I'm sad..please help..don't know where to begin

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

I've been very sad lately. My boyfriend whom I love dearly has been

diagnosed with RA last Monday. So it's been a week since we found

out. Before the diagnosis he had been feeling sharp pains in his

right hip joint for 2 wks. Which is why he went to the doctors in the

first place. I've been researching and trying to learn about RA. I am

overwhelmed by it. I've been reading stories, treatments, and

prognosis and to be frank..it makes me depressed. I'm scared and I

know my boyfriend is too..I know he is depressed..the other day he

said he wanted to die..we both cried together for hours. We are both

trying to stay strong. But I definately need support and prayers to

find the strength to stay strong. Right now, I just want a place

where I can chat to people for support and resources. Anyone know

where I can find a good chat room. Also, any advice on where to

begin? I guess I really what my boyfriend to start seeing a

rheumatologist and advice on finding a good doctor. Also, a HUGE

FACTOR is medical cost. He has personal/private insurance thru

Cobra..but I don't think its a very good insurance plan because his

medication is so expensive. And his job doesn't provide insurance. I

really need help/advice with the medical cost. And how to make sure

he gets seen by a good rheumatologist. He lives in Southern

California, near West Covina, Fullerton area. We don't have a lot of

money and I want to get early intervention as soon as possible. But

the picturing how much medical bills will cost is scary and

depressing. Need help and resources please! Thank you. RW1