30, newly diagnosed with RA

[Guest guest]

I am new to the group and lost. My mother was diagnosed with RA at 18

and has lived 37 years treating her disease. During July 2008 I

began to have RA symptoms and was diagnosed August 4th. I am lucky

because there are so many treatments that are available to me that

were not to my mother. She has severe deformity in her hands, neck

and had both total knee replacements before she was 45 years old. I

have been around RA my whole life but when it happens to you, it is a

completely different experience.

I have been struggling with my daily activities and dealing with my

new diagnosis. Everything I read online is for much older age

people. I am 30 and I haven't been able to find any age appropriate

exercise classes, support groups etc. Can you suggest any websites,

classes or reading materials for a young active adult?

I will be taking Enbrel which will begin in 2 weeks. I am scared of

the needle but once the first shot is administered I think my fears

will slip away. I am eager to get the treatment started and feel

less pain. Do you have any additional information you can provide on

Enbrel other than what is offered on their website? Is anyone

currently taking this medication?

Thank you for any help!