Hi all,
Got diagnosed on Thursday with RA. Doc did give it a really long name, which i can’t remember but i think is seronegative as all my bloods were fine. I started on Methotrexate last Thu (x4), folic acid 2 days later for two weeks, then x6 for next 2 weeks when I’m hopefully taken on by my GP. No side effects from mtx, just waiting for the relief to kick in.
Well you've found a great place here! Bet you're still in a bit of shock but it gets easier. Ask questions on here and also have a look if you haven't already at the NRAS website as it's full of help.
Lovely to see you posting xxx
Fingers crossed you get some relief soon. As allanah said, this is a fab, really supportive group. Feel free to ask anything, or just have a moan. There's always someone on here who can relate to how you're feeling! Mhairi. x
As everyone has said this is a really supportive site. So good that you have reached out. Above all be super kind to yourself as it is a shock and hard to take in. The more you learn about it the more at peace you will be with it. Ginger beer is great for nausea if you get it.
Wishing you all the best
Rosie
Hi, welcome to the group. You’ll want find yourself a good rheumatologist to help monitor your condition.
Also, I wanted to mention that I take methotrexate once per week (8 pills) , I started taking them in the mornings then switched to taking them at night before I go to bed. I have fewer side effects.
Thanks for that tip. I just took 4 this morning. Move to 6 next week. So I’ll see how it goes. Early. Days but all good so far. X
Have I misunderstood or are you just being treated by your GP?
If so ask for an immediate referral to a Rheumatologist.RA is not something GP's can deal with without being overseen by a Rheumy.
It really is important.....one young GP at my practice had never heard of Leflunomide......so get thee to a Rheumy pronto!.
Taking Mtx at night it a good idea...I did that for 7 years & had no problems with any of the nasty side effects I see posted here.
Good Luck- keep positive...RA is not something any one would apply for ..but it's not the end if the world either, these days we have so many drugs to choose from there will definitely be "the one" for you.
Sorry for not being clear, no I’ve been to Rheumy and am staying with her, she just wants my docs to take over doing my bloods and sorting repeat meds.
That's good.....now just get in with your life. Don't let RA take over, & try to read all the scary things you read on this site & think ' Thank goodness I don't have that'....rather than Google it & decide you have have got it too!
Once you are in the right meds, you will be able to lead a 99% normal life.
Hello Mandy and welcome. You seem to have a positive outlook and rightly so. I live well with RA. Very few restrictions. It was a long journey, but worth it. The most important thing for me was to be as well informed about my medication and how to manage my symptoms. I.e pain, fatigue, energy levels etc. There is a video about MTX on the NRAS website, well worth having a look. Most medicines will take some time to make a noticeable change, so be patient. All the very best and stay in touch.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and advice. I was pretty sure I was going to get this diagnosis as my nan, Mum, aunties have RA so it wasn’t too much of a shock. I’ve been on this site for a couple of months now and have taken so much silent advice from you all I know I will get through this with very little disruption to my life. Have a good day x
Hi Mandy, I hope you are soon feeling the full benefits of Mtx and as others have said, once your med is working to capacity you will feel in control of the RA rather then it controlling you. You sound very positive and that's great! When I was first diagnosed 20 years ago a consultant said to me .. I want to talk about your disability and what you can't do. He was very negative and said I would probably soon be in a wheelchair. I replied .. I'd rather talk about my ability and what I can and am going to do. He looked rather taken aback! 😁 x
Welcome MandyDenton!!! RA is an overwhelming disease & thankfully it can be controlled.... You may not know it now, but joining this site was the best thing you ever did on your RA journey.
This is a UK site, but we have people joining from all over world. This is a good thing because, when you are scared & don't want to wake your family, there is someone having lunch on the otherside of the world to talk to.
Peace & love to you,
Sue
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