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Im 27years old, diagnosed with RA. Im scared because this is incurable and can demobolize me at some point. It has only been a day since my diagnosis. I have joint pain in my hip, shoulders, wrists, ankles, and knees. I saw my primary doctor and a blood test was taken along with x-rays. From the blood test I was told that I have RA. (Is this possible at my age?) My grandmother has RA and I was told that is a possible reason why I now have it. My major concern is having to have to take medication for the duration of my life.
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CNorman,
It is possible to be diagnosed with RA in your late 20s. According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), "RA is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting more than 1.3 million Americans. Of these, about 75 percent are women. In fact, 1–3% of women may develop rheumatoid arthritis is their lifetime." RA most often begins between ages 30-55, but "RA can develop at any age.".
Genetic factors play a major role in RA, and if you have been diagnosed with RA from a blood test (the rheumatoid factor, I assume?), along with your symptoms, then you can learn all you can about RA and how to prevent complications from this condition. I'm sure this is difficult, as it has been just one day since your diagnosis! I'm sorry you have to deal with this, but hopefully we can help.
- EmpowHer Encylopedia: Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are many medications that can help with your symptoms, and other factors that can help include eating well, reducing stress and exercise (the very same things that help every medical condition, it seems!). You can read more about the impact of exercise on RA at: EmpowHer News (2009): Exercise Helps RA Patients.
Another women wrote about seeking support for RA, and you can read her story and the responses here: EmpowHer Community: Support for Joint Disease (RA).
Susan J, an EmpowHer member, is also a young women who has RA, and has shared her story in video clips:
- Susan: Shares her motivation to tell about her RA
- Susan: Shares how advocating herself helped her arthritis
- Susan: Shares if befriending women with arthritis is helpful
- Susan: Shares the severity of her RA symptoms
Another EmpowHer member responded to a post about RA, and mentioned that she has written a cookbook specifically for women living with RA, as she has had this condition for 25 years: RA, Part 1. (Scroll down to responses, to find melindawinner).
Lastly, here is EmpowHer's News page regarding RA: EmpowHer News: Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Please let us know if you have any specific questions regarding your treatment options that you would like us to research for you, and please keep us updated on your condition, and if you found any of the above links helpful!
December 3, 2009 - 2:43pmThis Comment