Hi Alexis! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this at 18! Like you, I'm newly diagnosed so I don't have much wisdom to share yet, but since I'm afraid of taking prednisone, my cousin (who is also 18 and was diagnosed with RA when she was just 3!) suggested I ask my rheumy for Mobic/meloxicam. I just tried it for the first time yesterday and it helped my hands and feet a LOT for several hours.

Hi,
I have been in your place my JRA came out of remission when I was 17, I was totally independent high school girl with car, part time job and very active. Who to went being picked out of bed n carried by my parents each morning n placed n hot baths to limber up. So I totally understand your depression. I took two weeks to turn this around and I was scared and wasn't sure at the time if this was how it would be, but with meds, physical therapy (their awesome hot baths and paraphin hand wraps, they did turn around!)
As the other said get into the RA as soon can, hopefully you are going on 9/25. If it's not till October call n ask to be add to the cancellation list so you can be seen as soon as you can. They will keep the one you have n get you in sooner that way. When you do see them for short term relief, they can get you on a steroid or something for the immediate help of removing stiffness / swelling, and then they will get you on a long term medicine, like methotrexate, Enbrel, humerus, etc... these will take a bit to build up in system.
For now do try to get into a hot tub, warm water pool, sauna, etc, and move the joints. Even it a little each time you go it will help. I know moving right now sounds like the worst thing in the world to do but it does help. Keeping moving is the key I have learn in the 40 years of having JRA.
Last tip, jump on Arthritis Foundation site, and read everything you can there are some good tips out the as well. http://www.arthritis.org they have info on the meds out there and tips on what to do with recently diagnosed etc.

I hope this help. Hang in there it will get better!
Hugs!
Kelly

First of all, welcome to the website. I think you will find answers to your many questions here. It will also help you prepare for your doctor's visit. There are many, many drugs for RA so I know there is one (or two or three) out there that will give you a better quality of life. I am shocked that you are so young - most people think of it as an "old persons" disease. However, as we all on this site know that isn't true. I cannot imagine being your age and feeling as I do. Hang tough!!
Secondly, find a RA doctor you like and trust. It may take several tries to find the one that is a right fit for you. Be totally honest with him/her and lay it all out. They can't help you if you aren't truthful about how horrible you feel. I find it is always helpful to take a friend or family member with me to be sure I hear things right and that I ask all the questions I have. I ALWAYS make a list of things I want to discuss. They are busy and so are you, so make the most of your time with them. It also helps that friend or family member to understand how truly painful RA can be and educates them also. It is time to build a support group and that's your first step.
Depression - the ugly step sister of RA. Yes, it is a lot to deal with, it is scary, and it is painful -- who wouldn't be depressed?? Discuss this with your doctor also. If necessary, there are antidepressants that can help tremendously for long term or short term use. You'll see a lot of us on this site take them to make it through the day. I do!
I'm adding you to my team because I want to hear what the doctor tells you and encourage and support you on this journey. You'll find we are called RA Warriors because we will NOT be defeated by this putrid disease! Hugs to you and to your friends and family members who are worried about you. -- Karen

Yep, all sounds right! Please keep us updated on how the meds are working for you. "They" say to give them 6 months. If they haven't started by then, they probably won't and it's time to try something else. there are so many treatment options so there is great hope that you will find relief. Hang tough!!

@A myRAteam Member I’m okay, still in pain lol. Yeah I seen him the other day he started me on this medication I forgot what the pills are called but they take a couple weeks to get into your system and a few months to start working the way they’re supposed to. He was really reassuring and told me that I’m going to be okay and I’ll be able to do the things I want to do. I had to get some x-rays done for him to see on my next appointment so he could see the damage so far if there is any. Then he has to run some more tests and I have to get a special eye test.

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