Starting to feel a bit better

[Julia311]

I just wanted to share with you all (and to give those just starting treatment a bit of hope) that 8 months since starting my medication (for poss RA or poss Psoriatic A) I am starting to feel better.

I took sulfasalazine for 4 months which had a small effect - I then had methotrexate added by the consultant and have now been taking the 2 drugs combined for 4 months and am feeling very different.

I also attend a special gym class at the RNHRD in Bath for those with inflammatory arthritis. This class works on strengthening the muscles around the joints so that there is less stress on the joint itself. Initially I was very scared at the thought of using machines with weights after virtually sitting in a chair for 2 years. Anyway the effect is amazing. I had previously had operations on both knees to remove cartilage damaged by the RA so couldn't walk very far and found stairs difficult. Since attending the gym class I can now sit on the top deck of the bus, walk further and feel much stronger.

My first posting on this site was about how much pain I was feeling and how little I felt I could do - everyone on this site told me it would get better and now I know it does...eventually - so hang in there if you have just started on your medication and put yourself forward for everything the physios and rheumatology nurses suggest.

[popsmith1874]

Good that your feeling better keep up the good work xxx

[Hidden]

Glad to hear that you are feeling so much better Julia. Always nice to hear

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[Hidden]

Oh thank you for your positive post!!!! It give's us people who haven't found the right meds hope. May you always remain symptom free.

[nomoreheels]

Aw, that's a lovely post Julia, thank you! Makes it worthwhile when you welcome a new member full of what's why's & wherefore's & you try to help & bolster them up & dispell concerns. Now you're doing the same so that's great! I hope you continue to do well, the meds keep working for you & keep on with strengthening those joints, as you now know it helps.... a lot. x

[Mhairi54]

Great news!

[gwynedd]

Thank you Julia for sharing such an inspirational story. Gives me hope that my medication will work or at least find something else that does one day.

Thank you

[MrsBones123]

That's good news Julia, thanks for sharing, gives us 'newbies' hope and encouragement. Rheumy nurse said she's sending me to physiotherapy and thought a bit cynically, why, nothing moves? But I will go and try to keep a positive attitude.

Coming to realise that half the battle with RD is in the head

Hope you continue to do well Julia, keep up the good work xxxx

[Hidden]

Thank you so much for your post. Just before I read this I was crying about hubby's RA. He's regressing sadly despite a host of meds. Still feel low but maybe there is hope at some point. I wish you all the best. Please keep posting blogs and let us know how you are. We all need positives. Kind regards, Sue xx

[stbernhard]

It's so lovely to hear positive news and I am very happy for you. I am in remission, so I know what a difference making progress makes. It gives you back control over your life. Thank you for sharing this with us. I stick to a muscle strengthening exercise program at home but hearing that there is a specific gym, I'm going to find out if that is available in my area. If you don't ask, you don't get. Thanks again.

[summer32]

Thats brilliant, my GP suggested bath for me yesterday, bit of a rtek for me ,but if it is that good?

[Julia311 in reply to summer32]

The RNHRD in Bath are excellent and they deal with people from all over the country. I am very fortunate because I can travel there easily.