Hello.

[Kelly4708]

RA. Tips

[sylvi]

What tips are you looking for? xxxxxx

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Kelly, welcome. Could you give us a bit more info please, anything specific you'd like to know? Are you newly diagnosed? Which meds are you on? Are you looking for tips on how to manage RD or are you not yet diagnosed & would like to know what the symptoms are to prepare to see your GP?

[dtech]

RA tips? Don't get RA! 😏

[Karen77 in reply to dtech]

lol

[allanah]

Best tip : look on the NRAS website as there loads of information that will help you understand the disease and educate you on what will help . If you become an NRAS member you also get a great magazine full of tips and research .

I found the NRAS support groups also amazing if there's one near you as people are so helpful and full of advice and support .

When you need help get your rheumatology nurse helpline number and they are usually very good at getting you help and advice , and keep blogging here the people here are lovely and knowledgeable.

Good luck with it all xx

[Karen77]

Do research and make sure to speak up - you are your best advocate.

Take notes - prepare for rheumy appointments & bring a notepad with you. Your appointments are too few, too short, and precious - make the most of them.

Try to roll with the punches. RA has natural ebbs & flows. Enjoy the good days & try not to overdo them.

Get help! You can't do everything, so don't be a martyr. Focus only on what's most important and get help where you need it. And be honest with your friends about what you are going through and where they can help!

Be kind to yourself!

Know that you can still have a good, meaningful life with RA.

[Joy_1 in reply to Karen77]

"be kind to yourself" - now that's a good one Karen.

My Rheumatology Consultant said that to me some time ago when I complained that I was annoyed with myself for not getting on top of my RA fast enough.

He said "every day internally your body is fighting the equivalent of flu, so be kind to yourself" that really was the trigger I needed to hear!