just been diagnosed with RA, had steroid injection an... - NRAS
just been diagnosed with RA, had steroid injection and diclofelic but still hurting. i am a cyclist, will i hav to give up my road bike? :(
Hi Joo10
Almost certainly not, but it may take a while. Most of the medications for RA take a while to work, but once they do many people get back to doing what they did before. I am still riding horses, if that's any help? Most rheumatology teams are keen to get patients back to leading the life they were before, though it might take a while to find the right mix of drugs for you. Have you seen a rheumatologist yet, or is that your GP's diagnosis/prescriptions?
Good luck,
Dotty xx
As already said , I have twin sons who do road racing we live in the northwest but they are both well fortunately.
I'm in a lot of pain today in both shoulders but I've taken a good dose of painkilling tablets lol and a couple of the heat pads that stick on your t-shirt, they last upto 12 hours and they are pretty ok when out in the cold, 2 for 99p or go pound shop and you pay £1.00 for two lol.
Keep up the cycling and good luck in the time trails when they restart that is lol.
Philip
Hi Joo, Welcome to you as scouser and dotty said once your meds are sorted out cycling is and will be a great help to get some of the stiffness that comes with RA,I bought myself a bike just for that reason only my lungs tell me when i have had enough, Keep Cycling Joo. mattcass
Hello BOB here
Medications may take a while before they get ones that suite you, This should not stop you as your days may have you near pain free so you still should carry on for as long as you can
We do not know how your RA presents itself,if you are uncertain see your Specialist or GP.as we do not know your prognosis over an extended period only those who treat you know that
BOB
yes, im still having tests at the moment, then will need to sort out which drugs will suit me, then hopefully get rid of the horrible pain 
Hi Joo,
So sorry you are in a lot of pain. I've had RA for 26 years. Before they got my drugs right, I couldn't get upstairs (or down again). Couldn't hold a cup, or cut up my own food. But when the drugs kicked in, I was fine. I worked in a school for children with cerebral palsy. It involved lifting, and maneuvering children in and out of wheelchairs. Rode my bike there and back every day for about 18 years. So hopefully you will soon be back to your usual self - or almost anyway. Cycling is a good form of exercise when you get pain free mobility back, but take it easy and try not to fall off, like I did once!! 
Glad to hear they have finally sorted out your RA. I will def try not to fall off! Thanks for the reply , it has made me feel better x
Hello fellow road cyclist!
I cycled LEJOG in May 2012 and 5 months later I was diagnosed with RA (I had problems intermittently for several years but no diagnosis). I have problems with my hands, wrists, left elbow and shoulders. I still manage to cycle, in spring/summer I was 'in remission' and managed up to 150 miles per week, just been through a very bad 'flare' but I got back on my bike last Sunday for a gentle 30 miles after 4 weeks off. My legs felt really strong, my elbow was uncomfortable but tried to keep the weight off it but my mind felt wonderful!! My rheumy has told me to do as much as I feel comfortable doing and stay off if I am not well.........
That was a really encouraging reply grandy. Thank you from another enthusiastic sport fan. I was diagnosed with ra feb 2012 and was told by my physio to b realistic about my disease and course I couldn't return to my pushbike.
However, at the recent nras seminar I spoke to the guest physio and doctor who spoke about importance of cardio activity. They were horrified by my experience and encouraged me to talk to my own rheumy about my concerns. I did this and she was really supportive. I am now doing 20+ miles each time I get chance and I monitor my pain levels andjoint response which I am to discusswith her at my next review to seeif I need extra meds to help me control joint inflammation whilst exercising.
So to conclude, I agree with everyone above who says dont give up on ur pre ra life but b patient as meds take a while to control the pain and prevent damage.
Good luck
Thanks so much, fingers crossed !
Thanks , thats a lovely reply, i will try and stay strong, good to have someone to talk to x
I thought I'd had a good day because I'd happily cycled from the next village, after going for two walks. You twenty and thirty milers are making me feel like a sluggard now!
Dotty xxx
Aww bless u Dotty. I cycle because it is less painful than walking, so u going for 2 walks before cycling is brilliant and way more than some r able to manage.
We are all so different with how ra affects us. Lets hope we have a mild winter so we can all enjoy a bit of outdoor activity each week.
No you won't have to give up your cycling in fact My RA encouraged me to cycle in the first place. I love cycling tens of miles along the canal tow paths of London. I also do a bit of off road mountain biking. Yes it is a bit flat around here compared to my native Cumbria, but I always find a forest, nature reserve to cycle through. So cycle more not less and keep your staminer and muscle bulk up.
I cycle a bit and find it generally helps. RA drugs take a a while to kick in and sometimes it is a bit of trial and error to find what works for you.
RA can leave you feeling very tired at times you may have to tailor your riding round that. Don't try to ride through the fatigue if you are affected by it, you can make things worse. There was a while when I was falling asleep watching the telly programmes I was really interested in! Meds sorted now and fatigue much better.
Do what you are able, listen to your body
Thanks everyone, u are all such a great help x
