Welcome to the
Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group
,
99 Members
This online group serves the members of our arthritis community who are living with rheumatoid arthritis from across the country. We invite those who are looking for support, education, robust programming, expert speakers, and connection to join us and meet others who understand.
Live Yes! Connect Groups offer connections, education, and empowerment. Adults living with arthritis from across the country come together online for professional- and volunteer-led sessions on topics, as well as fun group activities.
We offer a place of understanding and encouragement for both people living with arthritis and their loved ones. Group participants become self-advocates, develop self-management skills, and learn how to not just survive life with arthritis but to thrive.
Upcoming Events
-
Sunday February 12th 20234:00 PM ET1h
-
Virtual Event
- 55 people attending
Join us for our first meeting!! Let’s get together to meet each other, learn about Arthritis Foundation Resources and discuss future meetings/topics. Friends, Family, and Care Partners are always welcome to join meetings. We respect privacy and confidentiality and do not record our online meetings. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link to participate via video or phone. Being on video is not required nor having a Zoom account. A confirmation email will be sent upon registration. The Zoom link will be sent the day of the event to those who RSVP. If you do not receive the link, please check your spam folder. If you need additional login information, please visit the group’s discussion tab the day of the event. Log in a few minutes before 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern. Can't wait to meet everyone.!
- Event List
-
Sunday February 12th 20234:00 PM ET1h
-
Virtual Event
- 55 people attending
Join us for our first meeting!! Let’s get together to meet each other, learn about Arthritis Foundation Resources and discuss future meetings/topics. Friends, Family, and Care Partners are always welcome to join meetings. We respect privacy and confidentiality and do not record our online meetings. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link to participate via video or phone. Being on video is not required nor having a Zoom account. A confirmation email will be sent upon registration. The Zoom link will be sent the day of the event to those who RSVP. If you do not receive the link, please check your spam folder. If you need additional login information, please visit the group’s discussion tab the day of the event. Log in a few minutes before 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern. Can't wait to meet everyone.!
Facilitators [3]
Members [99]
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Connect Group - National - Rheumatoid Arthritis
Comment
Comments [8]
Do you want to connect with others between meetings?
Visit the Online Community at https://liveyes.arthritis.org and find the Rheumatoid Arthritis Discussion
Hello im Zoyi im 41, from Queens NY. I got diagnosed on 2004 but they also said i had lupus, i came to NY and met with Bruce Solitar reumatologist and he diagnosed me with RA only. After that i started with methotrexate, i was on that for 3 years and did very bad, i was bald and having a lot of side effects, when they switch me from pill to injection i couldnt take the pain of the injection, that yellow liquid burned me, sting me, it depressed me so bad i told my doctor i wont take it. So they started me with biologics and thats when i started to feel better i started with orencia injections, those injections wasnt that bad. After that it stopped working they put me on Actemra infusion and when Covid hit they didnt want t give me the infusion so they changed me to actemra injection once a week and i got even better. My Dr. Is Abramova now. My hands hurt a lot, my wrist, my knees and im depress taking venlafaxine and bupropion. My doctors changed all the medications that made me gain weight. The only one im in that gain weights is the birth control, i dont like children. I lost 17 pounds because of that and i have hypothyroidism and sleep apnea. Im very happy to be here surrounded with people like me that understand me.
Hi Zoraya, I'm glad you found us! Check out the Arthritis Foundation - there is a lot of good information and places to connect on the site.
Lisa
Howdy folks! Happy New year! I recently joined the group in late 2022. I was diagnosed with JRA at age 3 and have grown into an adult living with RA. I have had multiple joints replacement and orthopedic surgeries. I work fulltime alongside 2 of best Rheumatology physicians ever (well in my opinion at least)!
I am looking forward to "meeting" everyone virtually in February!
The hot topics on my list are biosimilars and why is my insurance company making the change? It's so frustrating as a patient as well as a healthcare provider. Also, how do you manage morning stiffness!? My hands seem to be most affected during the winter months. They're sore and puffy first thing in the morning. It takes a good 30 minutes before they're not so sore for me to start using them to get myself ready for work, or drink my coffee.
I hope everyone is making it thru the winter weather! Painfree HUGS!
Hi everyone! Please join us for our first meeting on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 4 pm ET/3 pm CT/2 pm MT/1 pm PT. We will be getting to know each other and about what to expect from this group. Please bring ideas for topics you would like to discuss as we are starting to plan our guest speakers for the year. We are so excited to start this unique group! Can't wait to virtually see you in February!
Thank,
Michelle, Lisa and Sadie
Facilitators, Rheumatoid Arthritis National Group
Hello, out there! I am newly diagnosed and just found this website. I would love to learn and grow from hearing your experience. I am glad this is an online community because transportation is a real problem for me. I too, would like to know if there are any group zoom meetings. All this is very new to me. I am starting treatment on Cimzia tomorrow. A little nervous. But I'm sure all will be well.
thanks,
Kathy R
Hi Kathy,
Being newly diagnosed can be scary, but there is lots of good information available. I just posted the first notice for the first meeting on 2/12/23 and I hope you can make it!
Hello
Does the group have regularly scheduled Zoom meetings?
Jan S
Hi Jan,
I just posted a meeting notice on RA page. Meetings will be at least once a quarter
Lisa
My RA treatment makes me more vulnerable during the pandemic and I have been more isolated than I am used to. I am looking for other people who are facing the same situation.
Paulie,
I just posted a notice for our first meeting which will be held on 2/12 @ 4PM ET
Hi Paulie,
I tried to respond before, but my response didn't seem to go through. I know the isolation can be tough and I look forward getting to meet you soon!
Lisa
I am dealing with Arthritis and I have so much pain and inflammation. Are there any kind of medical suggestions for this. I have been to thr Arthritis Clinic several times and they only want to give you antidepressants. I don't want to sleep, I want to stay active and alert. Any suggestions??
Hi Sulayman,
Just be carefu wit tumeric as it is a blood thinner. I just learned that
Lisa
Thank you for posting on our group’s wall. If you have not yet done so, talk to your rheumatologist and share your goals and objectives this will aid your provider in formulating your treatment plan. Most patients living with rheumatoid arthritis take a combination of medications and integrate healthy life styles (physical activity, limiting inflammatory foods, drinking sufficient water, getting adequate sleep, etc.) to help ease inflammation and pain. If you’re not satisfied with your current provider, you may want to seek out a new provider. Our Helpline can help guide you to resources 800.283.7800. Also, while tumeric can help some people, it is also a blood thinner, so you need to be careful.
Lisa Reinstein. Facilitator
[email protected]
703-473-3966
Turmeric can help some for pain. Doesn't solve everything. I use it often. I agree they always willing to put us on something that causes up to be a zombie lol