Hello all,

I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for 26 years, since I was four. My RA was very aggressive since the beginning and caused a lot of irreversible damage in my joints (so I always recommend to go for aggressive treatment after diagnose). As a consequence I had both hips and both knees replaced some years ago (and I love them! They work great). Recently I had a femur fracture from which I’m recovering. I’ve never let RA stop me. I pursued a law career; I’ve enjoyed when I have the energy, while other times I’ve had to isolate myself because of pain or tiredness. But I always kept myself whole inside. RA is a huge part of my life but I always refused to let it define me.

My RA has given me a hard life but has also built my spirit up. I know this will sound a bit strange, but what I’ve learned because of it, I would never want to lose. If I met a fairy or a genius in a bottle who could grant me a wish, I would ask “make me healthy but don’t take away what arthritis has done to my soul”. I am very grateful with RA in many ways. I wouldn’t want to give away the perspective it has thought me. It’s priceless and fundamental to who I am.

Having said that, I still get angry and wonder “why me” every now and then. That is unavoidable. It sounds like I take things very well, but when I’m down I get really dark. I think you have to allow yourself to grieve occasionally. Just don’t stay in that place forever.

I have lots of experience that could be helpful to others. I’m here to help and to learn from you. There is nothing like meeting people going through what you are going. As considerate as people around you may be, there is a degree of understanding that can only be reached when you have lived something yourself. It is a great feeling to find people like that in places like this. We can ask and give advice or simply vent. You know you will be heard and understood. I’m here for all that.

Please contact me whenever you want to, and participate in the forums, it will feel great!

Cata