I have RA. Almost 30 years ago I looked like the Michelin tire character. My entire body was inflamed. I was on a steroid treatment at first then moved to Methotrexate, which I ended up on for 6 years. Eventually my swelling went down and the RA was pushed in remission. Since then I have occasional flares but am able to keep moving about. I have to keep active every day or I ache and am stiff everywhere.