I have rheumatoid arthritis and at one point in my late 30s could hardly walk down my driveway some mornings, or button a shirt or hold onto a coffee mug. I am not pity-partying, just telling it like it was. I got new meds and just this year (10 years after my RA diagnosis) fell in love with my road bike and my mtn bike. Don't let anyone turn you around, girl! Good luck and I hope you feel lots better soon. You are not a brat; it's just really frustrating when our bodies won't do what our minds want to do.

I hate those MRI tubes myself. Had to get a valium to do one when they were trying to diagnose me. I am so claustrophobic I freak out when I can't get a turtleneck sweater over my head! Good, get the drugs, or see if you can get the open MRI as mentioned.

I'd also be open to acupuncture, massage, whatevah. Keep us posted.