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My Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Story
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- Опубліковано 5 сер 2020
- This is my story of being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA. I was diagnosed this year and have only just started this journey. Everyone's journey with RA diagnoses is different, but I hope that my story will encourage someone else with this illness. My hope is to be helpful!
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~DISCLAIMER~ I am not a medical professional. This is my personal story and experience. This video is not giving medical advice. Please always discuss your health concerns with your doctor. This video is not sponsored, but the description does contain some affiliate links. This means I earn a small percentage if you purchase something through one of these links. There’s no pressure to purchase this way, but if you want to save a bit of money and help me out you can. 🥰
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Thank you for sharing this, I also have RA and it began when I was 21, I’m almost 24 now and still learning to accept and understand it. It’s really difficult, both physically and mentally, and I feel that nobody understands unless they have it. Watching your video has made me feel a bit better.
I have RA too diagnosed when I was 22 I'm now 25 would love to talk to you I need friends who can relate
u r not alone her nat ive diagnosed with AS i can relate to ur situation im 25 now been struggling with life would love to know more from you!
I got diagnosed at 20 and it is hard ! I struggle to style my hair . All the best guys and take it easy, we need to fight this !
I am 22 years now
@@louiseaori may the god be with you!!!
It's so frustrating when you feel like your body is betraying you. I thought I was just getting older. I felt so lazy. So tired. It took years for my diagnosis. So glad you got your answer. ❤️ Thanks for sharing.
I know those feels, 2 years late but... my family had zero understanding of my anxiety that came on suddenly when i lost my cousin and best friend at the tender age of 25, and zero understanding about my lack of energy. But now that i know it's RA they might get it idk.
It isn’t our body that is betraying, it’s opposite. We betrayed it through stress, food choices etc.
I was diagnosed 4 years ago I’m 58 now my heart goes out to all you young people who have this terrible disease stay strong 💪 sending you all the biggest hug 🤗💛💛💛💛
Thank you 🤗😘
I have a good friend who was diagnosed with RA around 25 years ago. He has been an inspiration to me, seeing him be a good husband, dad/grandpa, worker, and musician as he lives life to the full with the disease. He told me once that he wouldn't change what he's gone through because of all he's learned and how God has changed him through the struggle. I can see that same attitude in you. May God bless you and keep you in His perfect peace.
I would have to agree too!
I got diagnosed recently. First graves diseases 4 years ago and now RA and God has carried me through the struggle. I wouldnt change a thing. God Bless
Your obvious strength will carry you through this! Chronic pain is NOT imagined.
Courtney, my fiancé sat here next to me and kept saying “is she you?” I feel in my soul everything you said. I have RA and Fibro and unfortunately haven’t been in remission yet (diagnoses in 2016). But you are a light in my day and I so appreciate you. Thank you for sharing with the world. Thank you for being honest. Just thank you. ❤️❤️#rawarriors #autoimmunediseasestinks #spoonielife
I found out the end of last year that I too have RA and Fibro!
♣♣♣For 21 days, I will hold your hand and guide you through the right next steps to treat your arthritis. Every day, I give you baby steps to add to your overall strategy. It might be chopping a single item of food, adding a kind of vitamin, or doing a special three minute workout that I teach. By applying only small changes to your life, you will experience big changes in your pain and flexibility - sometimes, like me, day one - even moments. These steps are supported by precise teaching from Janerdquo as well as 47 scientific studies from around the world. So you can be sure this isn't bullshit. for more information click here: tinyurl.com/y3t83cje?ThUer1 > ♥♥♥♥
Remission comes out of no where and you forget you even have RA. My remission ended last week after 3 years with none to mild pain or some weird symptoms. This flare up sucks worst because I'm almost 40 now. It started at 26. Hang in there and listen to your Doc and old folks remedies! You don't know how tough you are and good luck!
“Do more.” Oh man. I can so relate. I was diagnosed with RA in fall of 2018. I was working a full time job plus contracting on the side and trying to balance life in general. Woke up in the middle of the night with crazy pain in my wrist, out of nowhere. Went to the doc and I was lucky enough to be diagnosed right off the bat after doing aaaaaall the bloodwork. I started on Methotrexate and boy howdy, that was rough. And even then, the pain and exhaustion continued. So we upped it. Then we upped it again. And I just started hydroxychloroquine in addition to the MTX. I have good days and bad. And I have had to learn to slow the eff down and take care of myself on the bad days. I had to get rid of the “do more” mindset (although that’s still a work in progress). There are days when I’m still pissed off that there are things I can’t do or am too exhausted to do. But I try to make the most of the good days. Thank you for sharing your story. It really does help to know that there are other folks out there that are going through the same thing as I am.
Roadback.org
Have you heard about Dr. Thomas Pherson Brown. He was a rheumatologist. Him and his friens discover that RA is a infectious desease. They found Mycoplasma in patient with RA and treated them with antibiotic called minocycline. It is a very cheap medecine compared to other drugs so it doesn't profit to big pharma. You could purchase his book : The Road Back
Push for dmards they make all the difference
Chronic illness is HARD. Biggest lesson I learned was not to fault myself when my body needed a rest day.
Same. Got a recommendation to see a rheumatologist early this year, didn’t go because of denial and the world falling apart. Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve honestly stopped watching a lot of videos about hair care, because it’s become too painful to fix my hair and it makes me sad. But this video..I clicked on instantly ❤️
My heart broke when you said you stopped cause of pain. I get it, I was injured in a car accident. I got off the opiates and switched to kratom for pain and it helped so much! Don't give up, hope is out there! Jesus brings me thru. He has changed everything for me. So when it's hardest, I do feel His strength pulling me up and thru. I'm praying you find the right answers!
