Family

[iris8]

Hi. I'm new here.

My Mum suffers from rheumatoid arthritis (30+ yrs)-

I was wondering if anyone else is out there whose family members suffer & would care to correspond? She's receiving infusions presently.

Thanks

iris

[weathervane]

Hi iris , i am receiving treatment for sjogrens, causes jointand muscle pain an fatigue. Had 1st infusion in april. I have found some improvement, how is your mum getting on. 😀

[iris8 in reply to weathervane]

Thanks for reply. I'm only finding it! I usually log on for another group on here but felt compelled as my Mum is very much up & down. At the moment on a slight up which is greatly received. Her bloods came back good the other which was the 1st time in a long time. And her hair has gained a bit of buoyancy (it had began falling out, going very limp). My Mum stays in most of the time now-it's hard for her not to identify with the illness as much as she does. Do you know of any groups for families/friends who have people suffering with this illness? kind regards and may you be experiencing a lift in health too, iris x

[weathervane in reply to iris8]

Hi iris , glad your mum is picking up a bit. Im not sure which area you are from , there is a group for GCA Lisburn but other than that i don't know. Maybe your medical centre or rheumatology nurse may have more info . Best wishes to you and your mum x

[iris8 in reply to weathervane]

Thank for reply weathervane. I'm from Liverpool. I haven't found anything here, yet!? All the very best to you, iris x

[iris8 in reply to weathervane]

Hi, I'm with my Mum now. She takes tocilizumab infusion (& experiences real benefit) alongside Methotrexate. We're based in Liverpool but my Mum is originally from Co.Clare (she likes the site is Irish! How are you? All the very best , Philomena & iris

[OzzbourneHoz]

I myself suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis if that helps? Is she on biologics? I haven't tried those, I've only been on DMARDs.

[iris8 in reply to OzzbourneHoz]

Hi. I'm with my Mum now. She's showing me her anti-inflammatory (DMARDS) She says they really help with the pain and only takes pain killers when absolutely necessary. The most potent is tocilizumab(infusion every 4wks) ,has made a real difference and the methotrexate. She was diagnosed when she was 35yrs old & is 68 now. She sends her regards. 1st time she's communicated on a site like this. Let us know how you go. All the very best, Philomena & iris

[iris8]

Hi, thanks for responding OzzbourneHoz.

My Mum is on Methatraxate (1st time I've spelt it! Phonetically said like that). Steriods & pain patches when things kick off. I'd have to look up biologics but I recognize DMARDS.

Where do you find support (if any) outside the medical system?

Many thanks,

iris

[weathervane]

Hi Iris , i am on biologics as well , ive had 2 rituximab infusions , they have made a big difference to my life . Best wishes to your mum i hope she is feeling well 😀

[Ktspirit4]

Hope Moms doing better Iris . Originally I'm from Clare too .