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What I Want You To Know...


Like most that suffer from chronic diseases, I feel like people typically do not understand what it is like to walk (or not to walk) in our shoes. While I do not want to constantly focus on my ailments, I think it is important to spread awareness. It is crucial that we educate and provide basic knowledge for the general public. I chose this picture for this post because it hit home for me personally. I have lots of friends with Rheumatoid Disease that do indeed have severe arthritis. While I look at them and see strength, hope, and courage,  you can also see the pain and suffering through their disfigurements.

My sister and I have many health issues, but one can not visibly see any deformities as of yet. While I am grateful that all my extremities are characterized as normal so far, this can make it hard for others to realize what type of struggles we go through on a day to day basis. I wanted to post some symptoms here that go hand in hand with Rheumatoid Disease.
These were copied from https://www.ra.com/

RA SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with symptoms that can be caused in part
by inflammation. RA symptoms can vary from person to person, including:
  • Joint pain, swelling and stiffness
  • Fatigue and muscle pain
Advanced RA complications include joint damage that leads to deformity and limited range of motion.

What are other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?

  • Weakness
  • Flu-like symptoms, including low-grade fever
  • Worse joint stiffness after sleeping or prolonged sitting
  • Flares of disease activity followed by remission or disease inactivity
  • Rheumatoid nodules, or lumps of tissue under the skin
  • Loss of appetite and/or weight loss
Love to all my RA warriors! #Rheum, #RedefiningRA

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