New here, just saying Hi

[Ibat]

New to this site, RA diagnosed by GP in April and referred to specialist, appt not till 1st Aug. Got fed up as all joints ached, fingers, wrists, ankles, feet and say private Rheumy at end of May who confirmed RA diagnosis and recommended GP give me steroid injection, which he did a week later. Took about 10 days to feel any improvement with the joint pain but it is the fatigue that is knocking me for six. Luckily I work from home and work is not too stressful so I can nap and take things easy. I live alone with the cat and the dog, who is great as he makes me get up and go out 3 times a day even when I feel yucky. Whilst I'm happy to feel less joint pain, am secretly hoping its back before the 1st Aug, I know can't please some people but I want the Rheumy to see my pain and so I'm not just cast aside

[AgedCrone]

Don't worry, the Rheumy will rely on blood tests to decide what treatment he will offer....of course he will examine your joints, but I have seen my rheumy with no physical signs, but he looked at my bloods & prescribed what he thought would help.

Hope you hit upon a Rheumy that you get along with, & that you are more comfortable very soon.

[Ibat in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks, the blood work taken in April didn't show the triggers but at least the private Rheumy did see the swollen and red joints. Its a shame I can't see her again but I'm sure the other one will be just fine.

[stbernhard]

Hello Ibat, sorry you had to join the club. My best advice is for you to keep a journal to document your days. Keep a record of the pain, how you feel, symptoms etc. The specialist will have to take note! Secondly, have a list of your questions on paper when you see him/her and insist on an answer for everything. But even more important, I have now lived with RA for eight years, and even though it was a slog at times, I now live a fairly normal life and am in remission. RA is not the end, it's a challenge and I hope you will take it on. All the very best and keep in touch.

[Ibat in reply to stbernhard]

Thanks, I do keep a diary of how I've been feeling each day, which is helpful. I'm hoping I can record the conversation with the Rheumy, as you say there are so many things to hear and ask you end up with brain fog! I'll start to make a list of q's also.

[KayEP]

Hello and Welcome. Sorry you are here, but you will find plenty of support in this group. Don't wish more pain on yourself, we suffer enough and don't need the extra, I'm sure the Rheumy will see the problem through blood work, etc. Hope you have a good day! xo

[Ibat in reply to KayEP]

Thanks, I know I don't really want any more pain than is necessary,

[Sophie_dog_lover]

Hi, I'm new here too. I was just diagnosed in January, but I've been in pain for years. The other suggestions about keeping a pain log are great. I also take a picture if one of my joints is visibly swollen. I was able to show my rheumy last week and he was very proactive about changing my meds and giving me a steroid shot to help. It's so overwhelming at first (I still have those moments), but there are so many more treatment options than ever before there's reason to be hopeful! 😊

[Ibat in reply to Sophie_dog_lover]

Thanks, I did take some pictures and I do keep a diary, as this is something that doesn't show up all the time I do get that. For me, thankfully the steroid has calmed things down, although my feet and ankles ache more as the day goes on, and I'm glad I have the dog to make me go out even when I feel like curling up and sleeping. I'm looking forward in learning about the different treatment options.