My Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Story
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2020
- This is my story of being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA. I was diagnosed this year and have only just started this journey. Everyone's journey with RA diagnoses is different, but I hope that my story will encourage someone else with this illness. My hope is to be helpful!
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~DISCLAIMER~ I am not a medical professional. This is my personal story and experience. This video is not giving medical advice. Please always discuss your health concerns with your doctor. This video is not sponsored, but the description does contain some affiliate links. This means I earn a small percentage if you purchase something through one of these links. There’s no pressure to purchase this way, but if you want to save a bit of money and help me out you can. 🥰
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I was diagnosed 4 years ago I’m 58 now my heart goes out to all you young people who have this terrible disease stay strong 💪 sending you all the biggest hug 🤗💛💛💛💛
Thank you 🤗😘
It's so frustrating when you feel like your body is betraying you. I thought I was just getting older. I felt so lazy. So tired. It took years for my diagnosis. So glad you got your answer. ❤️ Thanks for sharing.
I know those feels, 2 years late but... my family had zero understanding of my anxiety that came on suddenly when i lost my cousin and best friend at the tender age of 25, and zero understanding about my lack of energy. But now that i know it's RA they might get it idk.
Thank you for sharing this, I also have RA and it began when I was 21, I’m almost 24 now and still learning to accept and understand it. It’s really difficult, both physically and mentally, and I feel that nobody understands unless they have it. Watching your video has made me feel a bit better.
I have RA too diagnosed when I was 22 I'm now 25 would love to talk to you I need friends who can relate
u r not alone her nat ive diagnosed with AS i can relate to ur situation im 25 now been struggling with life would love to know more from you!
I got diagnosed at 20 and it is hard ! I struggle to style my hair . All the best guys and take it easy, we need to fight this !
I am 22 years now
@@louiseaori may the god be with you!!!
Your obvious strength will carry you through this! Chronic pain is NOT imagined.
I have a good friend who was diagnosed with RA around 25 years ago. He has been an inspiration to me, seeing him be a good husband, dad/grandpa, worker, and musician as he lives life to the full with the disease. He told me once that he wouldn't change what he's gone through because of all he's learned and how God has changed him through the struggle. I can see that same attitude in you. May God bless you and keep you in His perfect peace.
I would have to agree too!
I got diagnosed recently. First graves diseases 4 years ago and now RA and God has carried me through the struggle. I wouldnt change a thing. God Bless
Chronic illness is HARD. Biggest lesson I learned was not to fault myself when my body needed a rest day.
Courtney, my fiancé sat here next to me and kept saying “is she you?” I feel in my soul everything you said. I have RA and Fibro and unfortunately haven’t been in remission yet (diagnoses in 2016). But you are a light in my day and I so appreciate you. Thank you for sharing with the world. Thank you for being honest. Just thank you. ❤️❤️#rawarriors #autoimmunediseasestinks #spoonielife
I found out the end of last year that I too have RA and Fibro!
♣♣♣For 21 days, I will hold your hand and guide you through the right next steps to treat your arthritis. Every day, I give you baby steps to add to your overall strategy. It might be chopping a single item of food, adding a kind of vitamin, or doing a special three minute workout that I teach. By applying only small changes to your life, you will experience big changes in your pain and flexibility - sometimes, like me, day one - even moments. These steps are supported by precise teaching from Janerdquo as well as 47 scientific studies from around the world. So you can be sure this isn't bullshit. for more information click here: tinyurl.com/y3t83cje?ThUer1 > ♥♥♥♥
Remission comes out of no where and you forget you even have RA. My remission ended last week after 3 years with none to mild pain or some weird symptoms. This flare up sucks worst because I'm almost 40 now. It started at 26. Hang in there and listen to your Doc and old folks remedies! You don't know how tough you are and good luck!
Love your attitude and perspective! Thank you for sharing, being real and letting us be a part of this with you. Prayers and hugs!!!
Courtney thank you for talking about your story and experience with RA. I feel so encouraged that someone else knows , feels, and have gone through this struggle too. It’s such a comfort when other warriors share their struggles and journey. It encourages each of us to keep pushing forward and to know others are fighting with us. From one warrior battling RA to another you are awesome and more than a conqueror. Keep up the outstanding job!
