Diagnosis recently changed from PMR to RA so I am new here

[Celebrant]

I found the PMR site to be very helpful and I am hoping to have your support and collective wisdom on this new path on my journey. Nowcuttingg the niceties--I.m new and I am scared. Is this genetic-The doctors seem to think it is autoimmune. I a quite lost so expect to see me here liurking and reading

[oldtimer]

It does seem quite common for people who have persistent symptoms of PMR to go on to a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Disease. Treatments are much better for Rheumatoid Disease now than they used to be, but it often takes some time to find the right one. Have a good look at the NRAS website which is a gold mine of information.

Yes, Rheumatoid Disease (RD) is an auto-immune condition, it does tend to 'run in families', but the genetic component looks as if it is complicated and is more likely to give you a susceptibility to RD which can then be set off by some trigger. Well, that's a rough and ready summary of what seems a very complicated story of the investigations so far!

[stbernhard]

Hello celebrant, I understand very well that you are scared and maybe confused. Being diagnosed with RA is a bit of a shock and there is an awful lot to take in and to learn. Many of us don't post on here because we can just get on with our daily lives as before, maybe with a few restrictions (after many months of trials and ups and downs until the right drugs regime is found). As oldtimer said, have a good look at the NRAS website. Ring their excellent helpline if you have questions. They are more than willing to guide you. Please avoid Dr. Google because there is so much misinformation out there. You will also get a lot of good general advice from the lovely people on this forum. Stay in touch.

[fred42]

I had a similar diagnosis, Polymyalgia for several years and lots of steroids. I moved house changed to a really excellent rheumatology department (Bath) where they changed the diagnosis to Polymyalgic onset Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am telling you this because I am now with a diagnosis of RA much better managed and life is free of steroids and pain killers, I know it won't go away but life is so much easier.

Don't despair, read learn and look forward, new things are being discovered all the time.

[Connie1566 in reply to fred42]

How are you managing your RA Fred?

[fred42]

Currently Humira which I find very good but there were many steps along the way and everyone seems to be different as far as drugs are concerned.

What makes the difference is having an RA team who are very supportive. The NRAS webinar that I listened to was also very informative. Loads of treatment out there now just need the right one.

Good luck.