I don't like taking medication either, and diet is really important in order to be as generally healthy as possible. The issue is by not treating your RA you're allowing it to course through your body and do damage. This isn't just creaky, swollen joints and some aches and pains. As the disease progresses you could be sustaining bone erosion (not reversible), joint deformity and loss of function and organ damage. I'm a year in and have spent much of that time off meds due to adverse reactions and I've got some liver damage and a brand spanking new heart condition. Please rethink RA treatment. You're so young, you have young kids. Please take care so you can enjoy them and be there for them long term.

Hi Paul-

I’m afraid I won’t be of much help right now bc I’m about too fatigued to type. I just wanted to reach out and say that I understand your depression and pain very very well.

Best,
Cyndi

P.S. I am brand new to this site but I would like to add you to my team. I hope that is ok

Stephanie, I totally understand your apprehension and fear of taking medications that you aren’t familiar with.
I had my first Simponi infusion this morning and I was really nervous about it. I never know how a drug will affect me.
But, I was fine afterwards, with no immediate side effects... except for being extremely sleepy for the rest of the day. I think it’s because I had to get up extra early to get to the infusion center.
The most important thing for you to know is your own body. You listen to it and make a little journal of how you feel so that you can tell your doctor.
I’m pretty sure, after 18 years of having RA, that stress is what causes much of my pain, anxiety and depression.
No matter how I try to think positive thoughts, it’s not easy dealing with not being my old active self.
You are so young to be dealing with illness. I am so sorry for young people who have this disease.
Just know that we are all here to answer questions and try to lift you up with our support and prayers.

I am not on medication and I don’t mean this in a negative way I don’t want to be unless I need to be I am willing to take natural actions first such as diet and lifestyle changes before medicine. I also had rheumatic fever at 12 but thank god I was put on antibiotics right away for years which protected me from further damage and the real negative effects of It was RA so I believe in trying to stay as natural as possible as long as possible that’s why I am very anxious because of being sick when I was younger took a toll on my emotional health. Today at 29 I have a full time job a 17 month old son and due with a daughter in January now I am just looking for help to get through these RA flares it’s messing with me mentally really strong

If you don’t take meds, the disease will take over your body - organs and joints. If you stay in pain, you are causing damage to your body. You have no quality of life being in constant pain.
I make sure to keep my meds at a minimum by eating and exercising properly. By exercising I mean that I walk one to two miles a day, even if it takes me 30 minutes to walk a mile.
I also take supplements that help with fatigue and joint degeneration. I take D3 and glucosamine chondroitin, and B vitamins for energy. D3 helps tremendously with the foot/muscle pain. An Omega supplement helps with heart health. It takes several months before these supplements start taking effect. Wishing you wellness!