Disclaimer: Our RA warriors freely shared their stories without being coerced, and I hope their stories encourage you to live daily with great strength and RISE above your pain and inflammation!
Taking your time to listen to what others go through will help you better appreciate your journey with a sense of community that you aren’t alone. There are several Rheumatoid Arthritis Story, each with its unique perspective.
Living with RA isn’t fun; it’s living almost daily with pain, lack of comfort, and time spent on things that truly matter.
Read Sophia’s Rheumatoid Arthritis story and see how Coach Ashley supports her Warriors!
Sophia’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Story
Please tell us about yourself so our readers know you better.
My name is Sophia; I am a 30-year-old new mom to a beautiful baby boy. I have two chronic illnesses (RA, Hypothyroid), which have given me many challenges in life, besides many personal challenges like many of us have. I’ve lost three close family members, so I decided I was ready for a big change in my life to lead me to a positive outcome!
How long have you been living with RA?
I have been living with RA for 5+ years and going.
When did you realize you had RA? Was it before you were clinically diagnosed or through clinical diagnosis?
I have had RA for easily 8+ years. I was self-medicating the first year; it took many ER and doctor visits to get diagnosed.
What is it like living with RA?
I’m being sincere when I say it’s been rough; it has taken a toll physically and emotionally. It’s challenging to transition from a healthy person one day to a complete mess the next.
Do you have a working relationship with your rheumatologist, and how does that contribute to your improved health?
I have finally found a good specialist after struggling a bit to find one in my area. It helps to have a doctor who will listen to you and not walk in and out in 10 minutes. I enjoy going to her because she explains everything very well.
How do you handle down moments in your health?
It’s not always easy, but I try to stay positive when I have bad days. I try to push through, looking for ways to get my body to react and feel somewhat better, for example, taking a hot shower, stretching, and listening to music. I also do minimal tasks that day to take it easy on myself.
Why did you join RA Warrior Fitness?
I joined RA Warrior Fitness because I was so tired, like tired of being tired, if that makes sense. I would wake up in so much pain; my diet was fast food every day, and fad diets were not working, so I decided to try it.
Click to join the RHEUM to RISE Challenge today!
How has RA Warrior Community helped you in achieving an overall healthier lifestyle?
The RA Warrior Community has helped me understand I’m not alone. Others struggle and are also working on bettering themselves; we are in it together!
Wow, where to begin!? Coach Ash has been a godsend miracle. I can wake up with a lot less pain. I get to enjoy my baby a lot more, and I have a better understanding of what I am supposed to be eating and taking into my body! I love the way she explains the whole process and is always positive! If I have any doubts, she’s always willing to clarify.
What’s your go-to mantra or affirmations on days you feel like giving up? We hope your mantra helps fellow warriors.
“I got this”
“I am strong”
“I am worthy”
“I am loved”
“God is with me”
What advice do you have for others living with RA?
If I had one thing to say, I’d say, “don’t wait.”
We all fall into a routine we are comfortable with and, most of the time, scared to move out of, but we need to start moving towards that change. Don’t wait.
I was hesitant to start this journey, thinking it would be too difficult, but I was wrong. It’s created for us, for people with RA, BY a person who has RA. So don’t wait; go for it!
Final Thoughts from Ashley
Dear Warrior, you’ve seen how relevant it is not to wait but instead rise above your limiting beliefs and fixed mindset to open the rheum for a healthier life where you get to spend time with your loved ones and other vital aspects of your life.
Like Sophia mentioned, remember that you are STRONG, WORTHY, and you’ve always got this!
If you are not a part of the Warrior Fit Fam Community, I gladly welcome you to join other autoimmune warriors, including myself, as we RISE above our AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS.
