Local Rheumatoid Arthritis support groups
The following are contacts for groups which meet in-person for RA or autoimmune arthritis support. Some of these Rheumatoid Arthritis support groups are affiliated with larger organizations. You should contact a group directly for more information about meeting times and places. Some meet regularly for coffee and others are more or less active than that.
The benefits of Local Rheumatoid Arthritis support groups
Meeting other people with similar experiences is always helpful. However, with a disease like RA, it is even more valuable. Imagine not having to explain how much it hurts or why you can’t do something or why you’re not better yet. Meeting members of a local Rheumatoid Arthritis support group is almost like meeting relatives at a family reunion!
Finding a Rheumatoid Arthritis support group
If you don’t see your location listed below, please check the comments page. Many people are leaving their names in comments, hoping to find others. Remember to use your email address if you click to Subscribe to Comments so any new replies will be sent to you automatically.
A new Rheumatoid Arthritis support group
If you are not finding local Rheumatoid Arthritis support in your area, maybe you can find one other person with RA and have coffee together. Together, the two of you make the beginning of a new group. Our friends at Arthritis Introspective would be glad to help you. Before you know it, you could be making an impact on the lives of others living with RA. Here is a link to receive their free training guide about being an independent support group facilitator.
If you begin a new group, you can announce it to other RA Warrior readers in the following ways: Send me an email so I can add you to this list and mention your group on Facebook and Twitter. Place a comment about your group on the comments page here so that anyone who has subscribed to comments will hear about it.
Peter Phoenix, AZ
Kevin Tucson, AZ
Susan Tucson, AZ
Marilyn Indian Wells Valley, CA
Denise Orange County, CA
Melanie Irvine, CA
Jena Santa Clarita Valley, CA
Rhea Napa Valley, CA
Francine Santa Cruz, CA
Catherine Sacramento, CA
Lauren Thousand Oaks, CA
Haydee West Los Angeles, CA
Karen Jacksonville, FL
Kelly Central Florida
Carol Largo, FL
Elizabeth Atlanta area, GA
Diane Elgin, IL
Donna Louisville KY
Mary Kay & Tammy St. Louis, MO
Karen Boston, MA
Stephanie Lake Tahoe, NV
Missi Schenectady, NY
Annette Dayton, OH
Angel Oklahoma City, OK
Cate Portland, OR
Mary Southwest PA
Rose Venango County, PA
Kate Rapid City, SD
(New leader soon) Houston, TX
Larissa Austin, TX
Nancy Northern Vermont
Amy Seattle, WA
(Restarting in near future) Milwaukee, WI
NOTE: If you would like to recommend another local RA support group for this list, please have the local group leader contact me directly. Thanks.
These are independent groups that we have listed for the benefit of readers. RA Warrior is not specifically affiliated with any of these groups. This list is alphabetical by state.
I live in Union City, Georgia (approx 15 minutes from Hartfield-Jackson Airport…just for general info..LOL) and I’ve had RA for about 23 yrs. I’ve never had the time nor transportation to attend any RA support groups in Atlanta because most of them were held north of the city in areas where transportation and money wasnt an issue. Unfortunately my flare ups are causing me more and more distress and worry, not to mention the PAIN and DEPRESSION! I’ve been struggling to get off a lot of the more addictive RA medicines, so I only take prednisone, plaqueril, folic acid, lexapro and humira injections. The problem I’m having is that specialists/doctors in the past place me on large doses of prednisone and my body has just shut down making any cortisol period. In other words, I’ve been on steriod for about 23 yrs in various dosages. I know it’s not safe or healthy to have been on it soooo long but I was given bad medical advice…I can either look better or feel better. Which do you think a young women of marrying age wants? I wanted to look better (without all the weight gain) as well as feel better. But at the time I was having flare ups sooo regular that I caved in and started this regime of high dosage of steriod…23 yrs later, I’m extremely obese, jobless, single and very depressed! I have a great doctor that’s brought me from the depth of sucide to trying to find alternatives to help me cope and live a more productive life. So, I really need a support group in my area to help me make the complete transition into a live that I know I deserve and need! I have transportation (using my mom car when needed) and some disablity money to help me but I still have not been very successful in my search for support groups in my area or in reasonable distance from where I live (not 20 to 25 miles away)! I found this site by accident and I am glad that I did! I’m confident that someone can steer in me toward what I need. I dont mind being contacted by email (I get pretty lonely sometimes) by others who would like to help or just communicate with me.
