[PsychNitrous]

I was diagnosed last fall with rheumatoid arthritis, after nearly 6 years of pain. I'm fortunate that I'm still young (28) and I hadn't had to deal with any real problems other than the pain. Once I started seeing a rheumatologist and taking meds, the pain has decreased dramatically, as long as I take care to not overdo any physical activity.

Now I'm afraid that I'm starting to experience some of the other problems related to this disease. I've been terrified since my diagnosis of getting sick, even just a cold, because I was warned that my immune system would be weakened by the meds. Nothing has happened until recently, thankfully, but now I'm scared that I'm starting to have other problems. I already have been dealing with pretty bad depression and anxiety, and it's just becoming so hard to deal with anything else.

I have this persisitent "infection" of some sort. I first got it last spring or early summer, and after taking care of it for a few days it healed up. But it's popped back up recently, about 3-4 weeks ago, and won't go away. No matter how many days I clean it out an apply neosporin, it's gone away twice and come back both times. This last time it came back it seems to have healed up faster, but I'm just waiting for it to come back.

I also have an irritated spot on my gums, in the back. I've irritated this spot before by brushing too roughly, so I assumed that's what happened this time. But now it's been swollen for the last couple of days, and it hurts to chew on that side.

I'm so afraid of these things. I'm scared to go to the doctor or dentist to have them checked out, because I'm afraid it's something bad. My depression and anxiety have been causing me enough problems lately, and I don't know how to deal with these at the same time.

[Skeezyks]

Hello PsychNitrous: I'm sorry you are having all of these problems. Depression & anxiety are difficult enough to deal with without having these medical problems as well... and vice versa. I hope you will be able to find the strength to see your doctor & dentist with regard to the medical issues that have come up. The sooner they are attended to the better. (I'm sure you know that...) The Skeezyks sends you his best wishes...