Ray’s Story
| Tell us a little about yourself and your family -- where you're from, what you do, what your interests are, etc. * | I am a 39 father of two ages 2 & 5. I have been married to my best friend for 8 years and we are living in NC. I enjoy running, reading, playing video games & drinking coffee. |
|---|---|
| When were you diagnosed with RA/Rheumatoid Disease? | I was was diagnosed back in August of 2014 just before my son was born. |
| What was your first symptom? | The first symptom that got me into the doctors office was swelling in two of my fingers to the point where I couldn’t make a fist. However looking back my first symptom was actually swelling in my feet and ankles that I chalked up to the amount I was running. |
| What is the biggest way rheumatoid disease has affected your life? | They biggest way my life has been affected is by not being able to play with my kids in the way I envisioned. Ankles and wrist inflammation stop me from running around as much as I would like. |
| What has been your experience with treatments for rheumatoid disease? | I have been on mtx and a biologic and I am better on the meds then off but I am not pain free. I have some form of inflammation at all times |
| What do you want the public to know about rheumatoid disease? | That it takes a lot of strength and work to walk around every day and look like you are not in pain. |
| How have you worked to overcome challenges presented by rheumatoid disease? | I have just learned to adapt and do things a little different. I use compression socks to help with inflammation in my feet, keep wrist wraps on hand just in case I need them and adjusted my workouts to not over do it. |
| What have you learned through living with rheumatoid disease? | The most important thing that I have learned is the importance of a positive out look and finding the sliver lining. Also there is a large threshold of pain your body can take when you have to. |
| What encouragement or advice would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed? | Take it in day at a time and enjoy the good days. |
