Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group

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.

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

Hello

Does the group have regularly scheduled Zoom meetings?

Jan S

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.

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??