Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis: One Patient’s Journey
When you are living with pain every day, even the simplest tasks — walking the dog, holding your baby, fastening a button — can feel overwhelming. Many patients come to me frightened that things will only get worse, or that they may lose their independence.
Recently, a patient shared their story:
“When I first visited Dr. Singh just over two months ago, I could barely walk and couldn’t lift my 15-month-old baby. I was living with chronic pain every day, and it was getting worse. I felt very frightened and feared I was heading towards life in a wheelchair…”
After a thorough consultation, blood tests, and X-rays, the diagnosis was rheumatoid arthritis. For a 42-year-old mother with young children, this felt daunting. But with the right plan in place, things soon began to change.
“Just two months later, I am back at work full-time. I can hold my baby, get dressed on my own, and walk my dog again. I feel so much stronger.”
This story highlights three important points for anyone concerned about joint pain:
Early diagnosis makes a difference. Rheumatoid arthritis can progress quickly, but when identified early, treatments are highly effective.
Specialist care provides reassurance. Understanding what medications do — and what side effects to watch for — helps patients feel safe and in control.
Recovery is possible. With careful monitoring and the right treatment plan, many people regain independence and quality of life.
If you are living with persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, please don’t ignore it. Getting checked early can help you return to the life you want to live.
Please note, these posts are for general information only and do not constitute medical advice. Dr Singh would encourage you to speak to your healthcare professional to be assessed and managed for your specific symptoms.
