Eileen Davidson’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Story

For years, pain was my constant companion, though I didn’t know its name. What started as aches in my hands, knees, and feet in 2010 would become a force that transformed my life, my career, and my understanding of what it means to advocate for myself.

When the symptoms first appeared, I was working as an esthetician. The job demanded long hours on my feet and working with my hands. However, doctors and I wrote off the pain as an occupational strain. “You’re young,” they’d say. “Just try to exercise or wear a brace.” Without visible swelling or other obvious signs, my concerns were easily brushed aside.

During my pregnancy in 2012, the pain intensified even more, accompanied by swelling and debilitating fatigue that no amount of rest could make go away. I was being monitored for preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), but I wasn’t fitting the typical description of the condition. There were signs something was wrong, but it was brushed off as pregnancy issues with no further examination or testing. 

I held onto hope that the symptoms I experienced during pregnancy would fade after giving birth, but instead, they grew worse as time went on. Simple tasks became monumental challenges. I could barely hold my infant son for extended periods of time without needing support. Someone sitting beside me on the bus even hurt. My work suffered until I could no longer perform my duties without being in tears afterward. Still, answers eluded me.

The medical appointments blur together in my memory—numerous visits where I tried to make doctors understand that something was seriously wrong. This pain and tiredness weren’t normal. My symptoms were downplayed, attributed to everything from stress to being a new mom. No tests or examinations were done. I was told, “Lose the baby weight, watch your diet.” I blamed myself for how I felt. 

By March 2015, desperation for relief drove me to request that I get tested for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), something my co-worker suggested I do. That is when everything clicked. My aunt has RA. Could I, also?

Ahead of my next appointment, I did my research. I had connected the dots—symptoms, family history—that should have been obvious to the healthcare providers I’d seen. I presented the information at the appointment. My doctor was skeptical. “You’re a bit young for RA,” I was told. “And there’s no visible swelling. Maybe it could be fibromyalgia.” 

Despite the doubts, I was finally referred to a rheumatologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the joints, muscles, and bones). The referral would change everything.

April 8, 2015, will always stand out in my memory. After years of uncertainty, I finally had a name for what I was experiencing: rheumatoid arthritis. The diagnosis was confirmed through bloodwork, X-rays, and later through ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and bone scans. The validation was bittersweet—relief at being believed at last, mixed with the sobering reality of facing a chronic condition.

Looking back, I see how stigmas and misconceptions about RA delayed my diagnosis: 

• People often think of arthritis as a disease that affects older people, but RA can develop at any age. 
• Women are 2-3 times more likely than men to develop RA, part of a broader pattern that autoimmune conditions like RA disproportionately affect women. However, our pain is often dismissed or minimized.
• Hormonal changes, like those during pregnancy, can trigger or worsen RA symptoms—something I discovered firsthand. Yet, this crucial information wasn’t mentioned in discussions with my doctors. When women make up 80% of those affected by autoimmune diseases, I don’t understand why this isn’t talked about more. 
• On average, it takes 4.5 years and visits to four different healthcare providers to get an autoimmune disease diagnosis. 

Living with RA has taught me that invisible illnesses require visible advocacy. While the path to diagnosis was long and difficult, it led me to a deeper understanding of both my own strength and the importance of raising awareness. Medical gaslighting, misconceptions, and stigmas continue to delay diagnosis for countless others, but through sharing our stories and speaking up, we can work to change that reality.

Early on, medical jargon intimidated me, and I struggled to articulate my experiences in ways doctors would take seriously. Now I know that persistence is essential. I learned to push back against dismissive attitudes and to trust my own body’s signals even when others doubted them. Today, I share my story not just as a way to process my own experience, but as a beacon for others navigating similar experiences. 

To those currently struggling to be heard: Trust your instincts. Don’t let anyone dismiss your pain or tell you it’s all in your head. Keep pushing for answers, even when it feels impossible. Find healthcare providers who listen, and don’t be afraid to seek second opinions.