Hi All, I have just been and still going through my first serious RA attack for the last 8 days it got so bad I had to crawl on my hands and knees just to get to the toilet I had flares in every part of my body the only part not affected was my face, the first 4 days my hands doubled in size rendering them totally useless I did not get a minutes sleep during that time, I persevered as I had RA Physio yesterday and I was hoping she would get me help or advice the minute she saw me she knew I was distressed and in severe pain, she told me I should have a 24/7 Rheumatoid Consultant when I get to a certain level of pain, then she tells me I have to make an appointment with my GP and get him to refer me for a emergency RA appointment I said cant you do this as you are RA Physio Nurse in the same hospital I attend she apologised and said this was the procedure in this instance I said the last time I was referred to the RA department they lost me for two months, Give me my serious lung issues to RA attacks anytime.Mattcass
My 1st Serious RA Attack.: Hi All, I have just been and... - NRAS
My 1st Serious RA Attack.
That is the same procedure in my hospital Mattcass, I go to the gp to get pain relief and if he thinks the normal stuff won't do it, he will ring the consultant and see if he can get steroids. He actually has given me an extra dose that I keep just in case things flare up and they can't get the consultant.
Try and get the gp to ring while you are there not send a letter cos it takes far too long.
hi mads thank you for your reply, I kept my part by dropping my steroids from 60mgs down to 20mgs so I could go on the only RA drug available to me as any other drug would do me serious lung damage as I already have Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as if that is not enough to cope with,mattcass
Bless you, You do need to be seen asap, go back to your GP as soon as you can.
thinking of you Hun, take care. Rie x
Hi Rie thank you for your kind words I believe the wheel is in motion as I type this to you will keep you updated, mattcass
You must get seen asap do what is necessary to get seen good luck x
your back! xxx
hi williby never been away im mostly on BLF page I just forget to paste n copy sorry, mattcass
sorry mattcass, I meant Summer 
haha
I did then go onto leave a comment for you (which would also explain my outburst) but then my little one woke up and I never got back to you!!
So, I'll get round to it now, I was talking to someone whos aunt with RA rang for an ambulance, they were fantastic, took her to hospital and she saw a consultant straight away. She was in a tremendous amount of pain. I know it's not an emergency but she did what was necessary.
Hope you feeling better today though but when it's as bad as what you are going through you, you do need your consultant.
hi willibi, thanks again I'm still waiting for someone from the Rheumy team to contact me, the good thing is the painful areas have changed around now it's my back, hips, neck, shoulders, all I can say it's going to be a long 12 weeks to see if the Hydroxy works and even then if the painkillers are not enough it's a dead end as far as the RA is concerned, mattcass
At hospital I attend we have a rheumatology nurse helpline, u phone leave a message. They get back to u within 48 hours with advice, appointment to see consultant etc. it took a year before I found out this existed. Is there one at your hospital? Hope things improve soon for u.
Take care.
Hi Angel
I'm sending you my special poem that I give to people who are in need of some comfort and support,
When angels sense you need them
And angels always do
They come unseen from everywhere
To help and comfort you
They hover close beside you
Till all your cares are gone
Till they can see you're ready
Once again to carry on
Then some of them fly away
And take their gentle touch
To other hearts that need the love
Of angels very much
But one at least stays with you
As your constant friend and guide
For guardian angels never leave you
They are always by your side!
I hope it helps, take care and angel blessings to
hi mitzymoo thank you, what a beautiful poem it describes my Fran to a T, Mattcass
Your welcome,
I try to help ease people's pain and suffering if I can and if not, this is the only other way I know to take it away, even if it is only till they finish reading the poem.
I make angel charms to keep using my hand even tho I can't feel it, to give as prezy to people aswell.
If for whatever reason I can't send it to them, she stays on my twig tree with lights at the end of each branch and I ask my angels to watch over them and guide them through their times of need.
Please take care of each other and I have asked my angels to watch over you both and your angels are on my tree safe with me.
Angels blessings you both and a speedy recovery
I have asthma and COPD what effect will Celebrex Hydroxaquine and MTX have on my lungs (as I was diagnosed with RA in March ) can anyone elaborate. Thank you x
Hi Poppymichael7 I don't know if it's just pulmonary fibrosis with RA that you cannot get RA treatment talk to your GP, as I said the Hydroxy it's just to try to keep the inflammation down. mattcass
Thank you for your reply mattcassmy husband made an app for me at the docs this morning it's not till 25th. Lets hope I don't croak before then eh!! I have so many tablets,inhalers, and 6 times a day on a nebuliser. I don't know what I'm moaning about I guess you guys will be on much medication as me. Xx
Differential diagnosis - definitive for RA
Confused about my ra diagnosis 
RA...When Will I Be Me Again? 
Advice please! Both hands swelling!
RA is no fun - your joints just want to party!
