We’re glad you’re here! But, have you considered joining an RA support group?
For many people, having RA can be an isolating and confusing. Your friends and loved ones may not understand what you are going through. Life with an invisible illness can be tough. Connecting with other people that understand can make it easier. Fortunately, if you are looking to find an RA support group, there are many options available.
Local
Arthritis Introspective has local RA support groups. Their support groups are led by trained community volunteers “that share a common goal of bringing together people living with arthritis (and their loved ones) for fun, affordable, and informative activities providing mutual support and positive coping strategies for living well with arthritis.” Check to see if you have an RA support group near you
Ask your local hospital or health care provider. Often times your health care provider can point you towards a community leader that runs a RA support group. If you can’t find a RA specific support group, there might be one for chronic conditions or other autoimmune conditions that might be worth trying out.
If you are unable to find a local RA support group or you are unavailable to attend one, there are several options for joining one online. Many even have mobile apps that let you keep your RA support group with you anywhere, anytime.
Online
Karate Health (also available for iPhone and for Android) is an online community of people battling autoimmune conditions. (RACorner is owned by Karate Health). In addition to communities, Karate Health offers symptom tracking and medication management tools
PatientsLikeMe was one of the first “health social networks.” In fact, if you are battling more than RA, you can find people battling almost any condition on the site.
myRAteam brands itself as the social network for people battling RA. While the site is for people looking for an RA support group, myHealthTeams has support groups for other conditions like Fibromyalgia and Lupus.
