Newly diagnosed

[lavender27]

I’ve just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and basically don’t really know much about it.

[helixhelix]

Welcome, although I’m sorry you’ve had to join us!

There’s lots of bad information on the internet about RA, so stick to reputable sites like nras.org.uk/what-is-ra-

But basically I would say take it one step at a time, and don’t panic as most of us live pretty normally once we get settled on the right treatment.

Ask any questions, as there’s usually someone around on here to answer. No question is too daft!

[Hidden]

Hello and welcome lavender27. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and as already said there’s lots of good info on the NRAS website 😊

[HockeyNut]

Hi, just joined the site myself; I was diagnosed with RA a couple years ago and it was kind of a relief, because at least I had an explanation for how tired I have been all the time for years and years. It's just good to know that I'm not just being a suck when I think I'm tired; now I just take a nap!

[Ali_H]

Hi and welcome,

I echo Helix’s advice. Take it stead, read reputable site info, avoid the ‘snake oil’ advocates and know that a lot of us are living with well maintained RA ( but the journey to that can be a frustrating and sometimes tricky one).

Ali

[Jesnaskah]

I love this site. It has helped me to cope greatly. I was at a point where I was crying every hour of every day because I was crippled... Not knowing what the heck was happening with me. When I came across this forum, I felt like I was at last with people who could relate!

We are here for you.

[Floralqueens]

Welcome. This forum and the support that you’ll receive from fellow sufferers is in valuable when you are trying to cope with RA. The NRAS booklets that are available are full of information that is relevant, easy to understand and helpful when managing the disease. Ask as many questions as you want and someone will answer and give their advice, this can be from many, many people. Good Luck, though at the moment the days can seem ‘dark’ there’s light at the end of the tunnel!! Good Luck 😉 xxxxxxx

[phil_54]

A warm welcome from me and all the lovely people on the forum you will learn so much from fellow sufferers and this will help you to understand what RA is about and how it impacts lives in so many different ways as fellow posters say its a whole new journey there are ups and downs along the way and i agree strongly with helixhelix the nras.org is were you will find the most up to date and accurate information.

You need to just take one step at a time and try to get to know your boundry's it can be a fine line between doing enough and to much, the biggest thing for me is keeping in touch with the forum really doesn't matter how trivial you think it is there is always someone here who will listen and try and help as i have found over the last 5 years it really does help just to talk to people who really can relate to you and your symptoms.

Please keep posting as the old saying goes its good to talk

Wishing you all the luck in the world.

[Georgiab123]

Hi just let it go the way it wants try forget about it iv had it for30 years only 5 year ago things started getting worse until then I lived my life to the full

[Nocciola]

I am sorry that you have to join the club, but welcome! I am from the U.S. and was just diagnosed in February. This site has been so helpful! In addition to following my rheumatologist’s advice about medication, what has helped me is keeping track of what I eat and any correlations to symptoms. I personally feel much better when I don’t have sugar, salt, milk, bread or meat, and instead eat mostly fresh organic fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts and seeds.

[SufferingOnHumira]

Sorry you are here but happy to have you. I also live in the US, have lived with RA for 18 years and have lived a full (sometimes painful) life. The first couple of years are rough while your rheumy finds the right meds for your situation. Be verbal when visiting the Dr, tell them exactly what you are feeling, everyone’s condition is different and there are various meds out there for your situation. Eat healthy, take a nap when you need it and stay active. A sedentary life will cause more pain.

I just joined this group last month and have found the support and knowledge to be comforting, supportive and informative. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. The feeling of being alone will be less painful when surrounded by those suffering along with you.

[Neonkittie17]

Hello, sorry you are here Lavender, but hope you are soon on the road to getting it under control as that’s what it’s all about and yes as HH says and others too ... you will be able to live a pretty much normal life. I’ve had and have some bad joint damage but I am certainly not feeling sorry for the things I can’t do anymore like run, but happy for the many things I can do. As SOH says .. keep moving/active. Staying still will cause more pain and seizing when you try move. I was and still am a glass half full girl so never told the rheumys how much pain I was in etc for the first years but it is much better to tell them the truth on that .. it will help them help you. I echo what was said re if you’re tired have a nap .. no prizes given for trying to do all the things you could before. You will wear yourself out. Just take it a little easier and you’ll find your pace and sense of what is right for you now. Let us know how you are getting on/keep in touch. x

[Artistic0809]

Hi im Dawn I was diagnosed with ra 16 months ago . some advice be careful of the medications they put you on for instance prednisone was really hard 2 come off of really bad side effects it's okay short-term but not long also I was on methotrexate oral 4 a year and had a lot of side effects had to get off I'm on Humira shots every week and it's amazing so when you see your rheumatologist keep those things in mind they helped me a lot good luck

[Steviebute]

I used to work with an educational health Trust that recommended cutting out meat and dairy products from your diet (particularly eggs and milk), and also explained how constant worry can worsen the illness (worry causes pressure within the body, particularly on the joints, which can cause pain and discomfort). If you're interested, I can send you one of their publications.