A surprise that i dint see comeing

[Hurtalot]

I have been told by my ra dr 3 weeks ago that i have ra and osteoarthritis . I was hopeing that i could get a shot or something and move on with my job. I dint know this ra stuff was life long

[Caspiana]

Hello Hurtalot . It is confusing and upsetting to get the RA diagnosis. For me too I didn't really know what to expect. I think I was lucky to have a supportive, informative doctor and I got on the right treatment fairly quickly. I worked for eight years post diagnosis until I was told I had lung disease due to my RA. If it wasn't for that I would most probably still be working. Hang in there and if you need support this is a good place to be.

Take care.

Cas xx 🌷

[Hidden]

Shocking isn't it? Such a life changer.

Welcome to the site. There are a lot of friendly and knowledgable people to help and advice you here. We are all in "the same boat together".

Take care

Sue

[oldtimer]

Make sure that you read up about it from reliable sources. NRAS, Arthritis care and Arthritis Research are all charities which provide good information. There is lots of misleading rubbish out there! And many people live WITH RA. You may have to make some changes to what you intend doing with your life, but get out there and do it!

It often takes some time to sort out the best treatment for each individual, so at the beginning it can be confusing and frustrating. Ask here if you have any queries - lots of people here with experience! And most people are just getting on with life and not having problems.

[stbernhard]

Hello Hurtalot, I agree with all above. Hang on in there, get as much information as you can from sound organisations (don't trawl the internet - there really is a lot of false information out there from people who hope to make money out of your condition).I was a hurtalot in 2009 and for the last few years I've been a hardlyhurtatall. All the very best and stay with us.

[popsmith1874]

Welcome Hurtalot you've come to the right place for advice ,the people on this site are amazing and we all understand what your going through it will take time to sink in and your heads probably mince right now but there's plenty of support out there if you need it and don't be frightened to phone off the team here , they will keep you on the straight and narrow take care

[Jeanabelle60]

I remember the day I was diagnosed very well indeed. The main thing on my mind that day was that I was going to a gig that night and had a load of things to do. The consultant, who along the way becomes almost like a best friend, told me that I had Rheumatoid Arthritis, I think I must have given him an impatient look and just said 'righ then what do we do next'?

That night at the gig I told everyone how this Dr diagnosed me by asking me to stretch out my arms. I hadn't realised that my arms were crocked and I couldn't get them straight no matter how much it tried to 'push' them into place. That was it, that was all he did, no X-rays, blood test, nothing just my out stretched bent arms.....the X-Ray's and blood test came later.......

Listen to what others tell you on here. In the early days I would have been lost without this site. U fortunately for me my history wasn't so straight forward......but I continue to live the best I can and with my wonderful Dr Armstrong leading the charge on my behalf. There are many tens of thousands with this disease who get on MTX,I know a few myself, and continue with their lives, slightly altered but able to get on with living no matter. I saw a feels the other day who was diagnosed just last year. He is the sort of man who as we say here in Ireland 'could put his hand to anything'........that means he is worth his weight in gold as he can fix or do almost any job that need doing. He was standing n out of the rain and I stopped for a chat. He told me he takes his MTX every day and just goes about his working life as normal, like there was nothing wrong with him. There are many stories like Raymond's.

So don't be too despondent......there is so much that can be done to keep your disease from interfering with your living......and keep on here for support, information, advise, a place to scream when maybe it's not going so well.......I wish you all the very best and one way or another keep in touch. Jean XX

[Hurtalot in reply to Jeanabelle60]

Thank you so much

[Hidden]

Hi, Just like to say that I feel your anguish and am sorry this has happened to you. I was diagnosed two years ago. I had lots of help from various people and although I read everybody's comments on this site I have never taken part actively before. I realise that through this site that I have gained strength from others, just knowing that you are not alone and others are experiencing the same as you.

We are all vulnerable at certain times in our lives and should reach out to those walking the same pathway but have experience. You have done this and now feel the embrace of those who would show you the support you so need.

Take care.

[npkb]

I feel for you - and hope that you will soon find the right treatment for you and become hurtalittle then hurtallgone.

The treatments now are so much better and improving all the time. Used carefully the Internet gives access to lots of excellent information and forums like this provide a network of support that didn't exist back in the dark ages.

I was diagnosed in 1975. Thought sore feet due to shoes. After spending a fortune on footwear I noticed my thumb joints were also painful. Being quick, I realised this wasn't due to my shoes . .

Arrived at rheumatologist for result of blood test. He told me I had RA. I'd never heard of it. He told me briefly what it was, that I had 25% chance of spontaneous remission, 25% I would end up severely disabled and 50% it would continue indefinitely with occasional flare ups. Prescribed 12 palaprin (type of aspirin) daily. End of consultation. I was 23yrs old. I burst into tears. A nurse asked what was wrong. I told her, but she didn't seem to think it was a big deal.

Managed to drive home. No Internet for information. Few friends and colleagues understood. Like me, no one had heard of RA. You can't see pain and fatigue. All the useful suggestions. "You're too young to have arthritis. Drink olive oil. Etc etc. "

My uncle was a doctor (Psychiatrist! ) He said he'd research for me and tell me of any hopeful or optimistic findings. Said he wouldn't tell me any depressing stuff. He found nothing he could tell me.

41 years on and yes, I am in the worst 25%. But I've married, raised a family, worked - albeit part time - travelled, had fun, am a proud grandma . . I can honestly say that until a couple of years ago I have been able to do anything I wanted to do. And now, at 64, I'm old enough and wise enough to accept my limitations.

It is SO much better now. I am sure you will soon be in control of things and getting on pretty much as usual - and I wish you all the very best 😊xx

[helixhelix]

It is life long, but treatments can work brilliantly and not make too much of a change to your life. Sometimes osteoarthritis can be more difficult as few treatments. But try to look after yourself the best you can, listen to your doctors and eat properly, exercise gently and rest.

[Metalhead666]

Welcome Hurtalot, I'm also new to the site but have been left with nothing but good feelings from everyone here, listen to what people have to say, after all who knows what RA is like better than all of us here?

don't let it ruin your life, take your time and rest when you can, good luck to you

Metalhead \m/ \m/

[flow4]

Yeah, it's cr@p, isn't it? 😖 I was diagnosed with RA in November, which was then changed to another type of inflammatory arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, in Feb. I don't like that I can't be 'fixed', not at all. BUT, on the plus side, I 'hurtalot' too in Nov, and now 6-7 months on I donthurtmuch. And I haven't had a single day off sick. There's been a bit of experimenting with medications, and I have been a bit nauseous and very tired, but overall I can feel I'm improving week by week... Here's hoping you do too.

[Hurtalot]

Thank you