Looking back on the early days of my Rheumatoid Arthritis journey, I realise how much I didn’t know — and how much I wish someone had told me. If you’re in that in-between place, waiting for answers or just beginning to connect the dots, this post is for you.
Here are five things I wish I had known before my RA diagnosis — truths that would have helped me navigate those uncertain months with more grace, peace and understanding.
1. Early Symptoms Can Be Subtle — But Still Serious
RA doesn’t always announce itself loudly. I ignored morning stiffness, unexplained fatigue and minor joint pain for far too long because it didn’t seem “bad enough.” But those quiet signs were real and important.
If something feels off, pay attention — your body is speaking.
2. Not All Doctors Will Listen (But Some Will)
One of the hardest parts of the journey was feeling dismissed by early healthcare visits. It took time to find a doctor who truly heard me and took my symptoms seriously.
Advocate for yourself. Keep searching for a healthcare provider who listens with compassion and knowledge.
3. Fatigue Isn’t Just Being Tired — It’s a Symptom
The fatigue I experienced wasn’t normal tiredness — it was bone-deep exhaustion. I blamed myself for not being more productive, but RA fatigue is real and overwhelming.
Listen to your limits. Rest is not a luxury — it’s a form of healing.
4. You’ll Need to Learn a New Kind of Grace
RA will challenge your pace, your plans, and sometimes your peace. I had to learn to stop measuring my worth by what I could do and instead anchor it in who I am — loved, held, and enough.
Give yourself grace. Slower days are not wasted ones.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9
5. You’re Not Alone in This
In the beginning, I felt isolated. But over time, I discovered a quiet, beautiful truth — there’s a whole community of people navigating chronic illness and faith can be a steady hand through it all.
Your story matters. And someone else needs to hear it — just like you needed to hear theirs.
a quiet reflection
RA may have changed the way I move through the world, but it also deepened the way I see it. If you’re just beginning your journey, I hope these reminders give you a little clarity and a lot of comfort.
From My Wellness Routine
While everyone’s RA journey is different, these simple habits gently supported me during the earliest days — both physically and spiritually:
- Warm turmeric tea or golden milk – comforting and naturally anti-inflammatory
- Journaling – helped me track symptoms, reflect on patterns, and release emotion
- Gentle movement – even light stretching or a short walk eased morning stiffness
- Anti-inflammatory foods – berries, leafy greens, flax seeds and omega-rich foods made a noticeable difference
- Staying hydrated – keeping water nearby became a small act of self-care
A warm, soothing drink that has anti-inflammatory properties and can be a lovely evening ritual or a gentle start to your day.
This recipe has become a comforting part of my self-care routine — warming, nourishing and gentle on sore joints.
These aren’t cures — but they offered small daily anchors when everything else felt uncertain. I’ll be sharing more recipes and natural routines in future posts, so keep an eye on the blog.
Have something you wish you knew sooner? I’d love to hear from you in the comments — your insight could encourage someone else walking this road.
If today’s message spoke to you, you may enjoy my most recent post, Wellness God’s Way: 10 Bible Verses That Renew Body and Spirit. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t just physical — it’s rooted in God’s truth, peace and presence.