Hi, I have posted here before looking for anyone in the Greenville, SC area (or just Upstate SC in general) and have not found a support group. Therefore, I am looking to start one — probably nothing to formal at first since I am in medical school and my free time is REALLY limited! Anyone from the area on here? I plan on using my rheumatologist to help get the word out and any tips on starting a support group are welcomed! molliehamilton88@gmail.com
I am looking for a local support group in or around Winston Salem, NC. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
April
Hi,
I have been diagnosed now for 5 years and have gone thru 3 years of Remicaid (which gave me lupus) and 1 year of Orencia and the usual oral meds. I have never really felt any better. I treat my pain and depresion with medications but I know that is not treating the RA.
After 1 year of Orencia I’m just stopping. I don’t believe they have any idea how to treat this disease.
I am 47 and have been dealing with RA for over 15 years. You need to be your own advocate and try unconventional treatments too. Humira injections and methotrexate are my meds but in addition I take these supplements which really do work if you give them enough time. That could be as long as 3 months consistently but you have nothing to loose. Take a curcumin 95 supplement, high quality fish oil and 3000 iu of vitamin D daily if your levels are low. The curcumin works as a natural anti inflammatory instead of NSAIDS, and at the fish oil and D help to lubricate your joints. Most doctors don’t recommend the curcumin because it is derived from a spice but look into online. Its the up and coming treatment for a lot of ailments. My VECTRA test numbers decreased significantly once I started taking this daily and consistently for a few months.
Live in seabrook. Nh, any group’s in my area?
Joanne
I’m looking for groups near Burlington, Vermont.
I seem to be on a constant road of pain and it is getting me very down. How can I get a new attitude about RA and my pain?
Margie, I constantly fight off depression on a daily basis plus deal with the pain/limited range of motion that comes along with RA. My advice to u is to take it a day at a time! PERIOD!! If u need to take it a hr at a time…the key is take the time to map out your life with a routine that works for u. Don’t continue to compare what your life was before, what it should be or even why me…the day that u open your eyes is a brand new day, day to perfect a plan to manage the new life that you have. It doesnt matter how it looks to others, if it works for u do it! The change must first be within yourself before you can expect to see change on the outside. It wont be easy but it can be easy for you if you come up with a plan of action that meets your daily needs. I would love to be of assistance if you’ll allow me to. Dont give up hope! It does get better in time if you can see pass the what was, what if I could, coulda or wouldas…you r not along there are thousands of others trying to make lemonade out of lemons.
Margie — I know this may be cheesy, but I’ve found that trying to find the good things that have come out of all the bad things makes it all easier to deal with. Sounds strange, I know, but bear with me. I am 25 and was diagnosed a week before I began my first year of medical school – talk about a stressful time even without a chronic disease added on. I had a very difficult transition period, especially because I was going through EMT training as part of my first year curriculum and it was very physically demanding. I felt like I was failing at medical school and thus becoming a physician, the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do with my life. Unable to deal with the pain and the depression that was sneaking in as a result, I decided to sit down and make a list of the reasons I am thankful for the disease that I felt so much hate towards. The first (and only at that time) thing on my list was that by being given a disease, I have such a better understanding of my future patients and I will be able to be a better physician for them. I have been given the gift of learning how to be a patient and a physician at the same exact time and for that I am thankful. I’ve continued to add things to the list over time, and now it is quite long. Things range from silly stuff that I don’t like to admit like “I can nap anytime I want without feeling guilty because I have RA and I deserve it” to “it has strengthened some of the most important relationships in my life”. I refuse to let this be a negative in my life when so much unexpected good has come from it. I know I’m young, but one thing I’ve figured out about life is that it is the hard things that teach us the most about ourselves and allow us to feel the most alive. And if the pain of RA doesn’t make you super aware you are alive, I’m not sure what else will 🙂 It sucks, it hurts, it is not fair, but I think that if everyone tries hard enough, the good underneath all the bad certainly exists and that good is what helps me deal!
Hey Margie!
That’s a really difficult question to answer, but in my case it was just changing the way that I thought about the little things. For example, when I started cutting lots of foods out of my diet to eat healthier and to cut out anything too inflammatory, I had to change my thinking from “I can’t” to “I don’t want to”. Just that, surprisingly, really helped with that part. And when I started on Enbrel, it was difficult to get used to giving myself a weekly injection, but I try to just say to myself, and anyone who talks about it, that it’s still easier than all of the shots someone with diabetes goes through.
