22 years old and painfully arthritic

nmistry11 · 3. Sep 2023, 18:23

Hi all!

I was diagnosed with RA about 2.5 years ago whilst at university and have been up and down with pain and medication since. I’m now being tested for SLE too and am currently off all medication while awaiting an MRI scan (and very immobile).

I’d like to know any tips and tricks people have for when their inflammation is particularly bad as codeine has been my doctor’s solution and I’m not too keen.

Also, I was heavily into bodybuilding style training before my diagnosis and have had to put all gym on hold since. This has affected my mental health MASSIVELY and I’m still recovering from the impact it’s had on my life.

Would love to hear from anyone who can relate!

Thanks,

Neisha

Louisa77 · 3. Sep 2023, 18:45

Hi @nmistry11

Welcome to the online community, sorry to hear of your experience it sounds very challenging especially having to put your training on hold.

I hope you don't have to wait too long for your scan so you can get back on the right meds and get life back on track.

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

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/may/ask-the-expert-learn-more-lupus/

Take a look in our discussion area Young people's community — Versus Arthritis as there are others your age with RA.

Best wishes

Louisa (moderator)

frogmorton · 5. Sep 2023, 09:44

Hi @nmistry11

So sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the fact you're off meds atm. I can imagine you are struggling so much. They not offered you steroids as a temporary medication? When I am in trouble I usually try something cool on my joints (sometimes heat works too mostly cool). Always do range of movement exercises daily and rest if my body needs to too.

Our mental health can be totally understandably affected with a chronic condition like this.

Don't know if this is any help?

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2023/january/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health-when-you-have-arthritis/

I did a quick search and found these recent younger joiners don't know if you or they can relate to each other?

@lukej

@Megsalvio

@Shelbiemae19

Take care

Toni x

nmistry11 · 13. Sep 2023, 14:25

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/712068#Comment_712068

Hi @frogmorton ,

Thank you for your response! They did initially put me on temporary steroids but since I was waiting for my scan, I wasn't allowed any medication that could interfere with the MRI results. My rheumatologist is away for a few weeks and our next appointment is on 29th Sept so I am just patiently waiting now. Hopefully I will be prescribed some proper medication (either hydroxychloroquine or methotrexate) on the 29th!

I appreciate you reaching out. I will give the article a read while I'm waiting for things to improve.

Best wishes,

Neisha

22 years old and painfully arthritic

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