For those who give advice just say thanks with a fake smile and change the subject ASAP! For those who say you don’t look like there is anything wrong with you that’s so rude! Sometimes I explain that the pain is like having a sprained wrist or ankle... but mostly I prefer not to tell people or talk about it. Much easier. Good luck..

I have and worse because it can cause vertigo. Believe it or not I have been dianosed with PET. Petuous estacian tube disorder. It keeps your inner ear from adjusting to changes in air pressure. All sound now sounds muffled as if I had earplugs in. Very annoying.

I carry a picture on my phone of an xray on my phoneof my mangled foot and a picture of it after surgery. Yes it is a little startling but graphic. But I only do it once and that is the last time wonders if I have RA. Some people are just asking to be polite and I just say ," Dealing with it" and if they are interested in RA I tell them because I am spreading awareness.
The truth is this is me now. I can't hide it . Like a zit on my nose , there is no way to cover it up. I am s6-4 and 255. I gave up trying to hide in the back ground. Because of RA ,I have been left behind by friends when I couldn't keep up, or cancelled going because of RA.
That is why I like this site. This is me. No need to explain.

Always just nod my head say thank you and roll on. Then feel sorry for their lack of knowledge. They think they are trying to help. Sighs.
There are dozens of RA medications on the market with new ones coming all the time. Good luck and God bless.

Are you on @Plaquenil? It can cause Tinnitus and ear problems ... ask your doc . I know the feeling about the shock of being diagnosed I was 16 when I was diagnosed and played wvery sport possible. it changed my whole life. Hard to accept but what can you do.. if you get the right mediation you will be able to control it and live a good and full life. Sorry to hear about the pain, doesn’t sound right. You should have manageable to little pain with the meds. What about an anti inflammatory like Celebrex and or cortisone to help till you get into a proper disease modifying medication? Re the insurance it is well worth to pay a few hundred dollars monthly and be properly treated and live a good of life. Your health is no 1!! Good luck