I've only just signed up and already I'm inspired by the amazing people coping with such debilitating symptoms, supportive kind words, advice and of course the good humour - we all need that. I don't even have a diagnosis yet so I felt a bit apprehensive about joining, first rheumatologist appt tomorrow. I've only known for 2 weeks I probably have a type of arthritis but in that short time I cannot believe how quickly and painfully my joints seem to be giving up. I'm almost afraid to sleep because it seems like I wake up to a new problem every other day. 2 wrists, 2 knees, an ankle and counting... Can't believe I now have walking sticks (good old Argos). It's difficult to get my head around, particularly the new pace of life but feeling better prepared after reading the chat on here and elsewhere online which is sometimes a bit scary. Wishing you all well xx
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FatJoints
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We are like a family .we get worried and get straight on to ask someone.there is always simeone who can ease your mind .or like any big brother or sister will do .we.ll say get it checked out .but in between you will hear lovely .people. and lovely stories.always something to put a smile om your face.
Hi and welcome. I too was so glad when I found this site. I remember just how scared and unsure I was in the early stages of my disease when I was in so much pain but didn't know exactly what was wrong with me. Coming to terms with receiving a life changing diagnosis is such a difficult thing for us to get our heads around, let alone family and friends. I know for one that I have found everyone on here to be a great support. There's always someone here who has been through something similar and knows exactly how you're feeling. Feel free to ask anything, or just to offload about how you're feeling. It certainly helps to know that you're not alone in this. Take care. Mhairi
Thanks Mhairi, you too! It makes such a difference sharing experiences.
There were no forums when I was diagnosed. But I didn't have a computer then anyway. Things were very different 30 years ago, and I was a lot younger. Welcome to the family. xx
I started suffering in feb this year and was diagnosed with RA in April. Very frightening experience becoming completely immobile within a few days. Couldn't dress or get out if a chair unaided and had to use sticks to walk. Now only a few months on and after large doses of steroids and the methotrexate I'm mobile, relatively pain free if a little stuff and back at work if only part time...all thanks to a great rheumy team, a fabulous GP, understanding employers but mainly due to the support I got on here. Anxiety about the disease...sleepless nights..nerves about medication..all sorted by posting and reading here getting invaluable advice and feedback from wonderful people.
Keep posting and reading and good luck with your appointment.
Wow, thank you! Sorry to hear about your painful experience Sharon but that's fantastic getting back to work, it's so reassuring to hear about medication working and that mobility can come back 💪
Hi Fatjoints and welcome to the gang. You are not alone in finding things challenging. I suspect all on here have found getting our heads around the sudden changes in our bodies difficult and have been scared. I certainly was and still am seven months post diagnosis. In these early days it's probably best to trust the rheumy staff. They are the experts after all. Try to ignore Dr Google cos it will probably frighten you witless and if you need to rant, moan or see how others cope the informed, helpful and kind members of this forum are here for you. Wishing you all the very best for tomorrow. Hugs
Hiya & welcome. Let's hope once you receive your diagnosis & have been on your meds a little while your joints won't be quite so fat!
Have you written a diary at all, or noted anything you'd like to ask your Rheumy tomorrow? Also, if you've arranged for somebody close to accompany you that would be a help, there's usually quite a bit to take in at your diagnostic appointment & two heads are better than one taking everything in. I hope it goes smoothly & do let us know how you get on. 😊
Great advice, thanks! Funnily enough I've put together a sort of pain calendar on Excel (what a geek lol) showing dates and joints with varying shades of red indicating when the various bits flared up and to what intensity since April - back when I was just dismissing things and didn't realise. Got a list of questions and someone to help out. I'll definitely keep you posted, hope you had a good weekend.
Hi and welcome Fatjoints! This site is such a godsend - was so glad when I found it. I was only diagnosed just over a year ago after very sudden joint swelling and awful pain. The drugs I was prescribed worked almost immediately and atm I am almost pain free. I do hope you have a similar experience but as others have said this forum is always here for you.
Hi Bookworm, happy Monday to you. Ouch, same as me. It's unbelievable how it just takes over. I'm so chuffed for you that your meds worked so well, that gives me hope.
Hi all, your advice really helped with the appt cause it seemed to happen so fast. If I hadn't been prepared I wouldn't have had a clue so thank you again! I've never had psoriasis but the rheumatologist thinks it might be psoriatic arthritis because some of my family had the skin condition and because it's affecting a lot of my bigger joints - wrists etc and not specifically my fingers and toes (yet). But I know someone who had multiple joints affected and the diagnosis was RA. Is it possible the diagnosis could change? I've heard of that happening too. Anyway, they're the experts and here's hoping for the meds working! xx
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Thank You All for Your Kind Words
So bye, bye all. 
Tired all the time at the moment
Stopping MTX!!! Relieved and worried...
