I have a very dear friend with rheumatoid arthritis. She is only 25 and has had it since her late teens.

It is very painful for her, she has had multiple broken bones/bone replacements, and is frequently sick. All treatments have failed, except actemra (which she is currently on and is giving her relief).

She is still able to work and lead a very normal life (albeit in pain), but I am wondering for how much longer will she have quality of life?

So far all the docters either give vague answers or give overly optimistic answers. I want to know from people who actually have the condition (or have been close to people with it) what to expect in the future so I can support her.

- Will she be able to have children safely? She wants them more than anything.
- Will she continue to have quality of life? Or are things going to continue to go down hill?
- Will she have a normal life expectancy?
- How much more painful are things likely to get?