Thanks methx and hydrox.

[Jacki08]

I've been on holiday in Egypt -- the same hotel as last march-- prior to my RD diagnosis which was sept 2014.

We met up with some people who were with us last year.

I was asked the same question time and time again.

"""" What's your secret potion that makes you much more spritley than last year??""Then I realised what they meant. I am no longer limping, I don't wear splints on my wrists, I can cut my own steak up, can swim- can walk to the beach- wear nicer shoes ---- the list goes on.

I don't normally post on here when I am feeling well as I realise that the"" toxic meds"" don't work for everyone, and wouldn't want to upset the people who still are uncontrolled with their disease, but I wanted to put my two penny worth 8n today. I try not to worry about the consequences and side effects of the drugs but I do know that without them my quality of life wasn't good. Also thanks to all of you who helped me decide whether to take the meds or not. ☺

[nomoreheels]

I can only speak for myself but I like to hear from those who are reaping the benefits of their meds, it's uplifting & positive! We can get bogged down with the concerns of the whole RD experience & it's a little light relief.

I take it you had a great time then Jacki?! I'm so pleased. Sometimes it takes someone who's not seen you for a while for them to recognise & you to realise just how well you're doing. Maybe it's having a bit of a struggle at the beginning of treatment, it's easy to lose sight how different things are, how you've improved especially if you still have the odd niggle, we're apt to forget how much worse things can be. I had a similar reaction from my Rheumy at my last appointment, she looked at me as I walked into her room & told me how different my face looked, she was alluding to the lack of pain etched on it now my OA pain is controlled.

I hope anyone struggling reads your post whether not yet diagnosed, at the start of treatment or if it's their meds that are concerning them. It's a boost for you too & another experience you can share, how different you are now in a relatively short time.

No issues sun sensitivity wise? Back to earth now, you'll have rain too I expect! x

[Jacki08 in reply to nomoreheels]

Actually on last day here--- don't normally go on the Internet whilst away on hol--- but read some posts that prompted me to post!!!

Someone asked if I had undertaken a face lift which made me smile--- she then showed me pics of our last holiday together --- I couldn't believe the difference in me. My pain lines have been replaced with laughter lines. Don't get me wrong --- I am by no means pain free but am able to cope with it. I feel so lucky. No issues re sun sensitivity --- have always reapplied every hour---- I now use a much higher factor. 😎x

[nomoreheels in reply to Jacki08]

Enjoy your last day Jacki, get back on the beach & savour it! You've all the time to come on here once you're home!!! Now go! x

[Azabat]

It gives me so much hope to hear the survivability of this disease, thank you. It makes me happy to know that it's not out of reach, and I'll hold onto hope as tightly as I can. xx

[hatshepsut]

How great that you shared this with us all! I always feel better when I hear good news like this, it makes me feel more optimistic about my own situation, and there's so much pleasure in sharing the good things of life. Keep it up!!! M xx

[Molster61]

Thanks Jacki for an encouraging post. I have only posted once before, but I do read the posts regularly. Clearly this is a hard disease to come to terms with or control but it is great to find someone reporting something positive. I have not yet been diagnosed a year and I am still finding it hard to accept. Already on 25mg Mtx injections, hydrochloroqinine and sulfasalazine, but not seeing much improvement, if anything symptoms have increased. I am still managing to work, but finding it difficult and exhausting. Hoping for better times, my best time in all of this was my two week holiday in India, not sure if it was the sun, the fact I was doing something I enjoyed or the absence of having to live and function by the demands of the clock, how I loved the lazy naps at any time of the day! Thank you again.

[Cornishrex]

How long did it take to get you under control, and how many drugs are you on?

I was diagnosed with suspected early ra in october 2014 but 4 months of MTX made absolutely no difference at all to my minor symptoms. I'm currently off the MTX now, for about 6 weeks, to see if the MTX really had made a difference, but still no change either way from when I was on it. Fairly fed up. Asked for my bloods to be re-tested, including vit d, and off to see a podiatrist. Still not convinced I've actually got ra, which is a bit of a hurdle to get over if they are asking you to take MTX. You know, to really accept taking MTX you've really got to accept that you've got ra in the first place.

[Jacki08 in reply to Cornishrex]

I've been on mthx and hydrox since October 2014------ had severe symptoms for at least 4 and half years prior to diagnosis. I couldn't tolerant 25 mgs of mthx in tablet form so was changed to 20 mgs in injection form which is to be increased to 25 in the next few weeks. It did take at least 4 months to notice significant improvements ----- what I did notice first though was how much better I felt systemically-- even when my joints were still bad . Hope you find something that works for you.

[Mistydawn]

Hi Jacki08, thank you so much for posting this. I am due to start on MTX shortly and have been on HCQ since October 2014. I must admit I found it very hard to accept the addition of MTX to my treatment plan but now I have, I can't wait to start. Unfortunately, I have had a minor setback and am waiting for my GP to confirm when I can start.

Take care x