After I first started experiencing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms, I saw a series of health care providers who couldn’t quite figure out what was wrong with me. It took six years to actually arrive at an RA diagnosis. By then, I’d already been living with severe joint damage in my wrists.

In this video, I share my diagnosis journey, along with why I believe it’s essential to be your own advocate if you’re trying to get a diagnosis. I’d love to hear what your RA diagnosis experience was like. Please leave a comment below, and share what you’ve learned along the way.

My Perspective articles discuss rheumatoid arthritis from a specific point of view. My Perspective articles don’t reflect the opinions of myRAteam staff, medical experts, partners, advertisers, or sponsors. Content on myRAteam isn't intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.