Newly diagnosed

[Hoffster1984]

Hi all, waiting to see a consultant for the first time, but recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Ah well, there's worse things! I keep fit and like to run 3-4 times a week. Any other runners out there?

[Chezis21]

Hi Hoffster,

Welcome, sounds like your RA is under control, I very much hope it stays that way.

I dont run - cycling is my keep active sport but could not get on the bike untill up to a week ago as after being diagnosed in march 2014 I went down the hill fast, no treatment worked for me until recently. this is my third bio-logic med, been through many in two years.

Good luck!

Chez x

[Hoffster1984 in reply to Chezis21]

Wow okay, well done for getting back on the bike! I can only hope it stays under control... Diet looks to be a big factor!....

[PFKAAde]

Afternoon Hoffster84

Runner? Ha ha aha ah ha. Sorry, just playing.

I can't even walk let alone run, but that's due to a few back, er, issues.

My wife likes running. And my son. They do the park run every Sunday amongst other things (like the Birmingham 10k wife, not son he's 7).

I hope you find you can carry on running, it can be tough on the old joints dontcha know.

I've taken up gym work to try to regain some muscle lost after said back issues. That helps a lot. But I know there haven't been many times in the last 16 years when running was an option. Certainly not while I was waiting for my left hip to be replaced. Or my right. Or my knee.

Did your GP diagnose RA? Might want to see what the rheumatologist says, GPs can be a little hit and miss.

You're right there are worse things, but be aware it can be pretty bad at times. A lot of folk on here may wish they could even think about running without it hurting.

Oh, and welcome to the site 👋🏻

Ade

[Hoffster1984 in reply to PFKAAde]

Hey! Thanks! Sounds like you've had some serious work done.

I haven't been officially diagnosed yet. But I'd take you to the moon if it wasn't. All the symptoms are there.. I hope I can keep running too. No time like the present!

[PFKAAde in reply to Hoffster1984]

I'll hold you to that.

Always fancied the moon. Dark side? 😎

Fingers crossed for you, hopefully they get the right diagnosis quickly as it can affect the meds offered and the outcome.

Take it your knees / ankles are ok? 🙂

Mine came in so suddenly and completely that I had to give up playing football straight away and haven't played since. ⚽️

Oh well, never was very good.

[Hoffster1984]

One of my favourite albums ever! I've just been for a run and it's sure helpede forget about my jaw! Quick run too! Yeah I se to get it in random places at moment. I figure the more I exercise while I can and it'll keep me as healthy as possible.

[medway-lady]

No but I ramble, go dancing and do use a Nordic trainer and cycle. That is my attitude there are worse things, sometimes it might not seem like it but the reality is once diagnosed and the medication gets remission then life goes back to normal. I might be just lucky but my journey has been from awful fatigue and sore everywhere, blood clots and swollen feet and hands et etc. Now in remission, life is great and new heeled shoes have replaced the flats. My aim is to live life to the full to make up for the 18 months its taken to get to this stage and fingers crossed long may it continue.xx

[Hoffster1984]

Indeed. Let's hope I can eat tonight!

[Caspiana]

Hello and welcome. I used to run but I have a lung disease now from having RA. Running is completely out of the question. But I do envy you for being able to do so. Keep it up Hoffster1984 . 🏃🏃🙌🙋💪

Best wishes,

Cas xx

[Sheila_G]

Hi. Glad you are able to continue running. Good luck with your rheumy appointment.

[Fra22-57]

Run.. strewth I struggle to walk.Youre a star thou.do what you can while you can

[Scottishlad]

I manage to keep up my cycling.

There is one issue you will need to be aware of that is fatigue, which can be associated with Rheumatoid Disease. I do hope that you are not going to be affected by this. If you are, do not try to,"train" your way out of it. You need to listen to your body and adjust your activity to suit. If you do not you can get into a vicious cycle resulting in total collapse in your energy levels.

[rawillbebeaten]

Hi Hoffster,

Yes there are definitely worse things and a wide range of treatments to try + continuous research. I was diagnosed in 2001, had a terrible 1st year then got Enbrel, a biological treatment. It was a miracle, I've lead a "relatively normal" life since (I hate that phrase) and been happy and active. Had to change meds last year and since Jan things have been "challenging". RA is a changeable beast but keeping healthy and active is the way to go. Welcome to the site, I've only been on a while, resisted it before as RA does not define me, but the help and advise on here is brilliant. You also realise that there is always someone worse off that you. Good Luck as you live with a condition that will (probably) mean being on medication for the rest of your life. It shocked me when my GP told me this, but he was right and if the medication works or helps then that's it.

Wishing you all the very best and lots of uplifting, strengthening runs

Michele

Wishing you all the very best and lots of uplifting runs

[Hoffster1984]

Thank you for the lovely message. I will endeavor to keep up with the exercise. At the moment, It's really not bothering me that much. My hands feel stiff in the morning, but that eases off after 20 minutes. For the rest of the day, i'm pretty much fine!

[helixhelix in reply to Hoffster1984]

That's a pretty good place to be for getting a diagnosis - ie caught early before it has really taken hold and starting to cause problems. When you get to see a consultant do ask lots of questions about prognosis for you. It's very important to work out whether you are more likely to have a mild form that may well just need a little help to get controlled, or have the markers for more aggressive disease but it's just been caught very early, so you do need to take it very seriously. It's not just about painful joints, but the hidden aspects of the way it can attack heart, lungs and eyes.

[jlp1977]

Hello Hoffster1984, I was diagnosed over a year ago - and so far, so good! I go running, and like to keep active as much as possible. I've had occasional 'flares', where i've been pretty tired, and in a bit of pain, but aside from that my life hasn't really been affected. Sometimes I feel like I'm waiting for the bad stuff to kick in, but I guess maybe I'll just get away with it?!! I'm also only on Hydroxychloroquine , which I think is the weakest option. Fingers crossed this is it!!!

[Hoffster1984 in reply to jlp1977]

Wow yes fingers crossed! I will manage as best I can. Thanks!