How Your Life Has Changed with RA

Helen Herring: How Your Life Has Changed with RA
HEALTHJOURNEYS
Helen Herring Rheumatoid Arthritis

View More

Give us a bit of your unique backstory. How did you learn you had RA?

I broke my wrist and had a huge flare. Quick diagnosis and after trying my drugs I qualified for Humira. Recently had food reconstruction and now struggling to get RA back under control as I could not take Humira for 10 weeks.

How has RA changed life for you and your family? Describe the changes that took place.

I have to pace myself and ensure I get enough rest and try not to get stressed. It’s difficult to get the balance right but most of the time I achieve a decent standard of life.

My marriage, however, did not take the strain so I am a single mum with 3 teenagers.

What is the best advice you would give to someone recently diagnosed?

Push for diagnosis and decent treatment. Educate yourself on all the ways RA can impact you and understand that those without RA struggle to ‘get it’ so they need to educate themselves too.