Putting RA into perspective

[Lucy11]

I'm only 8 months into my diagnosis and found this article to be very helpful with wrapping my head around receiving the diagnosis, understanding the importance of not fearing RA medication, and realizing that we all need to keep ourselves as educated as possible.

medpagetoday.com/Rheumatolo...

[Caza]

Thank you for sharing, the article made interesting reading.

I don't tell people that I have RD, maybe I should. I'm also scared of being put on stronger meds which I now think I might need. Food for thought. Thanks

[Amy_Lee in reply to Caza]

I tell everyone around that I have RA. I get a lot of help in return. I always believe that I should accept myself and be honest with myself. Therefore it is not shameful to be known.

[Caza in reply to Amy_Lee]

Don't get me wrong Amy, I have told friends & their answer has been 'oh I've got a bit of that in my knee'! So now I prefer not to say I'm certainly not ashamed. Hope you have better luck.

[rawillbebeaten]

Hi Lucy,

Thanks for sharing that, very good and accurate. I was diagnosed in 2001. My then GP was lovely, got me a quick referral and was honest - "you will be taking medication for the rest of your life" I've had a few and increasingly frequent changes to medication but things seem to be settling down after a very tough 6 months.

Thinking of you and hoping you get medication that works and works for a long time. As you say, keeping reading and educating yourself - but the most important thing is know what is right for YOU, it varies so much from person to person. Taking someone with you to an appointment is also good advise from the article and my experience.

Michele

[Lucy11 in reply to rawillbebeaten]

Thanks Michelle--happy to also hear that things are finally settling down for you. Very glad you enjoyed the article

[amor]

Thank you Lucy11 for sharing this article.

[phil_54]

Thanks Lucy, I think once you get a diagnosis only then can you try to understand the implications of the condition RA is a life changing condition but as long as you can make those adjustments you will be ok, I also believe that yes it is important to educate ourselves but it is equally important that people closest to you also understand particularly on a bad day when you feel like you cant get out of bed etc etc and when you feel like this remember theres always people to talk to since i joined this site it has opened up a whole new world for me.

Try and stay positive am sure the medical pros will find the medication that works best for you, Hope this helps and good luck in the future.

[Lucy11 in reply to phil_54]

Many thanks. It's impossible to express how much it helps to read everyones post. I've learned boatloads of ways to cope and have seen how kind people are to each other. It really does take a village.

[Lucy76]

Hi Lucy thanks that was a really interesting article . I've had RA for about 14 years ...been mainly living in denial during that time and paying the price now unfortunately . Think his advice is spot on .

Little tip If anybody reads it on their I pad I would screen shot it as you read as you have to register on the site to read again . Going to show my two grown up daughters and elderly mum hoping they might be kinder to their creaky relative ...worth a try

Thanks again

[Lucy11 in reply to Lucy76]

Most brilliant. I hope your daughters and mother find it helpful. It may be only one doctors look back over his years of treating patients but so much of it was well thought out and he didn't candy coat it. I'm just not sure everyone can receive early aggressive treatment either due to funding or difficult and long waits to get an initial diagnosis fear and denial not-with-standing.

Best to you!

[bradfordjoanna]

Really good article - makes you think!!

[Cal48]

Very good article, says it like it is!

[Mandalou]

Excellent article. Have kept it to show family.

Thank you for finding it.

Mx

[Mandalou]

Buggeration,

I read your tip too late Lucy.

Can't register on the article site because it's an American site for health professionals.

Oh well, it was good to read.

Mx

[Jefflin in reply to Mandalou]

I've got it on email if you would like to message me?

[Mandalou in reply to Jefflin]

Thank you so much Jeffin that was very kind of you.

As Kai has so thoughtfully reproduced it here I have been able to screen shot it so my husband can read it.

Very grateful to you for the thought.

Mx

[Jefflin in reply to Mandalou]

Pleasure. It's a great article.

I sent to my husband and he has organised to come along to my next appointment. Plus we are trying to decide how to tell everyone about my RA. I don't want to tell anyone as I'm still trying to come to terms with everything, and I have a not so clear cut diagnosis too.

Best to you 😀

[Amy_Lee]

Lucy, thank you for sharing. I always find that it is important to let people around me to know that I am a RA patient. In that way I find many of them will try to help me out during my bad days.

[Lucy11 in reply to Amy_Lee]

You're most welcome!

[Mandalou]

Thank you Kai

That's brilliant. Most appreciative.

Mx

[wiliby]

Refreshing read! This in particular; "The strong patient has something to look forward to; the weak patient is a victim without options."......

Given me a much needed kick up the ass...😉

[Lucy11 in reply to wiliby]

Indeed!

[farm123]

Thirty years is the time I have had RD and this article really hits the nail on the head for me. Another article to go with the spoon theory to explain ourselves to our loved ones. There is no easy way to tell how anyone will be affected long term and whether mild or aggressive neither will follow a set pattern. Farm

[JacquiThomas999]

Kay, many thanks.

[Lucy11]

Will do

[spott]

Thank you for the awesome article.

I'm new to this...learning and understanding is helpful.