Hello

[Debwils]

Hi. I'm 53 diagnosed last year. Unable to return to work as still not on DMARDS and too painful, swollen and exhausted. From Cumbria. My son and daughter are great and have read lots on illness whereas hubby thinks it but as bad as it is.

[Rachel43]

Hi. I'm Rachel also from Cumbria. I have been diagnosed with RA for 13 years. Name a medication I've probably had it. I've been off work since November while I try to get it under control.

It's hard for others to understand how it feels as it's hard to explain. I would be a millionaire if I got a pound for every time someone says 'you don't look ill'. You will find lots of support on here. X

[Debwils in reply to Rachel43]

I've been off work since diagnosed in July last year. Fatigue is the killer today but feet and chubby hands don't help. Not heard of support group in Cumbria, have you?

[DC56]

I'd love to say you'll get better soon but RA is a learning curve in its self I was told over 30 years ago not to worry about house work because that will be there tomorrow so just do a few small exercises to keep your joints working but don't over do it and take small steady steps to reach any goals you set your self you will get used to working around your bad days and then relaxing will become easier too . I hope this has helped a bit

[Debwils]

Thank you. Having a bad day today. Although it's not as bad As it could be

[Hidden]

Hope this helps.

Cumbria NRAS Group. North of England. This NRAS group hold meetings across the county in key towns such as Whitehaven, Penrith and Carlisle. Please email [e-mail] for more information on this group.

I just put Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cumbria into Google. I suppose anyone else looking for local groups can try the same trick

[Debwils in reply to Hidden]

I'm in south Cumbria and would struggle to get to the north of the county. Thanks though

[Griffj]

Hi , I'm Julie.

I was diagnosed 4 years ago at 46 years old. Ended up having to leave the job I was doing at the time because I was off too long.....

However that was a blessing in disguise as I have the best job ever now, I'm able to use my expertise whilst not hurting myself.

Please take heart - there is light at the end of the tunnel.

My meds are Meth, Humira, and 2 painkillers Cocodomol, Brufen retard and Tramadol slow release.

I live in Scarborough

[Griffj in reply to Griffj]

Me again - meant to say diagnosed with seronegative arthritis and being treated for this.

[helenlw7]

Hi I was born in Kendal, Cumbria, and hope to return in the next couple of years. I was diagnosed over ten years ago. Once the right combination of medals was worked out through trial and error I was ok for a few years. However I am now in the middle of massive flare up not helped by stress caused by my job. I have been off work for four weeks, and have reluctantly decided to retire!

[nomoreheels]

Welcome to us here but sorry you've needed to find us. It's good that your son & daughter are aware of how things are for you now, how about having a look through the NRAS site with your husband, it might help him understand what's going on, nras.org.uk. Some bury their heads in the sand a bit, if they don't know anything about it it's not happening, & of course he doesn't want anything to happen to his wife. Has he attended your Rheumy appointments with you? My h comes to each of mine, easier to talk it through afterwards.

There are NRAS meets in Lytham St Annes (Blackpool branch) & Preston. Depends how South Cumbria you are really. It'd be straight down the M6 if you would like to attend the Preston meetings & M6 & M55 for LSA. Both are easy to get to off the motorway.

[Debwils in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you so much. My hubby doesn't come to appointments as he works abc it's impossible to get there. It's still all new even to me. We will get there one day though x

[nomoreheels in reply to Debwils]

You will I'm sure. Just need to get your h on board!

[Hidden]

Welcome to the site. I was diagnosed last November and I too have swollen hands and feet. I wish there was a NRAS meeting near me!! I live in Canada. This is a wonderful site for knowledge and support.

[bernese1225]

Hi, I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago, I'm 51 now. I've been on all the usual medication but I've reacted to most of it. I'm now on Humira (biologics) and steadily reducing the steroids. I started a new job just before I was diagnosed. I was off sick for 3 weeks when I first took ill. My GP ran tests and I was eventually diagnosed with RA. Work sacked me before my diagnoses and because I hadn't been with the company over 2 years I didn't have a leg to stand on. I've tried working part-time but can't type with swollen/painfull fingers and most days I can't drive.

One good thing…I've started knitting again with the Humira, albeit I've bought giant needles from America and can only knit chunky throws and cushions at the minute but it feels good to be able to do it.

My life has changed so much over the last 2 years. I've gone from being active, working full time and happy go lucky to being inactive (due to pain and fatigue), unemployed and on occasion I feel pretty fed up. I say on occasion because I refuse to let this disease get me down. It took awhile to come to terms with it but I'm getting there.

I read an article called The Spoon Theory written by Christine Miserandino… Google it and have a read. It's her personal story and analogy of what it is like to live with sickness or disability. It might help your hubby to understand.

Take care x