Welcome to my channel! I’m Ellen, the founder of Flare Family. In today’s video, I’m sharing my personal rheumatoid arthritis (RA) journey, from my diagnosis in 2010 to the present. Over the last 15 years, I’ve experienced the challenges of untreated RA, tried various treatments, and learned valuable lessons about living with a chronic illness.
In this video, I discuss:
🌟 The early symptoms of RA and how I was first diagnosed
🌟 My experiences with holistic treatments and my struggle to accept medication
🌟 The impact of stress, lifestyle, and medication on managing RA
🌟 How education and self-awareness changed my approach to living with RA
🌟 My journey to remission and how I’m thriving in my daily life today
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis or know someone who is, my story is here to offer insight and hope. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button for more updates and resources on managing RA and living a fulfilling life despite the disease.
🌟 Check out my website for free resources on RA management, including downloadable guides on understanding RA, managing flares, and tips for loved ones:
📱 Follow me on TikTok for quick tips and updates: @ellenwitharthritis
#rheumatoidarthritis #RAJourney #LivingWithRA #RAWarrior #ChronicIllness #RACommunity #AutoimmuneDisease #RheumatoidArthritisAwareness #RAStory #RAInspiration #FlareFamily #HolisticHealth #ChronicPain #RheumatoidArthritisTreatment #RheumatoidArthritisRemission
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What were your first symptoms?
Thank you 🙏
I came across your video when doing an assignment on RA. thank you for sharing your story. Your resources you have made are incredible and such an accessible way for someone learning about RA to become informed. What an amazing job you have done.!!
What info should I start with?
I’m 72 years old, diagnosed with RA. Plus I have inner and obstructive apnea. I’m on my third machine. Like you a believer. Back to RA. I have much the same symptoms but not as extreme. Been on three meds. Currently not using any. As you know as soon as you look into issues all the algorithms pop up. Some good advice some bad, some from doctors some not. But I like to look at what is out there. You seem sincere so I have subscribed. Looking forward to more of your story. I do want to see and know what is working for others as well as the professionals, but I lean more toward homeopathic medicine.
Ra is terrible. I been dealing with extenuating pain. Under plaquenil and metrotaxate. It also comes in a comno I have osteoarhritis as well and if course neuropathy after back fusion and knee replacement. Now Ra showed on labs negative but symptoms are still present and strong. Doctor was considering biological trratment but insurance denyed. This is extenuating.
My life was all about kayaking/backpacking/canoeing/weight training. Until I couldn't get out of bed one morning! Couldn't hold a coffee cup!
All I can say is see a rheumatologist ASAP. I'm on methotrexate and Prednisone now. Folate to help protect my liver. Don't like the methotrexate but I don't know what else to do!
Low sugar diet, tai chi, exercise bands and prayer. Local Dr. didn't help much. Finally an excellent orthopedic Dr referred me to a rheumatologist friend. Blood tests revealed RA. One blood marker indicated a positive at 60 (forgot what it represented). My value was 259.
Get tested now if you're in pain!
I been having for 1 year the life change and I’m on medication and still have pain sometimes and I’m a preschool teachers and been so hard for me dealing with this and working with children long hours
Lay lay
That a disease of bone
I seen fasting has a lot of benefits for people with RA has anyone tried this I was diagnosed last week with RA and been suffering the last 6 months trying to get this figured out now I’m fasting 5 days in trying for 10 days and my pain has went down so far
RA…why doesnt anyone have a clue where it came from. Having an immune system attack itself is a HEX. Its dark magic. Not even science can stop it. . .its a HEX that some1 put on u. . .u need to get out there and seek a Sangoma or Spiritual Healer. . .
I was diagnosed in 2010 and have been on meds. What people don't talk about is the damage RA can cause to some organs or your eyes. I now have eye tissue damage from RA. Staying on meds , eating right and getting a good nights sleep is the best thing anyone can do with this disease and pray for a cure.
Thank you so much!❤️
Stress is the major culprit & also eating right food during stress .
Thank you for this info! I just had my first flare up and had no idea what was happening! pretty sure this is what I have! I literally could not get out of bed without my husband's help. Not looking forward to be put on steroids long term but Rheumetologist said it's a possibility.
