18 and in severe pain for 3 years now, arthritis so young?
When I was about 15, my knees began to occasionally hurt. Over the course of three years, the pain has traveled attacking my ankles, wrists, big toes, and 8 fingers. Some days, I am unable to even walk. I often times have to lift my leg onto my gas petal to drive. I walk with a limp due to the pain in my knees and toes, avoiding any extraneous movements, even walking up stairs. I fall. I often times cannot even stand up from a sitting position without pushing myself up first. My hands have it the worse now, I find it difficult to nearly impossible to hold a pencil and write, or turn off my cell phone by pushing the off button located on the top of the phone with my pointer finger. I drop things all the time. Some days, I cannot even open my hand... my hands always look like they're crippled. However, this pain is only ever present I'd say about 70% of the time. Everyday, at least one joint is in pain and other days I cant help but cry while trying to even get dressed in the morning... It hurts so bad. I hate this, but cannot afford to see a doctor. I don't know what it is, possibly R.A... but I am only 18! Nothing works; Glucosamine, fish oil, resting the joints, icing, heating, compressing, BenGay, stretching, MSM, anti-inflammatory meds, and so many more remedies have failed me. I just want to be able to MOVE, like a 18 year old should be able to.
The following user gives a hug of support to sufferinginpain: bubblegirl (01-23-2013)
Re: 18 and in severe pain for 3 years now, arthritis so young?
You really do need to see a doctor! If it is RA or another form of the inflammatory arthritis, then it is also attacking you systemically- you really need to establish just what it is & get some treatment. Good luck!
Re: 18 and in severe pain for 3 years now, arthritis so young?
In most states, you can all The United Way(often it's 211) and you can ask them where to find a free medical clinic as you are sick with no insurance coverage. They should be able to give you addresses and phone numbers. If not, most hospitals have clinics and often, they are free or on a sliding fee scale. Again, if your local hospital doesn't have them, try calling the closest large hospital, especially one associated with a medical school so if you have a big university near you and it has a medical school...they have clinics.
You need to see someone who can do some blood work to see if you have Ra or another illness and get you started on meds. A lot of drug companies will fund your meds if needed. But first things first....you need to see someone, preferably a rheumatologist.
Re: 18 and in severe pain for 3 years now, arthritis so young?
I am 28, and i have osteoarthritis in my hip. I've had mine (ok still have) for almost 3 years. the pain is down and i feel like i'm on top of the world. its been a rough road. I went to three doctors, even a hip specialist, all telling me i needed a hip replacement. I said no, i'm too young. I felt so alone and on my own. Here's what i did. I started eating better (anything helps) I started with a juicer, I did yoga which helped with the pain (and how to handle the pain), as well as I found a doctor who did PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy) which was an injection but of your own blood. Its something you might be able to research.
18 and in severe pain for 3 years now, arthritis so young? 
If it is RA or another form of the inflammatory arthritis, then it is also attacking you systemically- you really need to establish just what it is & get some treatment. Good luck! 