Hugs to you Courtney! This is so tough. I am praying that you do find total healing!
I definitely needed to hear this today. In a place where I do feel like I need to do everything, and honestly I’m kind of failing. Thank you for the reminder of grace. But that’s not easy for me.
Thank you for sharing your story!! ❤️❤️❤️ I don’t have RA, but I have suffered from life altering symptoms for far to long just like you and have experienced what it’s like to finally have an answer and be one a path to healing and feeling better. I hope you are able to continue to feel better and figure life out with RA ❤️❤️ all the love!
Adding my support for you, Courtney. This video shows your grace and dignity in the face of a great hardship. I'll pray for improvement and remission of your RA. I wish you many blessings.
You're doing so great, Courtney! Thank you for sharing your journey so far. Learning where your limits are when you're newly diagnosed can be so hard, and it's really, a life long learning process. I'm still learning, over 5 years into severe chronic illness. It's especially hard to figure out when society ingrains in us that we ARE what we DO. Slowing down for your health takes guts, but you're doing so well in learning how to listen to your body. I hope you extend tons of grace to yourself as you continue to figure out new normals, and know that so so many people are supporting you and praying for you.
You explained this so well, weaving in emotion and encouragement. Thank you for being honest and putting your self out for this video! It’s so helpful 💕
It hurts my soul hearing how you felt so sick and kept pushing yourself, and even worse how you were beating yourself up mentally. I hope you continue to get well both physically and mentally❤️
Praying for you to stay strong and find healing. Hope you know that you are loved and your openness and honesty is appreciated. 💜💜
So glad you found an answer to what was breaking you down. Having that information will give you so much strength to fight through those really tough days. 💗
“You will not grow, if you do not have struggles”
Love that so much! ❤️ Thank you for sharing your story! I’ve struggled with chronic fatigue for so long, amongst many other things. I have been to so many doctors the last few years trying to figure out what’s going on. It gets so exhausting. Bless you in your recovering health journey 🙏🏻. I’m glad the medication and diet changes are helping you feel better! I’ve been wanting to do a diet change for my inflammation, glad to hear it has great benefits and helps! 🤗
Thanks for sharing Courtney! I also have an autoimmune arthritis and a go getter attitude. I was diagnosed when I was about 20 and have been living with it and managing it for about 7 years or so. It's always inspiring to hear other's stories, so I really appreciate you sharing yours! One of the biggest things that helps me is identifying what makes me happy. Could be as small as the smell of citrus or something like going for a hike. When I have those hard days where the pain is loud and moving is a chore, I try to refer to that list and do at least one thing on it. It helps lift my spirits when I feel defeated by my immune system.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You made me feel "normal" by listening to you. I have felt all your feeling and needed to hear this from someone else going through the same thing.
Same. Got a recommendation to see a rheumatologist early this year, didn’t go because of denial and the world falling apart. Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve honestly stopped watching a lot of videos about hair care, because it’s become too painful to fix my hair and it makes me sad. But this video..I clicked on instantly ❤️
My heart broke when you said you stopped cause of pain. I get it, I was injured in a car accident. I got off the opiates and switched to kratom for pain and it helped so much! Don't give up, hope is out there! Jesus brings me thru. He has changed everything for me. So when it's hardest, I do feel His strength pulling me up and thru. I'm praying you find the right answers!
Starting watching you for the curls, but I knew there was something kindred in you that I connected with. Now I know! Thanks for sharing, hope you're feeling well today! God bless you Courtney!
I’m so sorry for this diagnosis in your world....but your voice to others will not be wasted! Your drive for life may be less in physical output going forward, but how you are able to connect to people’s journey by just being who you are (and Whose you are!) will be immeasurable! You are radiant! Thank you for sharing!
I have been dealing with RA for several years and it is one of the things that led me to the Curly Girl Method and your videos. I could no longer use a round brush to blow dry my hair as it has greatly impacted my fingers. You do have to realize you have limits but sometimes you still push through to do the things you love. Find a balance. I too am finding great help from medication. I hope you continue to feel better and keep making such great videos
Thank you so much for sharing, I have been fighting doctors saying something is wrong since I was 16 and at 21 finally have an official RA diagnosis and they are starting to see how much pain I have been in. This was so encouraging and helpful seeing that other people have been diagnosed young because I felt like I was the only one!