I guess I’m playing the “It Could Be Worse” game, but it’s usually true and somehow it helps me put things in perspective. I’m still able to walk and work and work on my crafts and that’s more than some others have and I count myself lucky for that
I can no longer deal with this desease been suffering for years family has turned on me always worked now have been fired because cant do my job bottom NO INSURANCE NO MONEY looking for a peaceful way to die dont want anyone preaching to me just tell me how Drs want hundreds of dollars to come in for 10 mins do nothing take money presribe drugs that dont work but no money so none will see me to even try to help there is no support group in Michigan and like I said my family has disowned me none of them are sick so dont care so lost home husband family job money doctor DONE I know someone out there can help me go peacefully PLEASE HELP do not want to live or try to live anymore Thankyou for any help you can give
Karen, first of all you must seek medical help with your depression ASAP!! Local county/city health dept has help available for you if you just call them. Secondly, u can file charges against your formal employer for discrimination against handicap/disable people, because it is illegal to fire someone for a illness/disability if its hindering them from working. Thirdly, you should be able to social security for RA…if you dont have enough time in for social security, you will get SSI. I should know because I was fired from my job due to RA and having a small stroke from all the stress I suffered from working with a boss who abuse their position. I received unemployment, then I applied for social security for my RA and got it. With it I get medicare and medicaid that covers my RA treatments and medicine. Dont give up hope..u r screaming out for help and believe me there are agencies and people out there willing and able to help you. Once you get the medical treatment for your depression, you begin the see things a little bit better. I also deal with depression, which is pretty common for those suffering from RA or any chronic disease. I just need for you to be a little more patient and seek out the help for your depression and financial support that I know u will get from social security disability. A lawyer can help you file for social security as well as refer you to a employment lawyer that can help you SUE THE HELL OUT OF YOUR FORMAL EMPLOYER!! Just hang in there for me, you will get your just reward! I would love to hear from you. Email me back!! I’ll keep u in my prayers!! You r not alone Karen!!!
looking for peaceful way to die illness can no longer be treated and can no longer take the pain Dr. says 80% of me gone but yet I still wake up theres got to be a way out and someone out there knows PLEASE HELP family has turned on me dont want to deal with it husband left son left was in hospital didnt visit or care I am 52 yrs old so old age aint gonna doit dr wont help no money no job no insurance dont tell me to use a support group this is Michigan there isnt one and drs dont care or want to help people like me the cheapest dr found was $115 for 7 mins of his time to do nothing cause meds are so expensive thanks for any help swalling a bunch of pain killers is only 50/50 so need something more concrete
Dear Karen, I’m so sorry your husband and son left and the medications haven’t helped you so far. It sounds like you are going through a very terrible time without support.
Please do not do anything to hurt yourself. Even though it looks hopeless right now, things always change somehow with time. If you can hold on a little longer, something will improve. Do you have any other family? Do they know how hard it is for you right now?
There are a lot of people with this disease in Michigan. Would you meet with someone if we can find them?
Karen,
So sorry to hear that you’ve been treated so poorly at a time when you need help the most! Just know, though, that there are caring people out in our world who could/would help you! Have you contacted any of the social service agencies in your area? There are Women’s Shelters–I know we have them in our state, and there must be some in your area of Michigan. At these places–or with helpers at a social service agency–you will get assistance, and there shouldn’t be any cost to you. I’m sure you’re not the only one who has been at this hurtful stage in an illness, and there should be a trained social worker in your area who can help relieve some of this stress you are under right now, and give you some help in finding more caring and focused doctors who will help relieve and even eliminate some of the toughest discomfort you are experiencing. RA is a terrible illness, but I’m sure that others who are in similar situations and read Kelly’s blog could give additional suggestions that might help you cope til you get more medical help that might even surprise you in a positive way. Sometimes when people hit rock bottom, something positive happens and they are glad they kept going! We hear these stories all the time, and we hope you will bring back a similar one! We’re all behind you, and we hope you will write back and tell us you got the support you needed and you’re heading uphill soon!
Karen, I hope your doing better. I understand where you are coming from. I lost a civil service job to start losing great insurance I had paid for all those years and never used. Now I could really use it, I have had to rely on the county indingenent med program they have just about killed me 2 times with the wrong meds even after arguing with their own pharmacist about it. I actually have 7 brothers and sisters a couple of them being in the medical field, 1 married to a pharmacist. Do you think any of them EVER call, not once, they don’t want to deal with it. You see like me your probably a giver and have always helped everyone else out, were it appears stronger people, I know you feel alone, as I do all the time, but I have to believe their something great awaiting us. We are learning so much. I just won my disability case without an attorney, I didn’t feel it fair someone get thousands of dollars for my pain and being stuck with this disease and I told the judge that when he asked why I wasn’t represented. Who better than me to represent me, my symptoms are probably different from others the attorney might have represented. So before you give up just keep in mind who you are, what you have wanted, we do matter and we can and will make it happen. , I would be glad to talk with you, I really do know traveling this road alone is the toughest thing ever, I have become an emotional basket case and don’t like it at all. Feel free to email me, I can give you my number, I can call you or whatever youd like, it would be nice to talk to someone. I tried starting a group here in Sac but have discovered a lot joined but I don’t think really wanted to confront the illness so group never took off.