I got my RA diagnosis yesterday, I'm still processing and your video has been such a comfort to me. Thank you!
I was diagnosed with RA when I was 19 and I'm turning 26 soon, it was a lot to take in and fathom in the beginning. Till this day I get a little overwhelmed by the thought but it definitely gets better with time you're a warrior you've got this❤❤
I don’t know you but I hope you’re all right, at this point. I’m sending you a gentle hug. 🫂
It gets better just make sure you are taking care of yourself. Sleep, exercise, eat a clean diet and try to manage stress so that you have less of it. I hope you are doing well🙏🏼
Found out I have RA today… This is on top of having Addison’s Disease and hypothyroidism… Thank you for your video… it has helped my spirits today as I was overwhelmed earlier.
please tell me can ra patient live a normal life with medicine... I'm just 22 & unemployed.. I can't understand what to do
@@sagarsingharoy1311 talk to your doctor about treatment options to manage your pain ! )Gabapentin, anti inflammatories, infliximab treatments) 💚 it never goes away but you can manage it and enjoy your life again 💕
Im going to find out if I have RA on 8/20/21. I was dx with 3C Ovarian Cancer back in 2012 so I know what you're going thru.
I am 27 and waiting for a diagnosis of mnd or als. I have all theses syptoms and left sided sensational and breathing loss with drop foot on the left.
It all started with helibactor virus.
I lay backwards and get shortness of breath and tingling up my neck and stuff.
I listen to other people's systems awaiting my diagnosis but I know what is happening to me.
I just pray that I have a peaceful death and it just scars me to not know what happens after death.
❤
@Sarah Madden Have you tried any homeopathic treatments?
It hurts my soul hearing how you felt so sick and kept pushing yourself, and even worse how you were beating yourself up mentally. I hope you continue to get well both physically and mentally❤️
I am a GP and I work with RA patients and I study Functional Medicine. Your story is a good reminder to me: The Diagnostics is the first step and then working towards health every means necessary: medicines and diet and everything combined. Ask your Rheumatologist for other treatments to have remission as soon as possible to avoid permanent loss of joint function. My thoughts and best wishes are with you.
Stumbled upon this video when doing a UA-cam deep dive regarding RA today. (I was so shocked to recognize you.) I’m so sorry you have this diagnosis, it’s such a difficult thing to wrap ones head around. I’ve had it for five years. It’s been quite a journey. I’m hoping yours is under control. The Arthritis Foundation is an excellent resource.
Im having finger joint pain and stiffness during morning wake up in my 5th month of pregnancy.... now i lost my pregnancy 25 days ago. bt i am having the pain and stiffness.. is this arthritis????
@@saranyaanju6240 I am Sorry to hear that
I was diagnosed with RA in February after months of joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. While I knew right away that there was something wrong with my joints, I was in such denial about my fatigue that it was only once I found some relief with medication that I could begin to accept what I had been going through, and that it wasn't my fault. It's so hard to find personal stories from other young women, and yours really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing and best of luck in your journey!
How did you find this disease?
Yeah it kinda hit me when i was standing at my pinball table, i got this overwhelming fatigue. At first i thought it was just the roners from 3 months prior lingering but it never went away. I'll randomly feel the need to sit down and terribly drained. I have low blood sugar too so that might factor in idk.
So helpful Courtney!! I have RA and lupus as well. I’m telling you.. YEARS passed until I was officially diagnosed. I thought the exact same thing- I felt like I must have been lazy, etc. which made me feel so incredibly guilty when I couldn’t do all the things. I didn’t want my kids and family to think of me always having to rest or lay down, or “mom is hurting today”.
There is help! 🙏🏻 There is support and encouragement! And God is bigger. Even when we hurt , even when we have those days where just getting going is such a difficult task. God’s got you, sister!!! Thank you for being transparent and sharing part of your story.
@Kristin miller how are you today?
Lupus...i heard a chiropractor say his little sister had lupus and he always wanted to grow to be a doctor so he could heal her. He said they discovered the origins was from parasites. I've read of people with RA that have found relief by parasite cleanses and eliminating certain . foods.
Girl, I feel you. I was diagnosed with fibro when I was 18. Autoimmune disease is the worst but you are strong, you've got this!
WOW just recently had a RA diagnosis and you summed up how I have been feeling for the last few years ... I thought it was due to depression but I’m beginning to realise that the physical symptoms may be causing the mental issues ... I cursed myself for feeling tired and not ticking off the ‘to do’ list, for not feeling strong enough to stack 100+ bales of hay. So thank you for making me understand I’m not weak, I’m me and RA is part of me x
I have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 15 months old. I am 27 now. I'm currently having a horrible flare up again and go to the rheumatologist Monday. I cant wait to go and get help after not going for years. I am so glad your medicine is helping you!
Courtney thank you for talking about your story and experience with RA. I feel so encouraged that someone else knows , feels, and have gone through this struggle too. It’s such a comfort when other warriors share their struggles and journey. It encourages each of us to keep pushing forward and to know others are fighting with us. From one warrior battling RA to another you are awesome and more than a conqueror. Keep up the outstanding job!
Thanks for sharing Courtney! I also have an autoimmune arthritis and a go getter attitude. I was diagnosed when I was about 20 and have been living with it and managing it for about 7 years or so. It's always inspiring to hear other's stories, so I really appreciate you sharing yours! One of the biggest things that helps me is identifying what makes me happy. Could be as small as the smell of citrus or something like going for a hike. When I have those hard days where the pain is loud and moving is a chore, I try to refer to that list and do at least one thing on it. It helps lift my spirits when I feel defeated by my immune system.