❤️ you made a lady in pain cry and smile at the same time. Thanks for all the motivation. Hope you feel better soon.
Courtney, so sorry to hear what you’ve been going through & I bet it was very tough for you to share your story. After reading many of the comments I see that just like with your hair videos, you’ve helped people going through a similar difficult experience. I started watching you during Covid & have learned so much from you about my naturally curly/wavy fine, dense low porosity hair 😉 thx! I nominate you for an academy award because I’ve watched several of your videos and you’re always upbeat & positive so I was really surprised & saddened to hear about what you’ve been going through. I hope your physical effects continue to improve with the meds & that you are able to give yourself some slack mentally when you’re not having a great day because from the little slice of you I’ve seen, you are a strong, focused & funny person who will now be an inspiration to others with RA & other similar issues, and that should outweigh any negative thoughts about being lazy, not pushing hard enough, etc. 🙏🏼💪🏼🤞🏼
I’m so sorry you had to go through this but I’m glad you finally figured out what was going on.
I can totally relate to your story. I went through a similar ordeal before I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease 4 years ago. It’s hard to find a new, slower pace that allows your body space and time to heal. I pray that your RA does go into remission soon, and that you go many years before experiencing another flare. Thanks for sharing your story! God Bless!
Thank you so much Courtney! This was super helpful. Understanding what is going on, and having compassion for ourselves while building on what we already have and can do to cultivate our health & joy. And getting support & talking to other people who go through the same. I think that is key after such a diagnosis. Sending you lots of love ❤
Courtney you are amazing and it is incredible to think that you are not alone suffering this illness. I got diagnosed with RA 8 years ago and I felt the same way as you are feeling now. I found out when I was doing aerobics and the next day I couldn’t even walk my foot was hurting so bad and then the news that you have something that compromise your immune system it is crazy. Over the time and changing so many specialists I started with a treatment with leflunomide and I returned to my normal life. During this year because of the COVID my doctor suppressed my medication because I need my immune system now and good. I was crying again, I thought the symptoms will return but nothing yet. I stared to taking my vitamins D, Iron, Tumeric and Transfer Factor every day and I feel good. I started to workout again. Thank you for you video, it made me feel we are not alone.
I knew there was another reason I love your channel!!! I’ve been having an autoimmune flare for weeks now, and the fatigue/joint pain has been rough 😞 I kept thinking I was lazy too.
Thank you for sharing your story! You’re such an encouraging and inspirational person 😊
Praying for you! I have a similar story, and there are ups and downs. Keep going, give yourself grace (and rest). Thanks for sharing!
Really encouraging to hear your story Courtney. Have had a similar experience myself but with spondyloarthritis. I'm 29 and went through all the same thoughts that you had about making myself better and thinking they must've got it wrong. But very true that these experiences help us grow and it helps me remember that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weaknesses.
omg I love you! thank you for sharing your story. I was born with RA and I know exactly what you mean when you feel like you hit the wall and can't go any more. I race cars for a living in NASCAR and its so hard to slow down and give my body a break. listening to you tell your story today was so wonderful and inspiring!
I hate that you're going through this, but thank you for sharing your story! Give yourself the time you need, love yourself too ❤
Girl, I feel you. I was diagnosed with fibro when I was 18. Autoimmune disease is the worst but you are strong, you've got this!
You are a truly brave, and sweet person. I know exactly what you mean about pushing more and trying harder. It's tough to realize our own limitations. Please take good care of yourself! All the best to you and your family!
I've had this disease for 45 years and STILL push myself too hard, always. My husband is constantly having to remind me to rest.
I got my RA diagnosis yesterday, I'm still processing and your video has been such a comfort to me. Thank you!
I was diagnosed with RA when I was 19 and I'm turning 26 soon, it was a lot to take in and fathom in the beginning. Till this day I get a little overwhelmed by the thought but it definitely gets better with time you're a warrior you've got this❤❤
I don’t know you but I hope you’re all right, at this point. I’m sending you a gentle hug. 🫂
It gets better just make sure you are taking care of yourself. Sleep, exercise, eat a clean diet and try to manage stress so that you have less of it. I hope you are doing well🙏🏼
Bless you, totally understand being an over achiever myself. It's so hard to not do all the things! But these things are put in our path the grow & learn. You will come out of it stronger ❤🙏
Diagnosed with RA and Fibro last June and still figuring out meds - thank you for bringing attention to this!!
