Hey newbie here...

5years living with RA & fibromyalgia...husband ...3 kids age 13 and 9...2 dogs...hairdresser...been offered group meetings etc but afraid I was raised with a "stiff upper lip" attitude, always had issues with opening up to strangers but since registering on here and reading so many other posts I feel maybe the penny has dropped ...I'm not alone. So many posts are relevant, pains emotions medication relationships family life work....i think I have just realised just how rare,in the bigger scheme of the size of the world, RA is & just how little even the medical professionals seem to know about the disease...hopefully over time my confidence to open up will grow, to all of you who post and comment with words of encouragement and advise thankyou xx

[nomoreheels]

Welcome Stroky! Join in when you're comfortable, no rush there'll be something you relate to & want to share. See ya.

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

Thankyou, so much already that is relative, but even at the age of 45 & being raised that one keeps personal issues behind closed doors its hard to be open (ironic seen as i am a hairdresser and love to talk!! 😉) There is no room for sympathy re the RA and fibro in my life would rather a nice hug but to find so much empathy and understanding on here is truly wonderful and amazingly helpful🙌🏼❤️

[nomoreheels in reply to Hidden]

We send many cyber hugs, here's one for you () because we get it, it can be difficult at times.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I would be lost without the support of this group. It is so emotionally freeing to talk to people who understand RA.

[Hidden]

Welcome you are among people that care you can scream shout cry and laugh we all know the ups and downs😊

[woodstar1]

You are definitely not alone!! We are all here to help each other when you need it.

Take care.

[Bon1]

Dear Stroky. This site helps me literally every day. I always have a read even when I don't post or reply. It has given me a broader understanding as well as a belief that life goes on - even if differently - for people who have been on this road much longer than me. And such generosity from others in their replies to questions. I would be quite lost without it. Hope this place helps you as much as it does me.

[AgedCrone in reply to Bon1]

Hi Stroky...this site either makes you realise either you're not as bad as you thought you were......or Oh Gosh what now? I am constantly amazed how well young working mothers manage. I was diagnosed after I retired & I can imagine how very difficult it must be to cope with a family & a job & this wretched RA.

But we all have a moan & get on with it.......so have a good old rant when you feel like it ......you'll get nothing but support here!

AC

[Hidden]

Thankyou so very much, already my spirit is feeling uplifted 😇🙌🏼✌🏼️

[Hidden]

Hello Stroky. Guess what? By posting your thoughts, your confidence has just grown

I look forewards to chatting with you.

[Gigi71]

Hi Stroky. A warm welcome to this forum. A problem shared is a problem halved, I haven't been on here all that long and have gained so much help, there is always someone ready to share experience's and understand what you are going through. It will give you a good feeling when you can also offer help to someone else. Take care of yourself. X

[stbernhard]

Hello Stroky, welcome to the muttley bunch. I can only echo all the previous posts, they show what we are. Have you ever spoken to NRAS? They are a very good source of information and will always have time for you. Upwards and onwards! All the very best.

[JacquiThomas999]

Hello, sorry you are in our club.

I hope that you get the support you need from us.

Sending hugs

[Jacki08]

Hi-- and a warm welcome to you. Ask anything you want, when you want. No pressure 😊x

[Joy_1]

Hi, I was diagnosed with RA 4 years ago. And like you registered on here recently. I don't come from a 'stiff upper lip' background. But I am a scientist and my attitude has been to 'pull my socks up (not that I can do that everyday), do the research and get on with it'. That's worked for me until recently. When for the umpteenth time my Rheumatologist looked at me blankly when I asked a question that did not involve popping yet more pills.

I no longer feel alone ..... yes I would prefer not be a member of the RA Club .... but it really is helping me from an emotional stand point.

[-Mii]

Hi there , I am a hairdresser also ! Got RA in late 30s , seems to be a lot of hairdressers maybe the chemicals we've used??! Nice little group here I love posting if I have any worries! Xx