Welcome to the RA/chronically ill family! I was diagnosed with RA last year the week before thanksgiving. The fevers were my biggest clue that something wasn’t right since my body temp is normally in the 96-97 range. I also felt like the rheumatologist was going to see my age and kick me out of the office (I was 24 when I got diagnosed) but he was really awesome and listened and ordered so much bloodwork. I was definitely in denial about having RA until I noticed the meds were working and my husband could squeeze my hand without my knuckles feeling like they were getting crushed. On my bad days the saying “broken crayons still color” really helps me get through to the next day. I also have a really great therapist that helps me manage the mental aspect of chronic pain and illness. Thank you for sharing your story, hang in there ❤️
I love the quote you shared.
That's was my first symptom... fevers 😔
Adding my support for you, Courtney. This video shows your grace and dignity in the face of a great hardship. I'll pray for improvement and remission of your RA. I wish you many blessings.
Courtney you are amazing and it is incredible to think that you are not alone suffering this illness. I got diagnosed with RA 8 years ago and I felt the same way as you are feeling now. I found out when I was doing aerobics and the next day I couldn’t even walk my foot was hurting so bad and then the news that you have something that compromise your immune system it is crazy. Over the time and changing so many specialists I started with a treatment with leflunomide and I returned to my normal life. During this year because of the COVID my doctor suppressed my medication because I need my immune system now and good. I was crying again, I thought the symptoms will return but nothing yet. I stared to taking my vitamins D, Iron, Tumeric and Transfer Factor every day and I feel good. I started to workout again. Thank you for you video, it made me feel we are not alone.
Are you still off of the leflunomide? Ra is kicking my butt
OMG Courtney, I'm literally crying. This video so resonate with me. I don't have RA, but I suffer from anxiety and panic disorder that trigger the IBS and insomnia. I tend to ignore this and just push myself to get through this and go further. I never allow myself just to be ill, just to experience that panic attack, just to sit with that anxiety. I just ignore it and pretend I'm totally fine. But I'm not and thank you so much for this video because it made me realise this.
@@richardgranton8070 wtf?
Thank you so much for sharing, I have been fighting doctors saying something is wrong since I was 16 and at 21 finally have an official RA diagnosis and they are starting to see how much pain I have been in. This was so encouraging and helpful seeing that other people have been diagnosed young because I felt like I was the only one!
Diagnosed with RA and Fibro last June and still figuring out meds - thank you for bringing attention to this!!
I also have a chronic illness. It's so hard to find the balance of a treatment plan, a work-life balance, and a plan for how to handle things in a flare as well as how to hopefully avoid flares. It truly is like being chronically ill is an additional part-time job.
Thank you for sharing. I was diagnosed with RA in 2000, at age of 36. I have had great doctors that made it so I could function very well 20 years later. You can do this. Just dont be too hard on yourself if you cant do everything on your list in one day. God Bless You.
What is the procedure to function well
@@architluthra7811 get on medication that works for you. I am currently on orencia, which i have been on about 5 yrs. I am also on plaquinel.
@@paulachristie2508 tysm
I have been dealing with RA for several years and it is one of the things that led me to the Curly Girl Method and your videos. I could no longer use a round brush to blow dry my hair as it has greatly impacted my fingers. You do have to realize you have limits but sometimes you still push through to do the things you love. Find a balance. I too am finding great help from medication. I hope you continue to feel better and keep making such great videos
I have psoriatic arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, and I’m hecka stubborn, maybe because if it.
You are an amazing young woman. Please allow that to sink in.😊 thank you for being real and having a servant's heart.🙏🌹
I suffer from a couple autoimmune diseases and I completely understand living in denial. I think most sane people find themselves in a state of shock of some sort. Everyone responds to it differently and we have to sort of grieve, process it and move forward. It isn't easy, especially when these diseases can often rob us of our normal life. You are not alone. I hope anyone reading this knows they're not alone.
I am just like you, I never listened to my body and kept pushing. I learned the hard way that my body is my temple and that I should respect it. I will pray for you.
I am grateful for my chronic pain too. I see it that God is teaching me when to slow down and take care of myself. This is not an easy thing for me but I'm learning. You don't need to be superhuman. Thank you for your positivity and warm spirit.
“You will not grow, if you do not have struggles”
Love that so much! ❤️ Thank you for sharing your story! I’ve struggled with chronic fatigue for so long, amongst many other things. I have been to so many doctors the last few years trying to figure out what’s going on. It gets so exhausting. Bless you in your recovering health journey 🙏🏻. I’m glad the medication and diet changes are helping you feel better! I’ve been wanting to do a diet change for my inflammation, glad to hear it has great benefits and helps! 🤗
I just got diagnosed with RA and feel very lost. Thank you for sharing your story!
I have a holistic RA group if you're interested in other options and tips
Wow!! Listening to your story sounds like everything I'm going through. Went to my physician last week and going for all my blood work next week. Thank you for sharing your story. Sending positive vibes your way. 🕉️🌻
You are a truly brave, and sweet person. I know exactly what you mean about pushing more and trying harder. It's tough to realize our own limitations. Please take good care of yourself! All the best to you and your family!
I've had this disease for 45 years and STILL push myself too hard, always. My husband is constantly having to remind me to rest.