Much Love,
Sheryl Strauch
Is there anyone in the Bethlehem/Allentown, Pa. area?
Hi Diane, I’m in Berks County, not that far away.Love to chat with you.I saw some others north of Phila.Maybe we could find a middle point for us to meet.
Hi Brenda, I am not able to travel far from home because I am raising my granddaughter. You can contact me directly at poppopsgirl1890@yahoo.com
Valerie,
Thank you for your comment. I am working on coming up with a plan. It is so nice to hear from others with the same issues.
i live in suffolk count on long island> are there any ra support groups out here at all?
I am looking for ANY support for RA, I am in Long Island NY (near Westbury, Carle Place, Mineola)I am 43 & never felt more alone… need someone who understands!!!!
I live in Buffalo, MN (40 miles west of the Twin Cities) and was diagnosed in February 2012 with RA. Would love to attend a support group, possibly in Minneapolis? What is the procedure to contact (Amy as listed above) to find out when and where this support group is. Thanks!
Pam – could you send me any info on an RA support group in the Twin Cities area? I live in Buffalo, MN which is 40 miles west of the Twin Cities. My email address is jackiaellis@gmail.com
Thank you!
Anyone in Philadelphia, PA?
Amy in Minneapolis! I am interested in attending the RA support group in the Twin Cities. Please send me an email regarding the info. Thanks!
jackiaellis@gmail.com
Looking for someone in the Oklahoma city area.
angelryanleber@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Angel 🙂
Amy – you live in Buffalo, MN? I do not have a group but am looking for one in this area or the Cities. My email address is jackiaellis@gmail.com.
Hello there! My name is Olivia Anderson and I just commented on Susan’s request for a group in the Twin Cities as well! My email is oliviacanderson@yahoo.com. I think she was looking to start one and I think the three of us would work well together!
Olivia
I am starting a support group for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Memphis, TN. The first meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 23rd at the Cordova Public Library in Meeting Room B. For more information, please visit http://www.meetup.com/STARS1.
Thanks!
Hi…is anyone in Cleveland, Oh? I would love to start a group here!let me know. Thanks. Jenny
Jenny, Hi. I’m from Northeast Ohio about 50 miles east of Cleveland. I have been searching for a support group but have not been able to find one. Let me know if a group is forming. simkinsm@roadrunner.com
Anyone near Duluth, MN or the Twin Cities? I am willing to start a group, if anyone is interested.
Hi Susan! I am in the Twin Cities, St. Paul to be exact, and would love to start a group with you! Feel free to contact me at oliviacanderson@yahoo.com and I would love to chat with you!
Hi, I saw your post and also saw you have one comment from Maureen who is also from the Cleveland area. I’m interested but don’t know how much I can participate because of my RD (RA). I would like some info if you do get something started. I also live in the Cleveland area…Euclid to be exact.
Thank you,
Bonnie
SPOKANE, WA area? Looking for others that would like to get together.
Looking for young adults or new moms with RA in the DC area!
I am in Elgin, we meet once a month second Tuesday of every month. Email address is dladydee1031@gmail.com Meeting is toimorrow night mar 12,2013. Thank you
There was a post from Margo on the 10th, Please contact me if you are willing to comde to Elgin.
Di
Mollie,
Thank you so much for posting your outlook on RA. It has made think towards in a different way.
I’m so glad! And don’t get me wrong, I’m not that optimistic every day — I have bad days just like everyone. Have I ripped up the “thankful list”? Oh yes. But I always rewrite it!
Hello i live in iowa city. i need a support group
Did you look through the other comments to see if there is someone in your area here already?
I live in Oswego and would love to form a support group! We are all in the same area…. m1395@aol.com 🙂
I have been on Methotraxate (2.5mg x 6 tablets per week), along side with Plaquenil (200mg x 1 tablet per day) for the past 2 years. I am still suffering great pain, particularly the upper arm muscles most of the days. Though I do not quite trust my doc judgment, we have only a limited few RA specialist in when I live, I do not have much of a choice. My doc told me if the dosage is right for me, the pain will miraculously go away. If not, then have to try to dosage until I hit the right dosage.
