This post is part of a paid sponsorship by Regeneron and Sanofi. All opinions are my own.
When my best friend Angela and I decided to become roommates, I remember her telling me that she had Rheumatoid Arthritis and asking me if that was ok. At the time I did not understand enough about the disease, and I shrugged it off with “Absolutely! No problem at all!”
Angela had always appeared perfectly healthy, and I had huge plans for how much fun we would have living together.
After a few weeks though, I came to learn much more about this disease, and how it affected Angela on a daily basis… so much so that I’ve been a primary caregiver for the years we’ve lived together. In the past few years, I have learned so much about this disease, and just how frustrating it can be.
When I had the chance to team up with Regeneron and Sanofi to help spread the word about this “invisible” ailment, I jumped at the chance. I not only wanted to support those in the RA Community, but wanted also to spread the word to people like me – who may not understand just how serious it can be. It’s difficult to understand the impact RA can have on someone’s daily life until you see it for yourself. Having been there first hand with my friend Angela, I think it is so important that we all understand that just because we cannot SEE someone suffering, it does not mean that they aren’t.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 54.4 million US adults (22.7%) annually are told by a doctor that they have some form of arthritis – including RA. In fact, by 2040, an estimated 78 million (26%) U.S. adults ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. (source – https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm) With those kinds of numbers, it is important for us to know and understand as much as we can about this chronic illness.
Recently Regeneron and Sanofi fielded a 1,004 self-reported RA patient survey called Honestly RA to uncover the emotional impact of the daily struggles, frustrations, and triumphs of what it means to live with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The survey revealed that eight in ten people living with RA reported that they experience pain daily or multiple times per week.
Since Angela and I began living together, I have experienced many times when she simply hurt too badly to leave the house – even for events that we had been planning for months. I can always see how disappointed she is, and I do my best to comfort her. Even though I cannot SEE that she’s hurting, I know how badly she wants to go, and I see the tears in her eyes when she says she’s not able to go.
We have spent countless hours in doctors’ offices and in just the few years we have lived together, she’s tried numerous medications hoping to get some relief. Unfortunately, this is all too common. In fact, on average, people with RA have tried more than 4 different medications in the last five years. When I read that the Honestly RA survey found that 74% of patients feel their treatments do not always work as well as they would like, I knew my friend fell in to that category. And while a patient’s relationship with the doctor is crucial, there are many other needs when it comes to treatment and support for those living with RA.
I am happy to say that Angela is currently in remission from her RA, and while I see her healthy and happy and without pain, I still remember watching her suffer for years. She still thanks me for the help I gave her, for all the trips to the doctor, for never giving her a hard time about having to stay home, for making sure she stayed on top of her medicines, and for simply being there to love and support her even on the worst days.
If you or someone you love is living with RA – check out the Honestly RA findings to learn more about how this disease impacts patients’ daily lives – both physically and emotionally – and how we can best help and support everyone in the RA community.