Wow!! Listening to your story sounds like everything I'm going through. Went to my physician last week and going for all my blood work next week. Thank you for sharing your story. Sending positive vibes your way. 🕉️🌻
I appreciate you so much and I love that you shared this with us!
“Do more.” Oh man. I can so relate. I was diagnosed with RA in fall of 2018. I was working a full time job plus contracting on the side and trying to balance life in general. Woke up in the middle of the night with crazy pain in my wrist, out of nowhere. Went to the doc and I was lucky enough to be diagnosed right off the bat after doing aaaaaall the bloodwork. I started on Methotrexate and boy howdy, that was rough. And even then, the pain and exhaustion continued. So we upped it. Then we upped it again. And I just started hydroxychloroquine in addition to the MTX. I have good days and bad. And I have had to learn to slow the eff down and take care of myself on the bad days. I had to get rid of the “do more” mindset (although that’s still a work in progress). There are days when I’m still pissed off that there are things I can’t do or am too exhausted to do. But I try to make the most of the good days. Thank you for sharing your story. It really does help to know that there are other folks out there that are going through the same thing as I am.
Roadback.org
Have you heard about Dr. Thomas Pherson Brown. He was a rheumatologist. Him and his friens discover that RA is a infectious desease. They found Mycoplasma in patient with RA and treated them with antibiotic called minocycline. It is a very cheap medecine compared to other drugs so it doesn't profit to big pharma. You could purchase his book : The Road Back
Push for dmards they make all the difference
Thanks for sharing your story. I have been living with rheumatoid arthritis for 17 years. You got this!
Thank you so much for sharing ❤ I have found it really helpful to listen to. My 15 yr old daughter is struggling with severe joint pain right now and has had the symptoms on going for a long time, we're waiting for an official diagnosis.
From the research I've done so far it is looking like she has RA however much I'm wanting to deny this.
Hearing your experience has given me hope and reassurance that everything will be okay. It is the hardest thing being a single parent and supporting my daughter through this without knowing anyone else who has been through it and fully understands.
I really appreciate your heartfelt sharing 🙏💖🩷💖🙏
Thank you so much for sharing this! I appreciate you being so honest and open about your struggles. That's exactly how I've felt for so long. I was in denial and kept trying to hold down a ranch by myself and take care of three young children as a single mom. I really thought if I just pushed myself, I could do all the things I NEEDED to do! Nope. I hit wall after wall til I couldn't try anymore, the pain and exhaustion was so severe. After going to doctors, a rheumatologist finally diagnosed me with severe fibromyalgia and migraines. I'm still trying to find the right balance of working on just what I absolutely have to, and taking my to-do list down a notch or 10! Lol. I can't tell you how hearing your story made me feel better, and helped me not feel so guilty about not being able to "LIVE UP TO" what I thought I had to do to be a successful mom, rancher with horses, cows, and a gammit of other creatures, including 5-6 dogs! I sold my ranch (sooooo hard to give up what I loved), moved to a smaller home, got rid of all but 2 beloved dogs and tried to give myself some grace. I cannot thank you enough for helping me not feel so alone!!!!! God bless you. ❤️
I have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 15 months old. I am 27 now. I'm currently having a horrible flare up again and go to the rheumatologist Monday. I cant wait to go and get help after not going for years. I am so glad your medicine is helping you!
You are an amazing young woman. Please allow that to sink in.😊 thank you for being real and having a servant's heart.🙏🌹
God bless you Courtney! You are so inspiring . Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us.
I’m so sorry to hear this hun! Gods with ya. He’s got you. Just let him take care of you.
Courtney, just come across your video. I have just been diagnosed. Well done you for being brave and talking about this openly! Good luck on your journey x
Courtney, I recently started the CG method, that's how I discovered you and how your RA video caught my attention. I'm so sorry for all that you have endured in the last year and completely understand the denial. My daughter, who is now 30, was diagnosed with Lupus when she was 18 and it started in her joints. It was horrible to see her in such agony. Being young, she was in extreme denial, to the point of being inconsistent with her meds and follow ups, which only ended in hospital admissions. Now, like you, she fully understands the value of eating properly, exercise and meds. You're doing the right things and as hard as it is, you do have to give yourself grace. After all, Who is in charge?? He gives us grace every day! Praying for you beautiful!
