Thought it was time to formally introduce myself ☺️

[Lulumae]

I have been following you all since about Christmas. I am a 53 year old lady and was diagnosed with RD when I was 25, it was initially treated as Lupus. I have had all the usual ups and downs, a hip replacement at 36 and a brain anyuersm (unrelated) at 38. I have taken great joy and comfort in reading posts from people who "get it" . I am at this moment sitting in a hospital bed recovering from my first tkr which took place onTuesday, so far so good. All the painkillers I've been on nearly made me forget about my RD, I said nearly I was reminded early this morning with very sore wrists and shoulders, the very things I need for my crutches......

[Hels1989]

I am 29 years old and was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis August last year. It’s so very very scary but yes I completely get it xxx

[Lulumae in reply to Hels1989]

Thanks for replying ☺️. Just waiting for my physio to come😓

[Hels1989 in reply to Lulumae]

Hope it goes well. It’s so so hard to keep your spirits up with this disease and I don’t feel like I’ve seen really bad times yet but even so it massively affects everything in my life. My rheumatologist nurse said to me a couple of weeks ago that it is a grieving process and I realised she is so so right. It’s hard when people don’t think it’s possible to have this disease at a young age. People understanding makes things a little easier. Xx

[Lulumae in reply to Hels1989]

Definitely, a lot of tears were shed through sheer desperation and the lost of the person I used to be. But this is the new me, and I have tried to adjust to my situation now. I have a 24 year old daughter and a husband who has known me since I was 17. I have had many more good times than bad and hopefully you will too with all the research that is going on now

[Hels1989 in reply to Lulumae]

That makes me feel very hopeful 😁 Thankyou

[Hidden in reply to Hels1989]

Hels 1989, I was only thinking about you yesterday, we've not heard from you for awhile. How's things?

Ruth x

Sorry Lulumae in advance, for taking over your page, but once you get to know people on here, you do wonder at times why you've not heard anything for awhile.

[Hels1989 in reply to Hidden]

Ruthytootie2 I shall post a new post now 😁

[Cheylann in reply to Hels1989]

U can get RA at any age. It's not an age related disease. There are babies with it. It's very hard to accept one has it. I've tried to fob mine off as everything from a chillies tendinitis to bursitis but have to now accept that it's arthritis causing all this inflammation and pain so am finally starting MTX injections next week after 2 years of denial. Yes I also "get it".

[Shalf]

Hi Lulumae - Thank you for sharing your journey. Hope all is well at hospital.

Suzie x

[Lulumae in reply to Shalf]

Thanks for replying, had my breakfast, waiting for my physio and Dr to make their rounds now.

[medway-lady]

What a journey and I'm sorry no idea what tkr is ? but whatever it is i hope your on the mend. x

[Lulumae in reply to medway-lady]

It's a total knee replacement 🙂. Been told I'll be discharged tomorrow afternoon.

[nablur]

Sometimes a wheelchair can be easier than those nasty crutches!

Try to focus on how great your knee will feel once again you’re all healed. Maybe they can give you an ice machine too!

❤️😘❤️

[sjhewitt42]

Hi - I hope you have a quick recovery. I was also diagnosed at 25 (now 43). Look forward to hearing more from you. X ♥️ Sarah

[Gnarli]

Hi Lulumae and welcome. Being here has been a lifesaver for me as most people just don't get it. Comments along the lines of "have you considered looking at your diet?" or my favourite "which would you rather have, RA or osteo?". (The questioner is still alive by the way.) Hugs

J

[sjhewitt42 in reply to Gnarli]

Or the best one for me is “I’ve got that in my knee.” Lol

[Need2knowN]

Hi Lulumae!! Glad to have you here! Wishing you speedy healing! 💕

[Witness2]

Good to meet you Lulumae but sorry it has to be for this reason! I was diagnosed at 24, now 61. It’s tough and I relate to all that’s been said above about grief and loss, it’s often hard for people who don’t have chronic conditions to understand unless it’s explained to them. Even then...

I’m having surgery in November and my rheumatologist recommended I buy Flexi foot ferrules for my crutches - shock absorbers. They are available online apparently. They might be useful to help with all the other joints that using crutches hurt.

Anyway, I hope you have support at home - practical and emotional - and you recover well. Keep us posted!

[Loura]

Hope you're recovery is a speedy one and that the tkr offers a vast difference to your pain and mobility. You may find a zimmer frame is easier on your joints rather than crutches, especially if like me your upper limbs are bad.

Xx

[Mummyola]

Sorry to hear your in hospital, I know the feeling as I am too. For something completely different, but my RA is making it hard to use my crutches as well, and move around the bed. This illness hits you in so many ways it’s horrid. Especially if you’ve been an active person before. Well I wish you well and hope you are home soon. As I feel familiar surroundings helps you feel better.

Good Luck Chris

[farm123]

I had a TKR 3 years ago at 48 and it has helped change my life. Take it easy with the recovery. As I had a hairline fracture during surgery I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks. This worked for me as it was lots of gentle non weight bearing movement.

[Pulfs]

Hi lulumae I was diagnosed at 44 now 68 over those years had 2TKR ,2THR,1 shoulder replaced and 3 knuckles on rt hand ,at mo waiting on a MRI on left shoulder to see if that needs replacing.

I been thankful that I've a great husband that supports me, we work as a team with the housework. Hope you make a good recovery just think about getting about pain free. 😊

What makes me mad is people that don't know what RA is saying now you've had your ops your cured😡

Al the best on your RA journey you're not alone out there xx