Hi there, I was diagnosed with RA a week ago, and still feel as if I have run head long into a train crash. My husband is also in bits,

[AngelaBradfield]

I feel as if I should be the brave one. I am not very good at complaining about pain so try to keep smiling. Going to start on methotrexate in about 10 days. Had steroid injection last week but was awake most of last night with pain in my elbow ( part of my RA )

[Hidden]

Hi Angela,

So sorry you have been diagnosed with RD as we are now calling it. Once the Methotrexate kicks in, you should notice some improvement, but it does take time. You should also be prescribed folic acid to take alongside MTX. Most take it every day except MTX day. You will find lots of help on this forum, and for more information just click on the NRAS logo at the top, where you will find a link to the NRAS website. nras.org.uk which has all kinds of information and support with a free helpline too. Hope you get some relief from your pain soon.

poemsgalore

[Barrister]

I started taking the folic acid a week before I started the MTX and believe that having got it into my system, it really helped with the side effects. Good luck. Clemmie

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Angela. I'm sorry you've had to reach out here but you will find we're a supportive, sharing & caring lot.

It is terribly difficult when first hit with the news you have RA or RD as some of prefer to call it nowadays D being Disease rather than Arthritis, & it's been said many times before on here but stands true, we've all been where you are right now. Be assured though the odds are once the MTX kicks in you'll start to feel a difference. It will take a good few weeks to get into your system so the effect won't be immediate but it is the first line treatment so you're off to a good start.

It is difficult for those closest to us to comprehend when hit with the diagnosis. If he's able it's a good idea if your husband can attend your appointments with you so he hears first hand what your Rheumy has to say. Mine always comes with me as I'm not the best at remembering all that's been said to me! I do write notes to take with me but no longer good at taking them quickly.

It's going to be difficult if you're normally a stoical person but listen to your body & rest when it tells you to & don't overdo things. You'll pay for it the next day otherwise. It will all become second nature once you've adapted to your day to day changes.

I'd suggest you both take a mo & have a look at the NRAS website nras.org.uk/ It's very informative for newbies to RD.

Don't be a stranger & let us know how you're getting on. There's always someone on here if you're unsure of anything or just want a rant or a helping hand with anything.

[AngelaBradfield]

Thanks nomoreheels your reply was really helpful. So glad it's now called rd cos I find when you tell people you have RA they say ooo yes I have aches and pains too, trouble is little do they know I just want to get up and shout.......you know the rest. Thanks again.

[nomoreheels in reply to AngelaBradfield]

You've got it girl, you're a quick learner!! Spread the word, it does help. A lot of us have been using RD instead of RA & it makes a difference as it often begs the question "what's that?" instead of assuming it's arthritis, & simply aches & pains, that's not to take anything away from anyone suffering from arthritis it is debilitating just that RD is an autoimmune disease & along with that comes other complications, quite a different kettle of fish.

[Hidden]

It just is a horrid diagnosis. But over time it becomes considerably less scary. I've been repeating the same old thing so sorry all who have heard it many times before, but it might help to consider that while many of us on health forums are still struggling to various extents, there are undoubtedly many others whose RD is under control and they are less likely to be here. Yes, this is a great supportive community and that's one thing you've sorted out already. But in time you might rarely need it. My worst time was right at the beginning - and at least the very obvious difficulties I had then made sure I got a diagnosis. I have PsA which is still not sufficiently controlled, but once my first drug, Methotrexate, kicked in I found that bad pain, fatigue and serious mobility problems were very much alleviated and that happy situation has continued.

It is a tricky disease that takes time to adjust to, to learn about and to treat effectively but there are real grounds for expecting good results. Keep smiling but don't bottle up your fears. And good luck with starting your treatment, I hope it works well for you.

[binlid]

hi angela so sorry to hear of your diagnosis i was diagnosed 2 year ago and train crash is the right expression hun its a long road but with all the help and support on here and with support from freinds and family which you will need you will survive the crash,and start the roller coaster i hope your treatment goes well ,i a still not settled on mine and trying various chin up hun

[Jeanabelle60]

hello again Angela. we talked about jaw pain yesterday....

there are many on here who know exactly how your and your husband are feeling. this diagnosis can came as a terrible shock at the beginning. a lot will depend on if you have a good rheumy team, they can be worth their weight in gold and a life line in the bad times.

the thing about Rheumatoid Disease is that it is different for everyone, no two are ever the same. your consultant and team will be doing everything they can at the beginning to get you on the right treatment for you, that is the priority at the start. once that is established you will find some sort of relief. however, that doesn't mean that you will be pain free forever. but, it is sort of one step at a time. you will find that some drugs don't work for you or you may find that some of the side effects will prevent you from using some drugs.

there is a large range of drugs available now so don't be too down hearted. i would be lying to you if i told you that it will be a smooth ride for you because it usually isn't. you don't mention your pain Angela. it is very, very important that you tell your team about how you are. they need this information as sometimes blood teast, for some reason, don't show exactly what is going on with your body.

keep on this site. it was a huge life line for me in the early days. i got comfort, support and advice from this site due to years of experience by other sufferers of this insidious disease.

here is a site your husband migh find helpful to explain what its like to have this disease. he too can find some answers on this site too if he is finding it all a bit difficult to understand....

butyoudontlooksick.com

all the best Angela and keep in touch. XX

[Jora]

Hi Angela, so sorry, but as others have said, treatment can be very effective. I have two friends with RD, and they are both able to forget about it, apart from taking a low dose of Methotrexate weekly. I'm not yet able to (i am a relative newbie myself) but the drugs have made an enormous difference already. I could barely move an inch, couldn't feed or dress myself and was very frightened ( I live on my own) But since I found this forum, I have received terrific support and empathy. I am sure you will too and I send you all good wishes.

[DWhite]

I feel for you ! A big cyber hug.