was diagnosed with seronegative RA in August after a lot of back and forth with various professionals. Initially it was thought to be reactive arthritis but when there was no change after 5 months, a consultant confirmed RA.

I first experienced pain at the beginning of March which started in my knees and within about 48 hours had spread to my fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders and ankles. It literally happened overnight and has been a very draining and difficult process ever since. At the start I was put on Prednisolone for about 35 days, followed by a steroid injection but for the past few months have been taking Sulfasalazine, Hydroxychloroquine and Etoricoxib. Unfortunately I have quite bad reflux and nausea from the meds, so I also take omeprazole alongside the others.

I am finding it increasingly difficult to deal with and just feel at a loss. I find myself getting so overwhelmed with anger and frustration when I can't do things or when I have to rely on others to do simple tasks for me, like opening a bottle or a jar. I understand that it is a process and is somewhat like grieving but every time I feel like I'm reaching some level of acceptance, I have a bad day which just sets me back.

The pain in my hands and wrists is probably the worst and is so exhausting. Pre the onset of symptoms, I was pretty active, swimming 4-5 times a week, walking 3-5 times a week and doing yoga each evening. I am a strong swimmer and loved this as a way to keep active and clear my head after work as my job can be hard and emotionally draining. When the symptoms started, I didn't go in the pool for 6 months as I knew I would not be able to do what I had done previously and on top of everything else, this was something I was just not ready to deal with. I recently went back and it was an odd combination of feeling so happy and calm but I also burst into tears about half way through my set. I had not considered that the pain in my hands would have such an impact when swimming. I wonder if there are any others here who swim and have found anything that can support the hands/fingers whilst swimming?

My apologies for the long post. I think I am just finding it tough. Don't get me wrong, I have good days but sometimes I just feel very alone with this.