Hello my name is Betsy and i was diagnosed with RA three years ago and i'm only 21 right now. Well... it took half a year to diagnose me and the whole time i couldn't walk and it was horrible. The pain was unbearable but i assure you that there is great treatment. It's uncureable but there are great medicines out there. Currently right now i'm on steroids and another drug i can't remember at the time lol. And they help wonderfully!! feels like i have nothing at all... there are those flare up where you get swollen out of nowhere but it will go away. It all depends.. there is moderate to severe RA and i'm moderate. I hope this helps you out. Just remember it may take two months to feel totally better.. Depending if the medicine works well with your friend and how bad she has it..
I am sorry to read your friend has rheumatoid arthritis as I have it, too. While there is not a cure for RA, there are treatments that can inhibit the progression of the disease and improve your quality of life. Did the doctor prescribe medication for your friend? What medications were prescribed?