Newly diagnosed

[ChrissieR]

Hi I’ve found this site sort of by accident when looking for support groups, I have just been diagnosed with RA, I also have fibromyalgia. The RA diagnosis has knocked me and I’m struggling at the moment. I had a steroid injection on Monday and I’ve been slayed since, I see the rheumatology nurse for the first time next week and will be starting on methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine. I thought I’d say hi and any advice appreciated

[popsmith1874]

Welcome to the site ChrissieR, everyone helps each other out with advice and cheer each other out, hopefully once you start treatment things will improve a bit for you and I know it's a lot to take in but it takes time and you'll adjust take things easy and don't fight it just go with the flow xxx

[Rubyroo1]

Hi, sorry you are here but welcome , there seem to be fab people here for help and advice, I am too, new to this! There are some great downloads on the NRAS website which have been very helpful so far. X

[Shalf]

Hi Chrissie and Welcome to a very good support group. I also have RA and Fibromyalgia and was knocked for six when I received my diagnosis ( not too long ago)

I had a very informative Rheumatology nurse explain my medications etc but I needed to know more and found it here. Some truly lovely, caring and knowledgeable people. You will be well looked after here.

Take care

Suzie x

[sjhewitt42]

Hi Chrissie, I’m relatively new here too although not to RA unfortunately but I’ve had it easier than lots of people on here who have a world of knowledge and advice. The RA diagnosis knocked me sideways at 25 and I do struggle with working and 3 boys but you can adjust your life with plenty of support and meds. Sarah ♥️

[stbernhard]

RA diagnosis is a shock. It entails so many things. There is so much to learn and knowledge about the illness and it's treatment to gain. All this on top of being in constant pain and feeling complete rubbish and fatigued can be overpowering. That's why I think it is so important to get early reliable information from people like us and more important from specialist sources like your Rheumatoid team. NRAS has a detailed library of booklets (online) about almost every aspect of RA, its treatment and how to live with it. A very good source of information. If there is something you can't find then their helpdesk may have an answer. They are very knowledgeable, kind and helpful. All the best and keep in touch.

[oldtimer]

It's a good idea to look for reliable information about your condition - the NRAS website is excellent and the arthritisresearch. org. uk is also reliable. Don't spend lots of time looking on Google - it will confuse you utterly with everyone peddling their own views!

And the search box on here is good to see if there are previous posts about questions you might want to ask. We can't give medical advice but lots of support and understanding!

[medway-lady]

It is vital to remember that their are some very good treatments out there and the NRAS has masses of info re meds etc. I've had it for years and am in remission its not an easy journey but of course the worst bit is over as once diagnosed then the treatment can begin. So don't be disheartened or frightened as life does continue it might need a few adjustments but can be normal too. You'll read sometimes of people who can't go to the gym or run anymore, its can be true when first diagnosed but in remission then maybe they can.

I always feel that its not just the physical aspect RA is no respector of wealth, position or intelligance. Its simply a matter of gene's and luck. I'm grateful that I've had excellant treatment and although its agressive and I've had complications too, its all been a journey that in a way has enriched my life. I know that before RA my career was so very, very important now its not as priorities changed. I swim, birdwatch, do lunch and keep fit, ramble and am learning to canoe! I ain't climbing Everest but actually don't want too.

A bit of advice is be careful to pace yourself and stay posative as its too easy to expect a one size fits all cure but put simply as yet there isn't one. lol I took three meds before the LEF which changed my life. Would I like to not have RA? obviously yes but has it really stopped me doing anything actually important I have to say No.

[Gnarli]

Hi ChrissieR. I really wish you hadn't had to join us but I reckon you have found a forum jam-packed full of lovely, knowledgeable, empathetic people happy to share experiences and provide useful tips for dealing with our nasty disease. Hugs

J