- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Interviews
SS's interview
How did all start?
Started feeling pain and nodules in my right thumb . My primary care doctors never followed through or referred me out .
Finally a few years later , I paid out of pocket to see a naturopath that my cousin referred to me .
If it was not for him , I would have never been validated for what I thought all along about autoimmune diseases . With his blood testing panels, he found factors of rheumatoid. He strongly advised that I find a rheumatologist immediately. He also provided me with a list of foods that help with inflammation as well as foods to avoid and supplements to take . If it weren’t for him , I would never have the confirmation and blood test to show .
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
6 years
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Proper diagnosis and finding a proper rheumatologist. Correct medications
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Some family have not taken my diagnosis seriously. They have literally laughed in my face .
What things have you stopped doing?
Running .
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Run again
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Advocate for yourself . Keep asking questions . Trust your gut . Switch rheumatologist if they are not listening to you .
