I’m coming up on my first month anniversary with reactive arthritis, or as people like to call it, ReA. Last month, I was just an average guy, going to work and enjoying nights out with friends. Now, I’m a patient, battling an illness I don’t fully understand, and it’s been a really tough adjustment.
My symptoms began with joint pain, which started out as a mild nuisance but developed into a full-on nightmare. I noticed my pain was concentrated in my hands, wrists, and feet, and each step I took felt like I was walking over hot coals. One doctor diagnosed me with gout, but thankfully another suggested we test for ReA after I told him about my family history. After my blood test came back positive, I immediately started thinking about what this meant for my future.
ReA is an unpredictable disease and there isn’t one clear-cut treatment that can make it go away. Some days I’m okay, and other days I feel like I’m stuck in a never-ending loop of pain and misery. It can be especially difficult to manage because the treatments I’m on can have side effects of their own.
But that doesn’t mean I’ve given up. I may not have control over my diagnosis, but I’m doing everything I can to stay healthy. I’m eating right, exercising, and doing plenty of stretching to keep my joints strong. I’ve also spoken to support groups and read up on the latest ReA research. It’s a lot of work, but I know it’s worth it if it can help me stay as healthy as possible.
Overall, I’m still feeling hopeful. I’m committed to doing everything I can to make sure this doesn’t get the best of me. I’m determined to fight my way through this and come out on the other side the same guy I was before – just with a bit more knowledge and understanding. Here’s hoping for a cure soon.