Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition that affects millions, yet each person's journey with the disease is unique. As someone who has lived with RA since 2010, my experience has been filled with challenges, growth, and ultimately, empowerment. Today, I’m sharing my personal story in the hopes that it resonates with others navigating similar struggles. If you're someone living with RA or know someone who is, keep reading for insights into diagnosis, treatment options, and learning to live with a chronic illness.
It all started in the fall of 2010, during my freshman year of college. I noticed an unusual stiffness in my hands while walking with a friend one evening. I joked about it, not realizing this would be the first sign of something much bigger. Over the next few months, more bizarre symptoms surfaced. Joint pain — excruciating pain that woke me up in the middle of the night — started to invade my knees, shoulders, and other large joints. My body was betraying me, and I was confused, terrified, and frustrated.
After multiple trips to the emergency room and some inconclusive diagnoses, it wasn’t until a nurse suggested testing for rheumatoid factor that I was put on the path toward a real diagnosis. The blood tests revealed alarming signs of RA, and I was referred to a rheumatologist. I didn’t fully understand what RA was at the time, but things were about to change.
In the beginning, I was determined to avoid medications, hoping that holistic treatments would offer a cure. Like many others, I was influenced by wellness culture, which suggested that diet and lifestyle changes could completely reverse autoimmune conditions like RA. I tried everything— gluten-free diets, anti-inflammatory foods, macrobiotics, you name it. But despite my best efforts, my symptoms only worsened.
It wasn’t until 2012 that I sought medical help and was prescribed methotrexate and prednisone. While these medications helped reduce the inflammation, the side effects, particularly significant weight gain, were hard to handle. I also struggled with the idea of long-term medication use, especially as my faith led me to believe that healing was possible through prayer and lifestyle changes.
From 2012 to 2017, I continued to battle RA without consistent medical treatment. Despite my desire for a cure, the reality of living with chronic pain and fatigue eventually forced me to reconsider my stance on medication. I had to face the fact that RA wasn’t going to go away on its own.
In 2016, after years of physical and emotional exhaustion, I finally saw a doctor who was dismissive of my struggles, but I didn’t let that stop me. In 2018, I saw another rheumatologist, and for the first time, I committed to a treatment plan. Slowly but surely, I began to feel like I was taking control of my life again.
The turning point in my journey came when I finally took the time to educate myself about rheumatoid arthritis. For years, I had relied on information from unreliable sources. But in 2018 and 2019, I made it a priority to learn from reputable sources, including medical professionals and RA-specific organizations. Understanding the disease gave me the power to make informed decisions about my treatment and my lifestyle.
Now, I advocate for RA patients to educate themselves, as knowledge is crucial for navigating life with a chronic illness. The more you understand, the better equipped you’ll be to fight the disease and live a fulfilling life despite it.
As of 2025, I am in remission or very near remission, and my symptoms are under control. Yes, I still have flare-ups, and there are days when I feel defeated. But overall, I am thriving. I’ve learned how to manage my health, and I’m more determined than ever to share what I’ve learned with others.
If you're living with RA or suspect that you might be, know that you're not alone. The road to diagnosis and treatment is often long and frustrating, but it’s worth it to invest in your health, both physically and mentally.
Living with rheumatoid arthritis is no easy feat, but it’s possible to live a fulfilling life even with a chronic illness. By sharing my story, I hope to empower others to seek the help they need, educate themselves, and never give up on finding the right treatment. If you're dealing with RA, remember: it’s okay to ask for help, to rest, and to prioritize your health. Reach out to others, share your story, and know that there is hope and support for you on this journey.
Meet Ellen, a chronic illness advocate and the founder of Flare Family. Since developing Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2010, she's dedicated herself to empowering others navigating similar journeys through her TikTok account, @ellenwitharthritis. Led by compassion, she is working to build a community where everyone feels heard, understood, and uplifted.
Ellen is a graphic and web designer who enjoys spending time with her partner, Jarrod, and soul dog, Dolly. Her not so guilty pleasures are Bravo reality shows, donuts, and finding great hiking spots.
Have questions about Flare Family? Need advice about living with Rheumatoid Arthritis? I'm here to connect with you and answer your questions!
Are you a writer? Do you have a story to tell or advice to give? I'm always looking for guest authors. If you're interested in writing a blog post for Flare Family, contact me via email or this form.
ellenwitharthritis@gmail.com
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