New to site | Arthritis Information

I am new to this site. I am 23 yrs old and was diagnosed in June 2006 with RA. I currently am taking Methotrexate. I think it has helped to a certain extent but from what I understand you have to go up the med ladder?

I am hoping to meet some other people my age with RA.

They're here, MB, but I don't know how often they post. We've had 10 or more people come through since March. You're definitely not the only person with RA at an early age.

I can tell you there are a few forums out there specifically for younger RA sufferers. Advice, anyone?

MB~I was exactly your age when I first found out I had RA. I'm now 35 but you'll find plenty of support here from a varity of folks.

The majority of the older folks we have here have suffered with RA for years and years. Their the ones that have the most valuable advice since they have lived with this the longest.

We have lots of members in their 20ties here and I think you'll find that you have lots in common with all of us.....regardless of age.

Welcome to AI.

Hi MB,

I'm 24 and also seem to have develoed RA this year (although I'm still awaiting an official diagnosis). You do find that people perceive RA to be an "old" people's disease, and I forone am increasingly surprised at how many people of our age are sufferers.

It's a scary thing to contemplate but at least we are at the best age to fight these things.

Hope you can get onto the meds that work for you, let us know how you get on.

I was 25 when I got my offical DX. But I was 21 and came down with RA my junior year at college. They don't call me the Queen of Denial for nothing I developed what was called palindromic arthritis at 27 which seemed to take forever to diagnose because I wouldn't be swollen on the days of my dr's appts. I had classic RA symptoms like morning stiffness, swollen joints, Ryanaud's syndrome. I went through a few NSAIDs but was not put on any DMARDS until I was finally diagnosed with RA about 8 years ago (I am now 41) after the birth of my children. I was on methotrexate and plaquenil (and of course Vioxx since it was introduced) up until this year when it was no longer working so now I am on Enbrel.

Oddly enough, my palindromic symptoms were greatly alleviated when I had the first of two Morton's neuromas removed (these are benign tumors on the bottom of the feet). They found synovial fluid all in it. I think that perhaps the neuroma triggered a predisposition to RA (which my Grandmother had). Anyone have something like that happen?

MB,

You are in the right place regardless of the age..... We all have experiences, suggestions, shoulders, ears, and support for every discussion or need. No matter what your needs are you have come to the right place of "unconditional love and understanding" !!!!!