Our similarities & differences with Rheumatoid Arthritis are fascinating!
I sure wished I had a dollar for every time a patient told me his / her doctor said he / she was atypical! And some actually have quite common symptoms! Here are 7 things that are often said to be unusual that are actually pretty common. If I missed one that surprised you, you can add it below as a comment. And I know it’s a commercial, but the Cigna ad made me smile. Would you be the astronaut or the royal princess, the knight or the matador?
People often say, “My Rheumatoid Arthritis is not typical because…”
1) My hands weren’t affected (at least for awhile).
2) I don’t often have obvious swelling.
3) I also have osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, Hashimoto’s disease or another diagnosis.
4) I didn’t know anyone else with Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was diagnosed. I felt alone.
5) Rheumatoid Arthritis medicine doesn’t agree with me. I still have symptoms and I get side effects.
6) The RA has caused non-articular health problems (outside of the joints).
7) My lab tests are normal even though I have symptoms.
Recommended reading
- Our 1st ever “typical” discussion: Is There a Typical Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Discussion of “classic RA” What about Classic Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- 429 comments defy typical: What Is the First Symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Practical ideas: 20 Tips for Managing Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
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