Hello

[Patsfan6866]

New here and newly diagnosed w/ Rheumatoid Disease aka Arthritis about 2 months ago ... although I suspected something "not right" for years.

For now, I just wanted to say Hi.

[sylvi]

Welcome from me and love the photo.xxx

[Patsfan6866 in reply to sylvi]

Ty so much!

[MaryTH]

Hi to you and a very happy new year.

Mary x

[Patsfan6866 in reply to MaryTH]

Happy New Year to you too!

[yellarose]

Having lived with RA, Ankylosing Spondolytis, corrosive osteo, and Sjogren's for 35 years, my advise is to exercise regularly and work diligently with your Rheumatologist to find the right drug coctail to keep u functional. Understand that your meds will change overtime. Make sure u have confidence in your doctor and his abilities. If not, find one u can trust

[Patsfan6866 in reply to yellarose]

Thanks for your reply. Before all this, I did yoga and treadmill regularly ... very active! Now someday am literally exhausted after showering for work . I find it difficult to do ASKs due to overwhelming fatigue. I sm in a constant battle with myself to push to more or make myself rest... many times, my body doesn't give me an option.

I have already, after only two visits to RA dr, made an appointment with different RA dr. I am a RN, and despite my background, need a doctor who has the patience to explain this disease process. I have and read from various resources, and I have tons of questions and anxieties.

From my research, I read learned a lot. A major point would be that how a dr evaluates this disease is very different then how a a patient does ... in other words, may not be that easy to find a good fit w/ dr..... remain optimistic though.

[Jacki08]

Hello--- I was diagnosed in sept 2014, like you, after years of being "" not quite right". Joining here was one of the best things I did- always someone to answer any questions I had. ☺x

[Patsfan6866 in reply to Jacki08]

Thank you !

[nomoreheels]

Hiya & welcome. Pleased you're here & hope you find it helpful being amongst people who understand better than anyone.

[Patsfan6866]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. ... sincerely appreciated

[hatshepsut]

Hi and welcome! Sorry you have to be here, but that apart, it's a great place for support ,help, advice, and laughter! M x

[Patsfan6866 in reply to hatshepsut]

Thank you ... I really do ... as does everyone ... need support. Been struggling on so many levels with this diagnosis.

Especially hard how family and friends don't "get it" After all, I don't look sick ... reading the book now ... literally

[mason]

hi lovely to meet you i hope you find the answers you are looking for i have been on this site a while and got a lot of help sending softest hugs xx

[Ali_H]

Hi Patsfan and welcome

I'll second Yellarose's advice and add at the hardest of times remember to be gentle with yourself and know that it's OK to 'take it easy' whilst your system gets itself sorted somehow.

All the best

Ali

[Patsfan6866 in reply to Ali_H]

Thanks ... I know it's true but sometimes easier said than done. .. other times, have no choice but to take it easy ... physically incapable of anything else

[TerrilouiseS]

Hi from the UK. Welcome, I was diagnosed in January after 18 months of not being able to walk and much longer knowing 'something wasn't right'. The people on this forum are a god send, through hard times, a wealth of knowledge and ever so entertaining and spirit lifting. You'll find any question you have about RD answered, and experiences shared. Don't lose sight of what normal is for you before RD, it's a good measure of what you need for your treatment etc. This first year has been a real process of learning and getting to know myself, as well as life with this disease, the research sounds like a great place to start, I did lots of reading.

You're amongst friends here!

T x

[Patsfan6866 in reply to TerrilouiseS]

Awe ... thank you so much. Look forward to learning and sharing but mostly feeling understood.

You hit the nail on the head when you said not to lose sight of what normal is for me. It's what I am struggling with. I was a very active person and now between the pain and the fatigue, I am frustrated, confused, and disheartened. The diagnosis scared me but as my RA doc said nonchalantly " it's not like years ago when you would end in a wheelchair" I don't know if he meant that to be a promising prognosis or what?

All I know is, I thought the leflunomide was supposed to help but it's NOT! According to my RA dr it is .. blood worK showed no inflammation.. really then why am struggling even more?

2weeks after appt. was in the ER the day after Christmas with a terrible flare including an excruciating trigger finger.

I have an appointment w/ different RA doc but not til February. Remain optimistic that she will be a better fit for me.

Sorry to ramble on ... just so annoyed with this doctor.

[popsmith1874]

Hi and welcome one thing this site does is cheer y up when your down as we're all in this together happy new year

[Patsfan6866 in reply to popsmith1874]

Ty... it's nice to find people who understand .... Happy New Year!

[Hidden]

I love the photo!! Welcome to the site.

[Patsfan6866 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you ... I love the photo too ... so much symbolism in it.

[girlmode]

just to hello I joined this site October past and it is brilliant I know im not alone and someone else understands. the first year after diagnosis is the hardest I think. it takes some time to adjust to a new self but adjust we do. sending hugs and welcome.

[P-jay]

Hello, welcome and happy new year to you.

[flow4]

Hello and welcome !

I'm fairly new too - just diagnosed in October after several years of problems... You'll find this is a friendly, useful group...

[Damaged]

Hello, I am new to this adventure as well. I was diagnosed in July 2015. I have been ill for quite some time. I am already taking Humira and have been on Methotrexate since July. I am happy to report we have finally gotten inflammation under control. It is difficult to accept the side effects. It took almost five months to get CRP down without Prednisone. I have not yet returned to work.I own a pet supply store and have a financial planning business. Let's hope 2016 brings workable solutions to us all🎉