To tell the longer story...I've only been diagnosed for a little over a year and have really had it only for 3 or so years, but it's just getting worse and worse.  I go to college pretty far from my my hometown... so now I'm in an awkward summer period where I don't have a rheumatologist to see here in my hometown, but I really need to up my medicine regimen.  Silly me, I put of the deicision to add on new medicine my doctor wanted to prescribe me because, after going through a pretty bad thyroid disorder in high school and having to be on lots of meds for a period of time, I try to stay away from as many as possible.  But now I'm just stuck in this weird period of time where I can't even see my normal rheumatologist for another month or so.  So... I've been feeling a lot more pain and a lot more stiffness and a LOT more fatigue than I'm used to, and it's so hard being so young and generally healthy... but being so limited by this one thing.  Sometimes, I can't turn door knobs or turn on sinks... and things like bowling or opening jars or using a can opener are certainly things of the past.  My friends are great and really supportive, and listen to and pray for me... but I still feel kind of alone, despite all my friends and family, when I'm in so much pain, or so tired, and feel just generally weak or stiff or uncomfortable.

But... that's probably nothing new for most of you folks on here!  It's so nice to read posts about symptoms that I so know, and know that pther people really understand what I'm going through.  The stories of those who have to quit school or work really touches me and encourages me to be more thankful that my arthritis isn't so severe and that I can still do the things that I can, praise God! 

My prayers will be with you all, and thank you for sharing what you have in this whole forum!!