Joyce's Arthritis Connection

 My Journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Finding Strength Through Uncertainty A Life-Changing Diagnosis Thirty years ago, I sat in my rheumatologist's office for the first time, and her words still echo in my mind: "Your RA is very severe, affecting all your joints, from your jaw to your toes." It was a moment that catapulted me into an unfamiliar world, where my hands were stiff, swollen, and sore, and my feet had already begun to show signs of changes, with claw and hammer toes. Even walking became a challenge, but the reality of my situation went beyond the physical pain. The Impact on Family and Future Plans At that time, my husband and I were planning for the future, hoping to have another child—a girl, perhaps. However, my rheumatologist cautioned me that the medications I would need to take could make pregnancy impossible. The rapid changes in my health forced us to shift our focus. We had to come to terms with the unpredictable nature of living with a chronic diseas...