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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Vero Beach, FL

I have been affected by RA in my entire body not just hand and fingers, my lungs are even affected, just wondered why they call it hand/finger RA?

December 20, 2014
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Answer Summary

Members connected over confusion about the term 'hand/finger RA' when most experience it throughout their entire bodies, including organs like... Read more

Members connected over confusion about the term 'hand/finger RA' when most experience it throughout their entire bodies, including organs like the lungs, heart, and eyes. Several members explained that many selected 'hand/finger RA' simply because that's where their symptoms began, not where they ended, with the disease progressively spreading to larger joints, internal organs, and causing complications like lung nodules, pneumonia, and breathing difficulties requiring oxygen therapy. A recurring theme was the profound relief and comfort members felt in discovering this community, where others truly understand the systemic nature of their disease and the loneliness of living with pain that few outside the group can comprehend.

A myRAteam Member

It seems most of us are in the same boat although i dont wish this on my worst enemy i am happy to have found this sight as i dont feel so alone anymore. We need to support each other and i thank anyone who reads my post and also who comment thanks everyone for advice support etc..

January 13, 2015
A myRAteam Member

RA is a systemic autoimmune disease. Not sure why they would categorize people by where the disease started. That seems like a disservice. I'm 10 years in and RA has effected about every joint in my body as well as my lungs, heart, eyes, and nervous system.

January 3, 2015
A myRAteam Member

My understanding from my Doc is that is starts in the hands,wrist,feet and ankles and then progresses on a walk about to the rest of your body.

October 21, 2015
A myRAteam Member

I have pain in ankles, feet, wrists, hands, neck, shoulders, head, forehead, arms, elbows, and back

December 31, 2014
A myRAteam Member

Yes, I was wondering this as well. I thought once you've got it, it starts popping up pretty much all over, right?

December 28, 2014

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