hiya all I feel really stupid asking this question but I don't understand what RA is and how it works and what it is doing to me.

[jaqi1]

sorry if I sound stupid

[Rosie_rabbit]

Hi Jaqi, no of course you don't sound stupid, it's a difficult and complicated disease and has lots of implications for you. It would have been helpful for whoever diagnosed you to have explained it and given you some information.

However, if I were you I would have a really good read at the nras website. Just google nras and it will come up. They are our main charity and they are amazing and do fantastic work for us all and supporting us all. Have a read through bits on there, it will talk about being newly diagnosed, what RA is and drugs etc.

You're then bound to have some questions so I would then suggest giving the nras helpline a ring and having a chat with one of them. They are so helpful and kind and extremely knowledgeable. Alternatively come on here and ask us. Or you can do both, but there is lots of help, support and knowledge out there, if you have a good relationship with your GP you could always go and talk to them too.

There is a lot to the disease which is why I haven't tried to explain it on here to you as I think having a read up or a chat with someone might be a really good place to start. I don't know how long you've been diagnosed or what treatment you're on.

Anyway, best of luck and you will find you will get masses of support on this forum.

Rosie x

[marmaduke]

I agree with Rosie rabbit - NRAS website is the best place to read all about it - and I also agree it is such a complicated disease and affects everyone differently. To roughly sum up though, it is an auto immune disease, which means that your immune system starts to attack your own body. In the case of RA, it attacks the membranes surrounding your joints. This causes the inflammation and affects the fluids around your joints. If this isn't controlled (with drugs) then damage is caused to the joints themselves. Inflammation causes pain and joint damage causes pain (a double whammy really). This is a very simplistic explanation, but hopefully is a start. Modern drugs can really control its progression though, but although you can go into remission for varying lengths of time (usually drug induced), once you have it, it would appear you have it for life. Good Luck xx

[Hidden]

I agree with Rosie but also im shocked that you have been given no other advice or information and just told that you have it. But you will find all the info as Rosie has suggested then come back and ask anything you like. No question is stupid it just means that you havnt been given the information or had it explained to you properly. Very best of luck.

[DrWhoFan]

Reading this brought back my experience! I started with poly myalgia rheumatica,which is an auto immune disease which affects the muscles, then after 2 years I was told 'oh, it has morphed into RA, just take this drug methotrexate'. No explanation or help. I just sat in my car and cried, I was so scared. Like the others I looked it up on google it takes a little while to come to terms with what you have, then you (one) just get on with it. Good luck, and a gentle hug on its way. Anne x

[hatshepsut]

There's no such thing as a silly question here. Hope you find the NRAS site helpful. We all have to learn about this disease, and I'm still learning!

Best wishes M x

[Hidden]

Hi jaqui1,

Welcome to the site and of course this is not a stupid question! As people have suggested our website nras.org.uk will answer some of your questions and our Helpline team are also here to talk to you about your RA on 0800 298 7650 if you want to get in touch. Alternatively you can email [e-mail]

Best wishes,

Ruth Grosart

NRAS Digital Media Coordinator

[lab-lover]

I would phone the helpline on here.... the lady I spoke to ages ago, was lovely, and she listened to my moans, and answered questions..really good advicd too

[Zoopy]

Great advice above. If you want to know a little more about how to live well with RA you might want to visit arthursplace.co.uk too. It's for people aged 18-35(ish) with arthritis. Good luck!

[krysia]

HI Jaqi1 Like you i had no idea no one explained it to me its only since i've joined this forum that i've learnt a lot about RA. I was first diagnosed with Sjogrens syndrome and my G.P referrred me to rheumatiod clinic at my first appiontment i did say to the consultant 'i dont acutally know what i'm doing here' No explanation! l I've had to find out for myself and it's only these past few week's since i joined on here that thing's have made sense!! Even though one of the syptom's of Sjogren's is dry eye.s no one prescribed any artifical eye drops for me! week's later i developed a bad eye infection that i got something on prescription. good luck.

[Sharon56]

Hi Jaqi you dont sound stupid i still feel that way sometimes and I was diagnosed 7 years ago. The nras website is fantastic and you will get lots of support from everyone on here.x