My heart breaks for you going through this. I’ve been there. Took nearly 10 years of doctor after doctor after specialists and so on, before we found out I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, and MCAD. That dark place of feeling like there is nothing left and you’ve searched for everything is a scary place to be. It’s all like operating on a battery that will only ever charge up to 40% if a good nights sleep and understanding my limits occurs appropriately. I’ve personally had a lot help from rehabilitative physical therapy focused on biomechanical alignment. This work saved me from having to have a back surgery (degenerative discs and severe herniation). Also, surprisingly, vitamin C. I watched a video that I was very skeptical of talking about taking it to gut tolerance. With Covid, I thought, ok I’ll try it, what’s it going to hurt (you flush it out if you take too much, essentially zero bad side effects). So anyway, I was managing to take up to 10,000mg a day (spread out!) and was starting to feel so dang good! I started to further research and found so much information supporting its use. So I will stand on vitamin c for awhile lol! But oof, do I relate to your push push push mentality. It is so hard to convince yourself that resting is just as important as getting things accomplished. That your value is deeper and more than the things you achieve. I relate so much. Gentle, invisible, hugs sent your way. You have a community of spoonies who relate. ❤️
I totally understand... I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome too, as well as both of my daughters. Joint pain, dislocations, fatigue, etc. I have felt so lazy at times and frustrated because I want to do things but my body won’t cooperate. You have to give yourself permission to take care of yourself, physically and mentally. 💙
Thank you for sharing. I also have RA and fibromyalgia and it is actually the way you described it.
Finally someone else who also had nervous system signs first 😅 your message at the end was really touching. I struggle with the same control issues, and when I told my family the diagnosis and was told “you just didn’t try enough” I was defeated. People have no idea how hard it is to accept help for a disability, or that you have one. Thank you for the video! I’m just on 3 months of HCQ now too and the peak forward was also too much for me to resist running with.
I love this sharing. I got diagnosed 11 years ago on my 30th birthday. I can relate to your struggles about not being able to do all the things in my checklist. There was a time that I couldn’t comb my hair and button my shirt due to the pain. I am on medication now but sometimes I forget and try to push myself again because there’s so much to do! So much to accomplish! But when I get a flare after pushing myself too hard, I am reminded to take a backseat. 3 years ago, I had a stroke, 3 months after my son was born. At that time, I admit I wasn’t being kind to my body and so it took a toll on me. This is my 2nd life now and hopefully I won’t “forget” to give myself a break. Especially now that I have a son to raise. Your story is very inspiring. It reminded me that it’s ok to have this disease and focus my energy on having a positive outlook in life. There are so many to be happy for. Hopefully, others who are struggling with the same or similar issues can get a little bit of sunshine watching this video to help them keep moving forward in the challenges they are facing. It definitely made mine so much brighter! :) Thank you Courtney!
I can relate to some of your story having battled chronic fatigue syndrome many years. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing this, I've been searching for people on the internet who also have RA and I finally found you. The first signs of my RA came up when i was 10, now I'm 14 and still not cured. I'm getting treatment by meds which we have to inject with a hypodermic syringe every week. With that, I feel much better and the doctors say in 1-2 years I should be cured with it. :)
I was told there is no cure for RA
@@chantehowe7798 there is no official cure, but with injection every week and some training.. overtime it might cure it
Hugs to you Courtney! This is so tough. I am praying that you do find total healing!
I definitely needed to hear this today. In a place where I do feel like I need to do everything, and honestly I’m kind of failing. Thank you for the reminder of grace. But that’s not easy for me.
Your feelings about being lazy or crazy and that belief to just "keep trying harder" had me in tears - I have been battling with all these same struggles for 2 years, unable to function with the pain, the migraines, the numbness in my hands and honestly mental anguish! And every day - trying harder! I dont have the resources medically at this point to run all the testing etc, but your video made me feel so much less crazy, lazy and alone. Thank you for sharing your story!
Love your attitude and perspective! Thank you for sharing, being real and letting us be a part of this with you. Prayers and hugs!!!
My process of discovering the diagnosis was so similar! Two and a half years ago, I had ran my first half-marathon and was training for a full, when I started having knee pain - which escalated to most joints within two months, making it difficult to even hold a cup of coffee! Looking back, I'd had on and off joint issues for years. Anyway, after eight months off of running, I was able to run little bits at a time. This year, during confinement, I was able to run many half-marathons and completed my first full marathon two years after diagnosis! It felt great! Now back in a flare, but the running mojo comes and goes ;)
I'm in the process of figuring out exactly what sort of chronic illness I have (i'm like 95% sure it's RA just haven't had the test confirm it yet) and I can SO relate to this. Helps to hear I'm not alone. Thanks for sharing
Oh man. I've been having aches and pains for about 3 years now, and knew from my chiropractor that I was most likely dealing with the onset of arthritis, at 24, but I was in denial and refused to do anything. Lately my energy levels are in the dumps and I've been getting headaches at least twice a week, and I used to never get headaches. Definitely going to make it a priority to go see my doctor. I too thought that I was just being lazy or making excuses and simply just try harder...
Starting watching you for the curls, but I knew there was something kindred in you that I connected with. Now I know! Thanks for sharing, hope you're feeling well today! God bless you Courtney!
Your experience is so familiar. I have ehlers danlos syndrome. You find a new normal, after a grieving process. 4 years ago, my health went downhill. Now I've started biking and doing light weight training and I'm so proud of myself!
