What fears have you had?

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of those conditions that can leave a person uncertain of the future. Because RA is different for everyone, it is hard to determine what a future with RA will be like. Not having any answers about what the future can hold can be scary.

When I was first diagnosed, I worried about ability to continue to work, to care of my family and to take care of myself. Those were the big worries. I also worried about living with pain daily, the effects of the medication I was taking and whether things would get worse and how soon that would happen. Would I become disabled and what about my future and my children’s futures?

I am hitting the four year mark since my diagnosis and while I still have fears, they have eased up. I have been fortunate thus far. I have continued working and I continue to take of my family. I have bad flare up days but overall, I think I am doing considerably well. I do worry about the future but I have learned that I should not let that worry take over my life and force me to give up on my dreams and on the things I enjoy doing.

What fears have you had since your diagnosis? Have you been able to overcome these fears?