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I'm new. I'm 16 and I just got diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Rheumatologist said there's a small chance it's JRA, but me being so close to turning 17, it's most likely adult RA. My mom has Ankylosing Spondylitis. I've been having strange come and go pains in my ankles and knees and back pretty much my whole life. After my mom got diagnosed, we went to her rheumatologist for blood tests,(ouch!) X-rays and ultrasounds.(those were mighty weird to get) I eventually got diagnosed. The X-rays showed my neck is straight (supposed to be curved), almost bending the wrong way. I've been taking Medrol, Naproxen and Flexeril the past couple days. Any tips on helping with pain? GTG.just wanna say welcome to this "place" (thats what ppl do when somebody new comes)

if your rheumatologist is convinced it is RA, he should very shortly put you on stronger medication - such as methotrexate and Enbrel or one of the other drugs in its class. Good luck to you.Rest is very important with arthritis.  The joints are more sensitive and need to rest more.  There are many meds nowadays to treat arthritis, but not much for pain.  Heat and ice both work well.  I always say that the temperature outside controls what I use on my sore joints on the inside.  Flax oil or seeds are rich in fatty acids that help strengthen your body, to fight arthritis.  I have found it helps alot.  Makes your skin super soft too!  Stretch also, it helps your body relax and the joints move better.  You can live a normal life...you just have to put up with the pain to a certain extent.... Heya! Im 16 with severe JRA in all my joints, i have had it since i was 14. I used to get agonizing aches in my shoulder, the best solution was to take codeine and have a shower, hot water helps. Just remember that once your docs sort out the right meds for you its so much better!
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