RA like to have responds

by lori umbarger
(newport, washington)

I don't have a picture to show. I just turned 49 and learned I have RA.

In the last five months before going to the doctor. I have had numbness in my hands and knees down to my feet.

One day about five months ago my right knee started to hurt really bad and swell up the following day. I just had finished a 40 mile relay a week before. So I thought it was just from over uses.

After five months of no improvement and alot of pain I went to find out what was wrong.

I thought I might have gout because it runs in the family. To my surprise the doctor called me right away and said it was RA.

Since then I have noticed other parts of my body having lumps and increase of pain. This has brought on a lot of depression because I am a strong person and very active.

It is really hard for me to do alot of normal activity without alot of pain.

I am on meds for it but am still having trouble dealing with pain. My question to all of you, is the depression causing the extra pain?

Please respond to me at this address or jezzyandbullet@gmail.com

thanks,

Lori