🙋🏼♀️ EDS here too 🦓🖤
You make me want to do better. Things haven't stopped going wrong medically since I was 14, I'm 30 now. Fibromyalgia is just one of my problems, but man alive I know I can do better. You are an encouragement to be better. To stop letting it all just win and take from me. There are things I can do to help myself. It's time to do them. CG is step one in learning to care for myself better. I know that seems silly, but it really is. There is change in the air, what that is or even means, I'm not sure. You are such a positive person and I hope that you continue to feel better and that you can achieve remission. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
How r u
I'm being tested for MS/Lupus right now. This video helps a lot. 💙
Hey @Levitate Walker how are you?
omg I love you! thank you for sharing your story. I was born with RA and I know exactly what you mean when you feel like you hit the wall and can't go any more. I race cars for a living in NASCAR and its so hard to slow down and give my body a break. listening to you tell your story today was so wonderful and inspiring!
I can relate so much to your story. I too was a horse girl always push myself to the max could accomplish anything. And all of a sudden I’m couldn’t pretend to be ok anymore. I was diagnosed with RA yesterday. I’m happy and somewhat relieved to finally know what it is. I told myself the same thing, I must be lazy or crazy. So I can relate sister. Cheers to us and figuring all this out.
I got my RA diagnosis around November this year! I had always had aches and pains that I assumed were from childhood gymnastics and dancing in musical theatre constantly. I was lucky in that I didn't have a crazy uptick in symptoms, and I never had red hot and swollen joints. I actually went anemic and my blood proteins levels became unusually high. I went through an immunologist (who gave me a blood disorder diagnosis), to a hematologist (who disagreed with that diagnosis and believed I had an autoimmune disease), to my rheumatologist who got a positive RA diagnosis. I'm on hydroxychloroquine as well and it has worked WONDERS for me! All of my markers are now in the normal range! But this whole thing with the meds has been so stressful! My pharmacy actually suggested to me that I switch my meds, which is ridiculous, especially since I'm so young (27), don't have a family yet, and the meds are working so well. Praying for all of us to continue to be able to get our medication!
I'm 25 with RA!! Need friends my age who can relate
I'm 26 with RA for for 6 years now..
How long did it take for you to see results ? 😞 it’s been a month I see no results
@@janettorres5063 it often takes quite a while to see your levels even out. 6 months to a year or longer was what I was told!
Thank you for sharing your story!! ❤️❤️❤️ I don’t have RA, but I have suffered from life altering symptoms for far to long just like you and have experienced what it’s like to finally have an answer and be one a path to healing and feeling better. I hope you are able to continue to feel better and figure life out with RA ❤️❤️ all the love!
I’m so sorry for this diagnosis in your world....but your voice to others will not be wasted! Your drive for life may be less in physical output going forward, but how you are able to connect to people’s journey by just being who you are (and Whose you are!) will be immeasurable! You are radiant! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your story. I have been living with rheumatoid arthritis for 17 years. You got this!
I'm 24 and I just got my official RA diagnosis... This is my second autoimmune now... I've been really struggling coping, and it feels nice to see someone who's making it through it. Thank you for sharing
I'm so sorry! It is quote the journey! I have a few video's on this now posted, sharing my own journey! Hugs!
Wow. You literally just described everything I'm going through too. I was sick last week with a fever. My hands tingle often and I get migraines a lot lately. I even thought about arthritis being part of my issues. Definitely time to see a doctor. Thank you for posting this!
Was the fever due to rheumatoid arthritis?
Courtney, so sorry to hear what you’ve been going through & I bet it was very tough for you to share your story. After reading many of the comments I see that just like with your hair videos, you’ve helped people going through a similar difficult experience. I started watching you during Covid & have learned so much from you about my naturally curly/wavy fine, dense low porosity hair 😉 thx! I nominate you for an academy award because I’ve watched several of your videos and you’re always upbeat & positive so I was really surprised & saddened to hear about what you’ve been going through. I hope your physical effects continue to improve with the meds & that you are able to give yourself some slack mentally when you’re not having a great day because from the little slice of you I’ve seen, you are a strong, focused & funny person who will now be an inspiration to others with RA & other similar issues, and that should outweigh any negative thoughts about being lazy, not pushing hard enough, etc. 🙏🏼💪🏼🤞🏼
Thank you for sharing everything you said is to the point. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid this year in 2023 March. I was getting the joint pain. Severely in my arms. Hands and wrists. And did not know what was going on. They ran tests and finding out what I had RA. I can't do the things I used to do not as much as I used to do like you were saying. Always thought of myself as a very strong woman a go-getter a finisher . It reminds me everyday. Fatigue. Achiness. Not feeling so great some days. And I had a migraine in the morning when I woke up first time I've ever had one in the morning like that. But I had migraines. At first I was very distressed but I try not to think of. Eat right. Do what I need to do. But I can't push myself like I just like you said. Keeping you in my prayers and all those that are going through this worldwide. That we all come in remission. And still in faith believing that my Lord has healed me.
This is crazy it’s like hearing my exact story! I have rheumatoid arthritis and RA in my spine which is called ankylosis spondylitis. I also have mild lupus and raynauds. And I live in Texas too which is about the worst place you can live with an autoimmune disease because of flare ups due to weather changes. I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. It’ll get better! I’ve had my diagnosis since I was 15 and it fluctuates but I have it mostly under control now. I take meds and just get on the FODMAP diet whenever I’m in a flare up which I recommend when it gets super bad. Sending prayers though that yours continues to improve!
I have EDS and ankylosing spondylitis as well and the low FODMAP diet has been super helpful for inflammation for me. Prescribed by my amazing Dr.
