Im feeling super concerned for the future. I'm the Chef at my family's pizzeria and I'm worried I won't be able to keep doing this.
How many of you have been diagnosed for 5+yrs? Do things stop falling apart? What does one look like after 5-10 years of treatment?
I'm hoping to get a peak into my future. I am 26 and was diagnosed about 2 years ago, and in all honesty, it feels a lot like the end of my "young" life 
Hi there - much can be done to put you in remission. The drugs will help but not the solution for everyone. I am in remission due to diet and supplements.... plus I healed my gut. There is an amazing guy in Australia called Clint Paddison - google him and his you tube videos. His RA was horrendous and he cured himself and is now drug free. His programme is only $100 and he has many success stories. Give up all dairy, gluten and sugar. Eat lots of fermented foods and organic fruit and veg. Buy a juicer - Nutribullet or Ninja Bullet. Claim your life back... the effort is worth it... May
PS my RA was diagnosed 8 years ago. Now drug free.....
Happy to answer any questions!
Dear hot mama, sounds like you love what you do....and you have a great job. I've had RA for 50+ yrs. although i could not work with my hands as vigorously as you do...I wish I would have been diagnosed during a time of so many treatments available. I'm assuming you have involved RA in your hands. I suggest striving to achieve joint protection now than later...i.e. Splints to wear at night, medication to address inflammation, range of motion exercises, etc. our hands take a lot of abuse naturally but you can protect them. Don't lose hope..our future is a mystery to all and RA affects everyone differently but you can with proper treatment help prevent joint damage. Hang in there.
I was diagnosed 21 years ago (plus add 5 yrs. more, the time it took for me to get diagnosed properly). Most of the time I do well with regular activities, including work before I retired. I do have flares from time to time and am knocked out for a few days until he meds kick in. Although my hands show signs of RA, they still work fine. New friends tell me that they never suspected I have RA until I told them. Don't lose heart! You will do pretty much okay for a long time to come as long as you take good care of yourself. Glad to have you in this group. Blessings.
Thats sad..i been diagnosed 3 year ago..but im 60...now my daughter age 34 has RA and Lupus and she tries to keep going...its not easy
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Have you ever thought your meds increased your RA symptoms?