I can relate to some of your story having battled chronic fatigue syndrome many years. Thank you for sharing!
WOW just recently had a RA diagnosis and you summed up how I have been feeling for the last few years ... I thought it was due to depression but I’m beginning to realise that the physical symptoms may be causing the mental issues ... I cursed myself for feeling tired and not ticking off the ‘to do’ list, for not feeling strong enough to stack 100+ bales of hay. So thank you for making me understand I’m not weak, I’m me and RA is part of me x
You just shared my story, although it took me longer to get a diagnosis, acceptance and understanding. It’s been 23 years since the first symptoms began, but I’ve only been getting treatment for six years. Complications are now beginning, but I push on. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope you feel better soon.
Listen to your body!
So helpful Courtney!! I have RA and lupus as well. I’m telling you.. YEARS passed until I was officially diagnosed. I thought the exact same thing- I felt like I must have been lazy, etc. which made me feel so incredibly guilty when I couldn’t do all the things. I didn’t want my kids and family to think of me always having to rest or lay down, or “mom is hurting today”.
There is help! 🙏🏻 There is support and encouragement! And God is bigger. Even when we hurt , even when we have those days where just getting going is such a difficult task. God’s got you, sister!!! Thank you for being transparent and sharing part of your story.
@Kristin miller how are you today?
Lupus...i heard a chiropractor say his little sister had lupus and he always wanted to grow to be a doctor so he could heal her. He said they discovered the origins was from parasites. I've read of people with RA that have found relief by parasite cleanses and eliminating certain . foods.
Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve had fibromyalgia for nearly 20 years and in the beginning I was very much like you. I found Cognitive behavioural therapy incredibly helpful in changing my thought patterns and accepting how I now have to live my life. I hope with time you will find everything a little easier. Take care of yourself.xx
Many thanks for sharing your story and feelings. It is lucky that you could find it out and have the treatment early.
Your feelings about being lazy or crazy and that belief to just "keep trying harder" had me in tears - I have been battling with all these same struggles for 2 years, unable to function with the pain, the migraines, the numbness in my hands and honestly mental anguish! And every day - trying harder! I dont have the resources medically at this point to run all the testing etc, but your video made me feel so much less crazy, lazy and alone. Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you for sharing. It made sense to want to push through the pain since you had many goals and wanted to take care of your kid all at once. It is amazing to see how long you pushed through it up to the point of feeling broken. A good shout out to the benefit of self-care and being gentle with ourselves when we don't meet our own expectations.
Yes! I also run 30 min a day to "cope" with life's stressors and emotions. It has helped me a great deal, . However, we still also have to sit with our emotions and stressors, acknowledge them, and process them so that we make more mindful decisions!
Omg 😭 every bit of this, this is my story, I have said your words, I have felt your pain, not as a runner but as a dancer, I feel you have taken the words out of my heart and soul. And I have felt so alone, until now. I can’t stop crying in this moment. Thank you so much. I’m 33, diagnosed today with early RA. Unsure and scared of the next step. But so relieved in the exact way you were, that’s all I could say to the doctor “ I am relieved, thank you” I’m ready to move forward, but terrified what the next right step is... I am a stay at home mom raising two kids not in school yet, working full time, and running my business. I can’t express what your video did for me into words. But I’m so grateful you made this and shared this. My joints hurt and ache in this very moment and I have hope there will be days I will feel this pain no longer and I can breathe again. ❤️
I was diagnosed with RA in February after months of joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. While I knew right away that there was something wrong with my joints, I was in such denial about my fatigue that it was only once I found some relief with medication that I could begin to accept what I had been going through, and that it wasn't my fault. It's so hard to find personal stories from other young women, and yours really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing and best of luck in your journey!
How did you find this disease?
Yeah it kinda hit me when i was standing at my pinball table, i got this overwhelming fatigue. At first i thought it was just the roners from 3 months prior lingering but it never went away. I'll randomly feel the need to sit down and terribly drained. I have low blood sugar too so that might factor in idk.
thank you SO much for sharing! I've recently been diagnosed with RA. The fever I had while having COVID triggered the inflammation and now my joints and it's been so hard. suffering in silence is something I'm trying to unlearn so thank you for teaching by example! and i pray that you and me both go into remission!