Savannah Novotny, I’ve actually never met anyone else with AS. Hope you are coping well with the condition :) it’s a toughie but I kinda have it under control now (I think) lol. But yeah the low FODMAP works so well with inflammation
Did you try taking black seed oil u can take 3 teaspoon of black seed oil and all over your body u will see the difference
I promise you that Texas is no where near one of the worst places to live with an autoimmune condition. I have lived all over the country and believe me, Texas was where I got the most relief (and the best healthcare). I lived in NE Nevada and the dry air, 9 months of snow, and altitude were crippling. I rarely got out of bed for 4 years. I am now in Florida and wish to god I could go back to Texas every single day...it is the only place where I felt hopeful about living a life that was even remotely normal.
Mona S. Omg really? Ugh my flare ups react the most when weather changes, and the weather patterns are so up and down here in the spring and fall that it’s horrible. I get my most relief in consistent weather like California. But I hope Florida weather starts to treat you better :) or that you get back to Texas!! Lol. here’s hoping that medicine continues to progress and cure us haha
My struggle has been 15 yrs so far after 2 car accidents I now have chronic migraines, fibro, chronic fatigue and chronic insomnia with pain in my back mostly. I too still struggle with the mindset of feeling lazy and how others see me and you are right. We need to give ourselves and others grace. Everyone’s battle is different but very real. I’m glad you were able to get a diagnosis so quickly. Usually it takes months to years for some people. Then there’s medication tolerance issues. It’s been a LONG road but God is faithful and I trust him one day at a time. Thanks for putting yourself out there. God bless you and your family. ❤️
Thank you for posting this! I also have an autoimmune disease and struggle with pushing myself too hard and trying to keep up with what I think I should be able to do.
This video was very helpful. I’m 56 and has suffered for the past 8 years and I’ve complained enough to my dr. That she did blood work and my markers are high for RA and now I’m waiting for an appointment with a specialist. Like you I just kept butting it off thinking I was getting old but I left like I was 90, I was soar and stiff all the time and I would go to the dr they would take an x-ray and say you just injured it here’s some cream, I’m not saying it’s the Dr. Didn’t catch it maybe I wasn’t explaining my self right. We went on vacation and after sitting on a plain for 6 hours I could hardly walk off the plain I was so stiff and soar. I saw my Dr. The next day and told her how bad I was feeling and for years now that this could not be my life at 56, she did blood work and now I’m ready for the next step.Thank you for a great video.
You're doing so great, Courtney! Thank you for sharing your journey so far. Learning where your limits are when you're newly diagnosed can be so hard, and it's really, a life long learning process. I'm still learning, over 5 years into severe chronic illness. It's especially hard to figure out when society ingrains in us that we ARE what we DO. Slowing down for your health takes guts, but you're doing so well in learning how to listen to your body. I hope you extend tons of grace to yourself as you continue to figure out new normals, and know that so so many people are supporting you and praying for you.
Love this. I too was really hard on myself about what was going on with my body. But since my diagnosis of arthritis I now understand better what's going on.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I appreciate you being so honest and open about your struggles. That's exactly how I've felt for so long. I was in denial and kept trying to hold down a ranch by myself and take care of three young children as a single mom. I really thought if I just pushed myself, I could do all the things I NEEDED to do! Nope. I hit wall after wall til I couldn't try anymore, the pain and exhaustion was so severe. After going to doctors, a rheumatologist finally diagnosed me with severe fibromyalgia and migraines. I'm still trying to find the right balance of working on just what I absolutely have to, and taking my to-do list down a notch or 10! Lol. I can't tell you how hearing your story made me feel better, and helped me not feel so guilty about not being able to "LIVE UP TO" what I thought I had to do to be a successful mom, rancher with horses, cows, and a gammit of other creatures, including 5-6 dogs! I sold my ranch (sooooo hard to give up what I loved), moved to a smaller home, got rid of all but 2 beloved dogs and tried to give myself some grace. I cannot thank you enough for helping me not feel so alone!!!!! God bless you. ❤️
Thank you for sharing! I've been living with RA and sjogrens for almost 3 years now. I'm on methotrexate and Humira and I'm loving my new normal. It's still different than pre-diagnosis but different doesn't mean bad. Chronic illness is tough but it actually gives us so much in return. We learn so much about ourselves, patience, and the beauty of slowing down. I'm so glad you are talking to your doctor and doing what you need to live a fulfilling life. You got this! 💜💙
I loved the line beauty of slowing down...same happened to me....I used to be like rabbit,but now I'm doing all the things like tortoise...and yes I'm enjoying that slowness....I'm an RA warrior too...
Omg 😭 every bit of this, this is my story, I have said your words, I have felt your pain, not as a runner but as a dancer, I feel you have taken the words out of my heart and soul. And I have felt so alone, until now. I can’t stop crying in this moment. Thank you so much. I’m 33, diagnosed today with early RA. Unsure and scared of the next step. But so relieved in the exact way you were, that’s all I could say to the doctor “ I am relieved, thank you” I’m ready to move forward, but terrified what the next right step is... I am a stay at home mom raising two kids not in school yet, working full time, and running my business. I can’t express what your video did for me into words. But I’m so grateful you made this and shared this. My joints hurt and ache in this very moment and I have hope there will be days I will feel this pain no longer and I can breathe again. ❤️
I also have RA since 2003 and had to have hand surgery with new knuckles on my right hand dominant hand really take time and listen to your body I have felt with a lot and am working daily to live with this I was 31 when got diagnosed and now 48 so I wish you the best rest when your body says is the key❤️❤️❤️❤️
Im glad to hear your story, just today my doctor told me I tested positive for RA, on top of already being a Type 2 Diabetic. I will be seeing a Rheumatologist. Sad thing is it will take a while there is only 1 in our city. Cant imagine that! But thats the deal. The whole thing is scary and I am very upset. I totally get how your feeling. I will see what more tests show for me. And then get a game plan.
