So the story begins....

I have had OA for 2 years but knew 12 weeks ago I was getting worse and of course symmetrical from shoulders to toes. So went in for yearly MOT and Vit D deficient was first call from Docs and then the you must come in. I knew RA. The stress of my hubby being undiagnosed and off work for past 6 months and still waiting for a neuro appt and a busy job I think the stress finally got to me. Walked out of Docs and promptly cried like a kid in the car.

Getting my head round it all and oh my, wish I had not read NHS review of RA. Everything hurts and OA pills dont even touch the pain I am in but at least I know. Dark humour, patience and sleep has been my mantra since Fri so off work for a few days and just letting myself let life and stress wash over me as much as I can and enjoy 5 days off from work and time with hubby.

Decided to join a forum as already had the' oh arthritis is what you have' - I have that in a fingers..............lucky lucky lucky person!

[Mmrr]

Welcome, you sound very positive which will be in your favour. I love the photo too.

[mccaffs2014]

When I was diagnosed and referred to the rheumatologist I wasn't aware of what I was up against. I learned so much from this forum, where everyone is so informed and helps everyone else. People on this forum are kind and have a great sense of humour. I hope that you enjoy this as much as I have😂

[Hidden]

Hello and welcome deeb2908 😊 Feel free to ask anything you want, there’s lots of us here who are or who have been where you are now. It all sounds scary at the start but remember everyone’s RA journey is different so yours won’t necessarily be the same as others or what you read online 😊

[HappykindaGal]

Welcome (sorry!). We’re a friendly bunch here, so whenever you feel like venting, or asking about anything, you’ll be treated well with compassion and perhaps a little humour too 😀. As Kittyj says, everyone is different. The hardest bit is the finding out what works for you as that can be a lengthy process. Thankfully, I have found mine and life is almost pre RA days, although I have a cupboard full of fabulous shoes I can no longer wear! Good job trainers/Skechers are currently fashionable 💕

[RAGurl1 in reply to HappykindaGal]

And isn't that one of the hardest things about this condition after the "...you have... it lasts this long.... this is what you do to treat it... these are the things you probably can't much do any more..." I, like you, had some beautiful heels and wedges that I can no longer wear. It made me so sad the day I gave them away - they still looked new... My empathy..

[Hidden]

Hello and welcome we are lovely friendly group who will laugh with you and understand when you need a vent.

I didn’t know this forum was around until recently and I’ve had RA (diagnosed) for 3 years. If I I had known at the beginning things would have made sense I would have got more help and advice thean I have from any medic as you never get an appointment . This disease doesn’t follow a rule book we are all different but there will be someone somewhere who has suffered something similar. You are never on your own.

[Caza]

Welcome to this forum, sorry that you’ve had to join us. Lovely bunch of peps on here & loads & loads of knowledge.

Yep heard that one, I have a bit of that in my knee etc....😡

[Zip1]

Welcome, sorry you have to join us but I have found all the advise given here to be invaluable! Take care.

[Pulfs]

Welcome to our group . I was diagnosed 25yrs ago and wish this forum was around then,have had great support since joining. Hope your pain gets under control soon ❤

[RADOONE]

Welcome you will find this forum extremely supportive and helpful as I have as at the time you feel so alone and you are trying to deal with pain limited mobility lack of sleep and depression in some cases people just think arthritis joint problems but RA is so much more always here for you if you need advice xx

[RAGurl1]

My initial response was to deny / ignore it - oops

[Gnarli in reply to RAGurl1]

Denial is part of it all, I reckon. I know that taking that first course of pred made that denial easier for me too.

[RAGurl1 in reply to Gnarli]

Yeah - I did herbs and supplements at first, but after a while, the varying life stresses overwhelmed me 😏

[Gnarli in reply to RAGurl1]

It's horrible but life can get better for you. I believe a healthy diet and lifestyle, as much regular exercise as you can manage, appropriate meds and a good sense of humour helps you through.

[Hidden]

Thank you all....I can already count the amount of people who have shown me their thumbs and gone oooh I have that. I was lucky to work with students with disabilities who showed me so much about persistence and can do attitude but the college also taught me to look for support groups. So glad found this page and already feel welcome to the crazy RA world. Don't start me on shoes..... Thank you x

[Caza]

Oh 👠 those were the days 👟 now!! I found a fantastic pair of flip flops very sparkly. They were DKNY so pretty expensive but I’ve worn them at quite a few parties & weddings & not felt out of place so they’ve been worth it.

[Hidden in reply to Caza]

Way to go bit of sparkle......