I don’t have RA, but I do have chronic pain and have had it for 5 years now. This was so helpful in just the message(s) you said as I spread myself to thin either physically and or emotionally and it effects my entire body for days. Your so strong and keep on believing that as we all should believe that ourselves!
Love this. I too was really hard on myself about what was going on with my body. But since my diagnosis of arthritis I now understand better what's going on.
Thank you for sharing! I've been living with RA and sjogrens for almost 3 years now. I'm on methotrexate and Humira and I'm loving my new normal. It's still different than pre-diagnosis but different doesn't mean bad. Chronic illness is tough but it actually gives us so much in return. We learn so much about ourselves, patience, and the beauty of slowing down. I'm so glad you are talking to your doctor and doing what you need to live a fulfilling life. You got this! 💜💙
I loved the line beauty of slowing down...same happened to me....I used to be like rabbit,but now I'm doing all the things like tortoise...and yes I'm enjoying that slowness....I'm an RA warrior too...
I love how you speak of GRACE in a number of the videos you have posted! (And I love your shirt!) ❤️🙏🏻❤️ I have horses (and RA and migraines) and I can tell you that you CAN learn to manage it. Through the grace of God and the help of you friends and family!!
Thank you for sharing your story. You have summarized the last 3 months of my life, minus the marathons. 😊. I'm headed into the journey with my doctors tomorrow.
I just wanna give you a big ol hug. I have a friend with RA and it was a long road to diagnosis for her. I hope your treatment course works for you!!
Thank you for sharing! I had ra for a year now, it's tough and I get tired alot but I give my self breaks. God bless you & your struggle we all will get through this together!
My struggle has been 15 yrs so far after 2 car accidents I now have chronic migraines, fibro, chronic fatigue and chronic insomnia with pain in my back mostly. I too still struggle with the mindset of feeling lazy and how others see me and you are right. We need to give ourselves and others grace. Everyone’s battle is different but very real. I’m glad you were able to get a diagnosis so quickly. Usually it takes months to years for some people. Then there’s medication tolerance issues. It’s been a LONG road but God is faithful and I trust him one day at a time. Thanks for putting yourself out there. God bless you and your family. ❤️
Came across your video - also diagnosed with RA during the pandemic along with other autoiumme diseases. Also still learning how to navigate and how much to push myself! It's difficult, but also fortunate that you got your diagnosis right away. It permeates every part of life now! So much so, that my channel is more about this than what it used to be. Hope you can find your balance in this!
Thanks for sharing!
After years of things getting worse and worse for me I went into spontaneous remission. Who knows how long it will last but im thankful for the chance to try and get stronger again in case i have a bad flare up.
You are my spirit animal! After 15 specialists in two years, we are narrowing in on seronegative RA. Like you, I do “all the things”… until I physically can’t anymore. It was hard enough to go to the doctor and even harder when they can’t easily see the issue. (My bloodwork shows low muscle enzymes and muscle inflammation, but no RA antibodies.)
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope that others watching or reading know that it is ok to move slower and take more breaks while doing all the things. Be kind to yourself and trust your instinct over your brain.
Thank you so much for your video. I am in my 50s and was diagnosed with RA this summer. I have been a runner since I was 18. I've run marathons, biked, hiked; anything that was outside and physically active was so importan to me. It helped with stress and I loved it. I was having a lot of faigue and joint, muscle pain over the summer. I have an appointment wih a rheumatologist in February. When you said I had a hard time just doing normal chores it really spoke to me. I am a teacher and am on my Christmas break. I'm trying to rest but it isn't helping. I hope someday that I will be able to, at least walk w/o hurting so much the next day. I will be following your channel jus because what you said makes so much says. Also, I can use all he hair tips you've got. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I don't have RA, but I have 2 other autoimmune diseases, and I feel this so much. The "just push through" has been my life, until January when things got so bad I could have died. It was a huge wake up call to taking care of myself. Thank you for sharing your story! I know it's not easy. Keep taking care of yourself!
