I was diagnosed 10 yrs ago. I am 38 now. I started waking up and doing a joint of the day check. It was ankles, feet, toes knees,shoulders. I would feel like a tingle in the skin like it was stretching and 1 hr later I had no knuckles and severe pain. Early detection and medication is key. I was started on sulfazine and in 3 months I was pain and swelling free. i went into remission for about 5 yrs. I am now dealing with it again. Now the pain is as intense but no swelling. It has stayed on my hands and shoulders mostly. I am currently on prednisone, sulfasalazine and going to start the Humira inj. tonight. It has not been easy. Prayer has really worked for me but I am in a place right now where I am so emotionally fatigued. I have 3 young children and sometimes I cant hold my infant son or change his diaper because of pain. I have been trying to work through the pain but it has become more and more difficult. May end up going on dissability soon. Do not want to and can't afford it but working through this pain is not easy. Advil,Aleve,Tylenol do not work unless I take a handful. That is not good on my liver or kidneys. The key is to keep positive. Good luck!View Thread