My question is: is it true that if one hits the right dosage, then the pain will actually go away “miraculously”?
What could be the alternative dosage that other RA patients is taking?
Would appreciate your comment!
Sacramento CA Ive been trying to get together a support group for about 2 years. Please contact me if your interested in a support group in Sacramento. Thanks Sheryl
Recently diagnosed with RA, I live near Jackson,
MICH. I would enjoy contact with others with RA.
Recently diagnosed withRA, I would like to contact others with RA.
I live near Jackson MICH.
I live in Whitehall Township ,Pa18052. There are no individual support groups or thru any of the numerous hospitals in the area . Very frustrating.
Kelly, do you know of any support groups in or around the Chattanooga, TN area? Any and all information would be greatly helpful. I deal with it well, but I have a friend who I dearly love, that just doesn’t seem to grasp the concept of what a life-altering illness can do to you and your social life. Not to mention what it can do to the rest of your life. She’s not insensitive, she just doesn’t understand. I think it would help me help her understand my situation better.
Is there anyone out there in the Baltimore Maryland area???
I am in central Illinois (Peoria). Any groups here?
Hi, Jeanie! I am in Jackson Mi but we can email. Support is important for all of us as we cope with pain, fever, and nasty stuff along with real life, jobs and family. Mary
I live in Buffalo, MN – 40 miles west of the Twin Cities. I sure would like to find a Rheumatoid Disease support group…anyone out there?
Hi – I was diagnosed with RA just over ten years ago (I’m 29) and recently moved to Pittsburgh, PA. Does anyone know of any support groups in the area, or just want to get together and talk? Thanks!
Hi Marie,
My name is Trish I’m 32 and I’m looking for a group in Pittsburgh, Pa also. If you want you can email me at pghtrish@hotmail.com
Layna,
Have you started a group yet. I saw your comments and I had posted last year. I live very close to Fox Valley Mall as well. My daughter and I may be interested in coming if there is a group started. There is a group in Elgin but that is too far for us to go.
Let me know your thoughts on starting a group if you haven’t started one already. Thanks, Michele (shelley.saturday@aol.com)
Anybody want to start a group near Wilmette, IL?
Hi Fellow Warriors!
I am in Shalimar/Ft. Walton and have so many friends in Okaloosa/Walton counties that are interested in starting this group. I am researching how to get the ball rolling since I’ve never attended a support group before and welcome any suggestions that you have. It would give us such a purpose. I look forward to this endeavor and it would be my pleasure to meet all of you!
All the best,
Lynn
westinflorida@gmail.com
Lynn did you already email me about this? I can’t remember?
Hi Kelly! I haven’t received anything if you tried to email, but would love to hear your thoughts. Having recently been connected with a precious mother, whose grown daughter is now home-bound due to Autoimmune Disease, I have to act on this. So many in my area need, not just want, support. I am burning up Google trying to get ideas on how to start this.
Much love and appreciation to you!
Lynn
Lynn, I’m in Ft Walton Beach, please keep us posted, if you form a group. thanks
Kim,
I realize your post is from years past, but please drop me a line if you are still interested in meeting. I am in Shalimar.
Wishing you the best,
Lynn
westinflorida@gmail.com
Mary, Hi, I’m Diane, I have a group in Elgin. I have been contacted by another Lady in WIlmette, that would like to be in a group. Can you please contact me so I can give you her info. or vice versa.
Thank You
Diane
Is there anyone in Fairfield or New Haven Counties of Connecticut? I really need someone to talk to face to face.
Found a Support Group in my new community.
It’s wonderful and very close to me…:)…
Hi,
My name is Maggie and I was diagnosed with RA on January 2012 at the age of 22. I started having pain with my hands and fingers to the point where I couldn’t even turn a page of a book (not good for a English Major) My family thought I was just making it up since one day I will have pain in one place and the next in another. After so many sleepless nights and crying my eyes out, we went to a doctor who found out I did have RA. It has not been easy living with it. I am in a new medication because the previous one wasn’t working, but even with new meds, I still have pain. I wanted to know if anybody knows about a support group in Milford, CT or at least close by. I would really like to share and listen to other people with RA; to know how they deal with it, how do they do it? Thank you so much,
Sincerely,
Maggie
I’m in the same boat. I know we live far apart but ur short descriptions reminded me of what I felt like with my diagnosis. I was 23 and working on my masters. if u would like to maybe email that would be great also.
Are there any support groups for ra on Long Island both in Nassau and Suffolk county?