Found out I have RA today… This is on top of having Addison’s Disease and hypothyroidism… Thank you for your video… it has helped my spirits today as I was overwhelmed earlier.
please tell me can ra patient live a normal life with medicine... I'm just 22 & unemployed.. I can't understand what to do
@@sagarsingharoy1311 talk to your doctor about treatment options to manage your pain ! )Gabapentin, anti inflammatories, infliximab treatments) 💚 it never goes away but you can manage it and enjoy your life again 💕
Im going to find out if I have RA on 8/20/21. I was dx with 3C Ovarian Cancer back in 2012 so I know what you're going thru.
I am 27 and waiting for a diagnosis of mnd or als. I have all theses syptoms and left sided sensational and breathing loss with drop foot on the left.
It all started with helibactor virus.
I lay backwards and get shortness of breath and tingling up my neck and stuff.
I listen to other people's systems awaiting my diagnosis but I know what is happening to me.
I just pray that I have a peaceful death and it just scars me to not know what happens after death.
❤
@Sarah Madden Have you tried any homeopathic treatments?
Thank you for sharing your journey of RA, be encouraged that you are not alone! 😊
Thank you so much! I am amazed and thankful by the community here!
Oh my godness, this is how I felt all this time before I went to the rheumatology. It' amazing, thank you, you motivated me again💚.
Thank You Courtney for the sincere presentation of your journey. You are an amazing woman.and with your spirit of commitment to win the battle and with all the new high tech medicines and treatments to come, your outcome and prognosis is looking better each and every day.
Thank you! I truly appreciate this! And yes, I am thankful for the advancements that are being made!
Just watching this for the first time. I was diagnosed with MS in Feb. of 2019. So much of what you said has been identical to my own experience. Learning to accept my limitations and giving myself grace has been probably the biggest help. And do research the “spoon theory.” It’s what made it click for my husband and kids. Sometimes, I’m just out of spoons! Thanks for sharing your story and being so honest and encouraging.
I'm in the process of figuring out exactly what sort of chronic illness I have (i'm like 95% sure it's RA just haven't had the test confirm it yet) and I can SO relate to this. Helps to hear I'm not alone. Thanks for sharing
Thank you for posting this! I also have an autoimmune disease and struggle with pushing myself too hard and trying to keep up with what I think I should be able to do.
I also have RA. I was diagnosed 10 years ago at the age of 23. I am now 33 and it’s been a very difficult journey physically and mentally. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. 10 years after my diagnosis my RA has worsened a lot more, my fingers have started to deform, my feet have swelled three times the size, and my pain and exhaustion have gotten a lot worse. I am now put on a new medication added to the others I am on. I hope to get back to my old self soon. Thank you so much for this video and bringing light to the disease ❤️
Thank you for sharing. I also have RA and fibromyalgia and it is actually the way you described it.
I am grateful for my chronic pain too. I see it that God is teaching me when to slow down and take care of myself. This is not an easy thing for me but I'm learning. You don't need to be superhuman. Thank you for your positivity and warm spirit.
I love this sharing. I got diagnosed 11 years ago on my 30th birthday. I can relate to your struggles about not being able to do all the things in my checklist. There was a time that I couldn’t comb my hair and button my shirt due to the pain. I am on medication now but sometimes I forget and try to push myself again because there’s so much to do! So much to accomplish! But when I get a flare after pushing myself too hard, I am reminded to take a backseat. 3 years ago, I had a stroke, 3 months after my son was born. At that time, I admit I wasn’t being kind to my body and so it took a toll on me. This is my 2nd life now and hopefully I won’t “forget” to give myself a break. Especially now that I have a son to raise. Your story is very inspiring. It reminded me that it’s ok to have this disease and focus my energy on having a positive outlook in life. There are so many to be happy for. Hopefully, others who are struggling with the same or similar issues can get a little bit of sunshine watching this video to help them keep moving forward in the challenges they are facing. It definitely made mine so much brighter! :) Thank you Courtney!
I understand ! I have fibromyalgia and went thru tests after tests........I thought I was going crazy........then denial set in. Now acceptance. I finally learned how to say "no" I always would push myself thinking I was so strong, and eventually would crash. Learned some hard lessons and a new way of living ! Keep on track, make the changes you need and you will find a renewed love of life again!