Thanks you girl!!!!! I am so related to your story… your journey is so touching! All the best wishes! How kind you are to make all these brochures and handouts…incredibly thoughtful ❤
I live in Italy and Just found out I have either a autoimmune/autoinfiammatory disease. Your video came up, not sure how, and I think you are a wonderful person. I hope very much that this disease allow you to enjoy life to the best and that you have a long life with very few flare-ups.
This was an incredibly difficult watch. You so succinctly described the psychological trauma of sudden onset severe rheumatoid arthritis. So quickly you lose your quality of life, your sense of normalcy, and your sense of safety within your body. It’s almost impossible to process and accept within such a short timespan. Thank you for sharing your story. Big hugs!
I think this is somewhat helpful but not very inspiring. A person cannot live on medication for their whole life. Please see a video by Dan Buglio with Phil from California on RA (rheumatoid arthritis)
Ellen, my husband is an internistbelieves I have RA after blood tests. I see a rheumatologist this week and I am very scared! Am I going to be on Prednisone the rest of my life? I recently lost 38 pounds am am afraid I will gain it back. Thank you for this important video. Right now I have pain in my index finger and both feet. Exercise does help but sometimes you just don’t want to, but afterwards you feel better.
I can’t gain weight so I am looking for alternatives 💯
Ellen, thank you so much for your story and good luck for your future life. I am in my 70s and from the UK. I was diagnosed with RA a couple of months ago when my hands became stiff and swollen. To say it was a complete shock is an understatement but stories like yours makes me feel better prepared for what the future might hold because I am currently in denial. Thank you again.
I was recently diagnosed with PMR and Trying to figure out everything . Just seen a rheumatology dr , put on 20m of prednisone management . I trying to figure out how to deal with this condition but as of now I haven’t figure it out . If anyone has some recommendations and advise please let me know as I want learn more to be able to live a healthy life moving forward.
I was diagnosed with R/A 2 years ago .. Wake up one sunday morning with sevefe Pain in my both knees went to the doctor after 3 days ..do not know what happened to my knees ..I got corticosteroid and some meds ..did blood test X-Ray n ultra sound.. Tested positive for R/A ..on methotrexate15 mg CPR my first year and now reduced to 10 mg in my second year ..I am trying g to eat healthy etc..the draw back so car is my cholesterol level rose quite high so I have to take statin ..otherwise I am responding quite well to methotrexate.. I am female 59 years old ..I use castor oil, coconut oil, nutmeg oil etc
Thank you for sharing. The rubber band analogy sums it up perfectly with RA. I just got out of hospital. It’s excruciating. Prayers.
I take my pain meds as needed & works very well for pain, it’s not for everyone but I refuse to suffer.. I’m also finding out that hormone imbalance can also affect RA..RA alone came be depressing
My first and most symptoms was my hands for years. I finally got diagnosed last year and now I have horrible pain in my tain bone which is what I was told was from my RA. Other joints hurt too but my hands are by far the worse.
A brilliant story! I went through exactly your same experience. Your sharing is very helpful and appreciated. Will surely follow you. Thanks
Thank you so much for sharing💕 It means a lot to know that one is not alone.
Happened upon your channel , thanks for sharing your story. My RA came on at age 24, I had children 1yr and 3 yr worked an industrial job and ate poorly. Drs say it was from chronic stress. Began in my feet and ankle. I was given huge amounts of Ibprofin, bextra and celebrex with no relief. I divorced and was prescribed a hot tub , a wonderful aid! I stopped all medication in 2005 . My condition is stress associated and in my thumbs and knees . Flares are in knees with large volumes of fluid . I’ve worked very strenuous jobs my whole life. I retired and second divorce at 62 but had been doing music mostly volunteer. . I know write a children’s book series takes off and sell so I can purchase a small RV and go to a warmer area in winter. Going in next week to get my knee drained. And cortizone.
Thank you so much for sharing – I have just been diagnosed with RA.
I am 31 & was diagnosed with RA about 2 years ago. The pain is unreal! My first rheumatologist started me on methotrexate but I stopped after 8 months of taking it in hopes to have more children someday. Iv been taking cimzia for about a year now. I still have pain and stiffness but not as bad so I keep telling myself this is better than before. I know sugar affects the inflammation so I am going to try cutting that out.
Thank you
I really related to the comment "You do things on the weekends" After 24 years of teaching high school and raising 2 kids as a single mom, I was in complete burnout so I retired early. Then I was diagnosed with RA and OA. I had insomnia all the time and was wiped out on the weekends. I dont know how I did it honestly.