Stephanie DeNicola: Stronger than Ever
Share Your Experience > Stephanie DeNicola: Stronger than Ever

I was 22 and in my last semester in college when I "got sick," as I refer to my onset. Over the course of a few weeks, I lost the use of the left side of my body. Over two and a half months, I was examined by 13 doctors and finally was diagnosed with seronegative RA.

When I was diagnosed, I had the typical "I'm too young" attitude. I was immediately put on methotrexate and a high dose corticosteroid. I was told that my dream of being a high school English teacher—which I was a month from realizing— was impractical. Over the next few months, I moved back home, got my diagnosis confirmed, went into a severe depression and was recommended for permanent disability.

I saw a TV ad for an RA drug and asked my rheumatologist to try this particular treatment.  After months of discussion with my rheumatologist and no affect from other drug treatments, my rheumatologist placed me on my current treatment.  Six months after starting this medication, I moved to Virginia, started a job in Washington, D.C. and finally began a career. Nine and a half years later, I am still successful with my medication.

The 10 years that I have had RA, I have gotten married, bought a three-story townhouse and helped dozens of other people learn to live with RA. And despite RA, or maybe because of it, I'm stronger than ever.

As a patient, it makes life easier to know the ACR Research and Education Foundation is dedicated to meaningful treatment and finding the causes of rheumatic diseases through the Within Our Reach: Finding a Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis campaign.