Hey Courtney. I'm a Physucal Therapist and I have worked with a lot of RA and autoimmune disease patients. Very regular low level exercises for the joints that are not currently in an exacerbation period is very important for management. You may want to see a PT for rehab and management strategies.
I understand ! I have fibromyalgia and went thru tests after tests........I thought I was going crazy........then denial set in. Now acceptance. I finally learned how to say "no" I always would push myself thinking I was so strong, and eventually would crash. Learned some hard lessons and a new way of living ! Keep on track, make the changes you need and you will find a renewed love of life again!
Chronic pain is so overlooked and dismissed! It’s so horrible and disheartening. I was just diagnosed with stage 3 endometriosis in April. I’ve been struggling with it all for about 2ish years, and it’s relieving to finally get some answers. My mom has RA, and it’s really hard to see her go through all the difficult times and how run down she gets so easily. She also has the mind set of just pushing through things to get it all done, even though she knows she shouldn’t. It’s a process, and every day is different. But every day you deserve to give yourself some grace. This isn’t something that’s easy to gain control of at all, but the support of others and doing what’s best for yourself is such an important thing to have and learn. I’m currently worried I might be showing signs of RA, too. My joints have been feeling very uncomfortable and stiff. My arms/hands have been having numbness & tingling since a little bit after my endo surgery in April, and the side of my face was tingling as well. It freaked me out so bad that I went to the ER, and they completely dismissed me by saying it was just my anxiety. Sorry but that’s never happened since I’ve had anxiety at age 10 (at least)🙄 also, a toe doesn’t turn purple from that either... It’s so frustrating when a doctor tells you he knows your body better than you do, just because they have the degree and we don’t. Advocating for ourselves is hard and tiring, but it’s important and necessary unfortunately. I hope things start looking up for you soon and you start feeling like yourself again soon! I love your content and personality. I feel like I’ve met you before because you’re so warm and bubbly on camera. We love you and we’re here for you always! 🤗🤗💜
Bless you, totally understand being an over achiever myself. It's so hard to not do all the things! But these things are put in our path the grow & learn. You will come out of it stronger ❤🙏
Thank you for sharing. So many people have this inflammatory condition. As a child I had psoriasis all over my body. After I gave birth to my son it internalized into inflammation in my joints spine and eventually my eyes. (Iritis) I am positive for the gene marker HLA-B27. Yes I used to run too but now I found ways to stay active without exhausting myself. It’s like having an inflammation gremlin in my body. It moves around to different joints so it never sits still for too long. Even my big toe had issues one time. Best advice is stay on the regiment your DR puts you on. They know best how to treat it. Wishing you well!!
Oh thank you 😭 I am just starting. It been a month and I’m so overwhelmed. I really loved your video. I’m so scared of the side effects of medicine 😟 but we will see how it goes thanks again I don’t feel so crazy.
Thank you so much for your video. I am in my 50s and was diagnosed with RA this summer. I have been a runner since I was 18. I've run marathons, biked, hiked; anything that was outside and physically active was so importan to me. It helped with stress and I loved it. I was having a lot of faigue and joint, muscle pain over the summer. I have an appointment wih a rheumatologist in February. When you said I had a hard time just doing normal chores it really spoke to me. I am a teacher and am on my Christmas break. I'm trying to rest but it isn't helping. I hope someday that I will be able to, at least walk w/o hurting so much the next day. I will be following your channel jus because what you said makes so much says. Also, I can use all he hair tips you've got. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thanks for sharing!
After years of things getting worse and worse for me I went into spontaneous remission. Who knows how long it will last but im thankful for the chance to try and get stronger again in case i have a bad flare up.
I was one of the 10% of people with a RA into remission. It let live the best 7 years of my life! Unfortunately, it came back and hit me like a train. Is hard to see your lifestyle shatered by this disease and I feel nobody understand the impact of RA unless you have been throught it. Thank you for speaking out amd sharing your story. I am doing all the good things, hoping will go back into remission again❤
Just watched this today. You are not alone. I've got a similar story...Runner...Adapted Physical Education teacher with Special needs students. Training for a half marathon and doing lots of trail running. Don't know what happened but my arms were aching and falling apart, thought I had Lyme's disease. NOPE...RA and Lupus. I was in my late 50's. Things got worse till we figured out the correct meds. I was no longer able to do my job which involved lots of lifting and positioning students so I retired. Fast forward 10yrs. Not running anymore but lots of walking, cycling, and weightlifting. Other then an occasional flare up life is good and full❤. Wishing you the best. Don't ever give up❤
❤️ you made a lady in pain cry and smile at the same time. Thanks for all the motivation. Hope you feel better soon.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You made me feel "normal" by listening to you. I have felt all your feeling and needed to hear this from someone else going through the same thing.
I’m so sorry to hear this hun! Gods with ya. He’s got you. Just let him take care of you.
You explained this so well, weaving in emotion and encouragement. Thank you for being honest and putting your self out for this video! It’s so helpful 💕
I’m so sorry you had to go through this but I’m glad you finally figured out what was going on.
I can totally relate to your story. I went through a similar ordeal before I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease 4 years ago. It’s hard to find a new, slower pace that allows your body space and time to heal. I pray that your RA does go into remission soon, and that you go many years before experiencing another flare. Thanks for sharing your story! God Bless!