I love that you made this video I have sjogrens since I was 4 and lupus diagnosis at 21 and it has been such a struggle
OMG Courtney, I'm literally crying. This video so resonate with me. I don't have RA, but I suffer from anxiety and panic disorder that trigger the IBS and insomnia. I tend to ignore this and just push myself to get through this and go further. I never allow myself just to be ill, just to experience that panic attack, just to sit with that anxiety. I just ignore it and pretend I'm totally fine. But I'm not and thank you so much for this video because it made me realise this.
@@richardgranton8070 wtf?
Welcome to the RA/chronically ill family! I was diagnosed with RA last year the week before thanksgiving. The fevers were my biggest clue that something wasn’t right since my body temp is normally in the 96-97 range. I also felt like the rheumatologist was going to see my age and kick me out of the office (I was 24 when I got diagnosed) but he was really awesome and listened and ordered so much bloodwork. I was definitely in denial about having RA until I noticed the meds were working and my husband could squeeze my hand without my knuckles feeling like they were getting crushed. On my bad days the saying “broken crayons still color” really helps me get through to the next day. I also have a really great therapist that helps me manage the mental aspect of chronic pain and illness. Thank you for sharing your story, hang in there ❤️
I love the quote you shared.
That's was my first symptom... fevers 😔
Hi Courtney, thank you for sharing your story. I have most of the same symptoms, and I'm driven like you are, plus we have a history of autoimmune diseases in my family. I have Hashimoto's disease, my sister has psoriatic arthritis, and others have asthma and eczema. I'm much older than you, a strong and energetic 59, and I don't have the fever, but I have migraines if I push myself too hard and my feet hurt every day. I've discussed concerns with my doctor and will continue to monitor my health. Thank you for all your videos, you have a gift for teaching! I am in my first month of CGM and my 5th month since my last dye, letting my grays grow in and embracing that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Prayers for your health and that you will continue to be encouraged through Him and His great love. Peace! ❤ ✝️
Girl! Thank you for this! I also have RA, and feel this so much! Hugs❤❤
I had a similar situation... Only mine was undiagnosed diabetes. But I only found out after massive struggles with feeling sick after every meal and not being able to lose weight even with excessive exercise and clean eating and then experiencing fatigue (I was napping at 9am until noon). Medication and trusting yourself to pursue answers is not weakness. I've had to take the lead on a few things because I know my body better than my doctor.
You can do this, Courtney! I love hearing how you are still being thankful in a difficult situation... God is good!
Thank you for sharing Courtney!! I am also very stubborn and have been putting off going to the doctor to ask about my joint pains. I told myself 2020 would be the year to finally do that and well.... that hasn’t happened yet. But I will make it happen!
I can relate so much to your story. I too was a horse girl always push myself to the max could accomplish anything. And all of a sudden I’m couldn’t pretend to be ok anymore. I was diagnosed with RA yesterday. I’m happy and somewhat relieved to finally know what it is. I told myself the same thing, I must be lazy or crazy. So I can relate sister. Cheers to us and figuring all this out.
I really needed your vise words now, thank you ❤
Thank you for sharing your story! I suspect I have some sort of autoimmune issue going on. My sister was diagnosed a while back. I, too, have been putting off going to the doctor but my symptoms are getting worse. You've given me the push I needed!
I am a GP and I work with RA patients and I study Functional Medicine. Your story is a good reminder to me: The Diagnostics is the first step and then working towards health every means necessary: medicines and diet and everything combined. Ask your Rheumatologist for other treatments to have remission as soon as possible to avoid permanent loss of joint function. My thoughts and best wishes are with you.
Stumbled upon this video when doing a TH-cam deep dive regarding RA today. (I was so shocked to recognize you.) I’m so sorry you have this diagnosis, it’s such a difficult thing to wrap ones head around. I’ve had it for five years. It’s been quite a journey. I’m hoping yours is under control. The Arthritis Foundation is an excellent resource.
Im having finger joint pain and stiffness during morning wake up in my 5th month of pregnancy.... now i lost my pregnancy 25 days ago. bt i am having the pain and stiffness.. is this arthritis????
@@saranyaanju6240 I am Sorry to hear that
Thank you for sharing your story. You are so brave for sharing because it sounds so similar to mine. We are not alone even when we truly feel like it.