@kelly1962
I remember how upset I was when I was told I had RA. I had been ill 25 years before I had this diagnosis. I was told it was all in my head, also that I needed to learn to meditate. In fact, I had a 20 years mediation practice when I was told that!

I want to suggest that your healing begins now. You may find a rheumatologist who can start you on a biologic. For me, it's not like I kept getting worse once I had treatment for RA. I have seen reversals in both pain and swelling. One source of anxiety for me was that I didn't know healing was possible. I thought I had missed out and like so many others wonder, what are the chances for healing?

You may come to learn about exercise and diet, vitamins, other treatments (meditation!?). And the balance is a new way of living with a long time of disabling illness.

I was 31 when I became ill. In my early 50's when I was diagnosed and started with a biologic: Remicade 3 years, and Simponi for 10 yrs. Now I'm 68 and other autoimmune illness, plus having had head/neck cancer survivor with permanent changes from radiation, that's what I'm challenged with most. RA is not the horrible experience that I feared.