rheumatoid arthritis

[betterman]

I am 33 yrs old, am i too young to have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis(hands)?

It has been common in older members of my family, but none were diagnosed as young as me.

Anyone with any experience of this?

[sqad617]

No I have not got it, but can even occur in childhood.

There are many times of rheumatoid arthritis and a Consultant Rheumatologist will be au fait with them.

[Therema]

Im not as young as you (50) but had rhumatics all over since i was 21, since found out i had the starts of arthritis too but was diagnosed last yr with rheumatoid arthritis in my knees and fingers, but no your not too you to have this hun, ive heard of young children having it too

[SKA]

I did RA in uni last semester, I'm pretty sure that it's most common in older people but as sqad617 said it does occur sometimes in younger people even though it's less common.

[36TEAK36]

Definately not too old, I was diagnosed 22 years ago at the age of 21.

[36TEAK36]

sorry, should have read definately not too young.

[Therema]

Sorry its osteoarthritis i have in my knees

[evedawn]

when I was in high school a fellow pupil had arthirtis - he used to be in alot of pain sometimes and he must've been about 16 at the time!!!!!


out of curiosity - whats the diff between rheumatoid and osteo arthritis?

[betterman]

Hi 36teak36, how have you managed with it over that period, i get the sudden excruciating sharp pain in my palm and knuckles, cant do nothing with my hands for a while after it happens.

[filibuster]

Hi betterman, I have had RA for 32 years having been diagnosed at age 36. You will probably find that your Rheumatology Clinic will be able to prescribe drugs which weren't available when mine first was diagnosed, and therefore, you will find the condition can be well monitored.
I have had quite a few joint replacements and have one leg fixed but I am still able to enjoy life and get around as much as I can. I have never let the condition master me, I have always felt that I am in charge and take each day as it comes.

If you can do the latter you will find you cope really well and I wish you well for the future.

[sqad617]

evedawn......simple terms:

OsteoArthrits affects the larger joints, hip, knee and is usually due to wear and tear.

Rheumatoid Arthritis afeects the smaller joints, hands and feet........a generalised disorder of unknown cause.

For more specific differences, Google the two conditions.

[Therema]

http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/typesofphy sicaltherapy/a/RAOA.htm
There you go evedawn

[evedawn]

Ah thanks to squad and therema for clearing that up.


And best of luck to betterman for future managing and coping with the diagnosis.

X

[betterman]

Thanks all.

[Eve.]

I'm 30 and have had arthritis for a while.

Maybe if there is a genetic link you are more susceptible earlier?

My mum was told she was very young when she was diagnosed with menieres in her fifties, I had my first big attack at 17.

[bednobs]

i was diagnosed with seropositive RA whn i was 24. No family history either

[babex1]

i have the same arthritis i got it after the shock of my dad been misdiagnoised with cancer, i have it in all my joints,hands,jaw and my back also and i am now 38 and most days is a srtuggle, i find the rain makes me even sorer. I am on methroxate its a cancer drug helps keep the swelling at bay but not the pain.