How Jane figured out she needed a rheumatologist Like most 23 year olds, I was healthy.
I exercised regularly and played sports. I ate well and had routine health check-ups. At my first job, I joined the company softball team. After long days in the cubicle, it was invigorating to be outdoors, breathing in the crisp air. One day, I raised my hand to swing my bat—a movement that was second-nature to me—and a strange pain shot up my left wrist. “Ignore it,” I told myself. But week after week, the pain would return, heightened. Then it spread through my entire arm, and my right wrist too. I tried physical therapy. I tried a wrist brace. Nothing helped.
Jane (center) and friends
Learning you have rheumatoid arthritis (R.A.) is scary at any age. But, at 23, I was terrified. Without warning, R.A. drained me of all energy. The medications prescribed were even more exhausting. I felt sick to the bones and took time off work. But for months, I didn’t improve. That’s when my family friend recommended Dr. Jessica Gordon, a rheumatologist at HSS. Dr. Gordon was kind, understanding, and deeply committed to helping me. After a few months of aggressive treatments of a biologic therapy, the pain in my wrists decreased substantially. Dr. Gordon taught me not only about R.A., but also about making healthy choices, managing stress, and surrounding myself with love and kindness. I’m now better than ever before. I take fewer medications, and am more active. I feel like I’m going to be my best self again—and it wouldn’t have been possible without Dr. Gordon and the team at HSS. I hope that other R.A. patients, young and old, can find peace and freedom as I have. Jane Donatich, Astoria, NY
HSS Rheumatology is raising awareness of crucial, life-altering rheumatic diseases and restoring patients to their best selves. Only your commitment and support allow us to continue investigating and treating these disorders.
Contact Info: Division of Rheumatology Hospital for Special Surgery 535 East 70th Street New York, NY 10021 Tel: 877-606-1555 www.hss.edu/rheumatology
For a PDF version of this brochure please go to: hss.edu/needrheum
To learn how you can support HSS Rheumatology, please contact: Alessandra Garber Development Director garbera@hss.edu (212)-774-2881
Brooke Bryant Assistant Director Strategic Partnerships bryantb@hss.edu (646)-714-6079
How do you know you need a rheumatologist?