Praying for you to stay strong and find healing. Hope you know that you are loved and your openness and honesty is appreciated. 💜💜
I knew there was another reason I love your channel!!! I’ve been having an autoimmune flare for weeks now, and the fatigue/joint pain has been rough 😞 I kept thinking I was lazy too.
Thank you for sharing your story! You’re such an encouraging and inspirational person 😊
I've had no less than 6 doctors say that they're sure I have MS, but my govt insurance refuses to pay for ordered tests (MRI, etc.), so still have no official diagnosis. I've been fighting insurance since 2007 about this, to no avail. It's infuriating to know that they literally do not care about someone suffering. (This is why I do NOT endorse govt universal healthcare... everyone I've known with govt insurance has had the same kind of horror stories as I've had if they have anything worse than a common cold.)
I do all I can, but have had to give up almost everything in my life, as the pain and fatigue increase. I was a professional singer, and when I had to give up even that 12 years ago, I thought my life was over. The depression that caused was years long and debilitating. It still makes me sad sometimes, but I'm finally not actually depressed about it anymore. I still do a gig once or twice a year with my husband, and the price I have to pay for it is harsh, but I will do that until I literally cannot push myself through it anymore.
I mostly live in my bed, as all other furniture is too painful. I get around with an electric wheelchair. The only thing I'm able to do that feels like an accomplishment is homeschool my granddaughter. (I can sit for a few hours in my recliner near her, which is painful and exhausting, but she needs this, so I get through it and LOVE summer vacation!)
I haven't hiked since 2001. I certainly can't dance anymore! I have no social life, because people tend to find housebound people uninteresting. (You find out how many friends you have when you become chronically ill and can no longer be the life of the party. I had one, and he died in 2010.) We're getting a new wheelchair ramp built next month so that I can get out of the house independently, and hopefully I'll finally be able to meet a few people in my town, as well as finally take my granddaughter to the park and go on walks with my husband!
I still watch the curly hair videos, but mostly wear my hair in a pineapple bun, because it's too painful and exhausting to style my hair most of the time. I almost never put on makeup, because it hurts so much to do just that... and no one is going to see me anyway! 😅
I did find out last fall that I can still crochet, and it doesn't get too painful until I've done it non-stop for several days, so I've made a LOT of blankets and Christmas decorations the last 9 months! 😂
I am struggling so badly I have been for years, but never experienced fever. I have for 2 years now been trying to figure out what has been wrong with me. I’m so glad you figured it out!! I got referred after testing positive for RA. I am hurting so badly but I am going soon. I hope you’re feeling better. I to, don’t like being lazy and like to get things done and so hard for me to just rest. But now my body won’t allow me to do skateboarding anymore and i am hurting everyday 😢I hope I can figure it out soon and I hope you’re doing better
It's a journey for sure! Hang in there! Hugs!
Praying for you! I have a similar story, and there are ups and downs. Keep going, give yourself grace (and rest). Thanks for sharing!
Rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, dry eyes, eczema and gluten intolerance are all related. I had a similar experience and have been on medication for 2.5 years. I have all the above named conditions but I’m doing great now. I was diagnosed when I was 72 and I’m 75 now. I still work outdoors in my own business and can do what I want, for the most part. I’m 75 not 35 so I’ve accepted certain limitations. My advice is for anyone with crazy symptoms to see a health care provider and don’t stop nagging them until you’re referred to a specialist. Take the medicine and get back to who you are on the inside. Now I’m doing the Curly Girl hair method and have Courtney to thank! Never stop trying, never stop learning. We got this 💪🏼
Awe thank you! And yes, never stop trying and never stop learning! Love that! We DO have this!!!
Really encouraging to hear your story Courtney. Have had a similar experience myself but with spondyloarthritis. I'm 29 and went through all the same thoughts that you had about making myself better and thinking they must've got it wrong. But very true that these experiences help us grow and it helps me remember that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weaknesses.
Oh Courtney, I can commiserate. I was diagnosed nearly 6 years ago, but with markedly different symptoms than you. Started with pain in a single toe which was misdiagnosed 3 times. When some fingers became involved I saw my doctor again and she pretty much knew it was some type of rheumatic disease which tests confirmed. I was devastated. I worried all day long and waited for the freight train to hit. Until I realized that I had to make the best of the good times and stop worrying about what might not happen. I opted for non-traditional treatment but also took hydroxycloroquine for 3 or so years, but weaned off it 2 years ago. I continue with my non-traditional treatment and am doing well. I'm not without symptoms but I lead a normal life. Yoga has been good therapy for me and I'll bet it would be for you as well - whenever classes open up again! One thing about RA, symptoms come and go and you have to learn to deal with the unpredictability. Just remember that not everyone has severe symptoms, but I don't think doctors often tell patients that. If I can offer encouragement let me know.
I have this, and am on that same medication. You will see an improvement I promise. It’s a hard thing to come to terms with for sure. I went through a rainbow of. Emotions when I was diagnosed. At first elated to finally have some validation for the way I’d been feeling, and relief to get some treatment. But after that I soon felt depressed and angry, going trough the “why me?” Emotions. It’s been a long haul, but I’m accepting of it and most importantly, now listen to my body and rest when needed. The hardest thing is not looking sick, but feelings deathly tired and when you get a flare up (you will get these), is feeling your condition hard again. It is what it is, there are worst things to have in life, but I feel for you, and understand the things you must be feeling too xxx
Thank you for this. I can 100% relate. I see the rheumatologist tomorrow morning. I already know what she’s going to tell me. I’m terrified of how my busy lifestyle is going to have to change. And how my plans for the future are going to change. But this video gives me some peace. Thank you.
Any updates how are you doing?