New Member

[Faith4]

Hi I’ve lived with RA for 2years now.I basically went to bed 1night &woke up unable to move, and that was the start of my RA journey. Methotrexate isn’t working for me and I’ve just got a script for Olumiant which I’m unsure about. I must admit I’m a little scared and tired of not having anyone to talk to that understands what RA is like. My partner suggested I join a group of likeminded people who truly know how it feels, so here I am :0) I’m looking forward to reading what’s worked for others and what hasn’t, and sharing any of my own experiences if they can help anyone

[barbieg]

I’m sad you’ve had to join this wonderful forum but you are very welcome. I started with my RA overnight too so I know how you felt. It takes a lot to come to terms with but things do improve. I was lucky as I was put on Sulfasalazine to start with that worked for 15yrs . I’m now on Methotrexate which is also working . It’s just a matter of finding the right drug for you. Have faith, things will improve and feel free to ask any questions, I learnt so much from the people on this forum and still am.

[Faith4 in reply to barbieg]

Hello Barbieg, thank-you so much for your reply. It’s so comforting to finally feel part of such a caring group.

[Brushwork]

Welcome to the group. Sad that you had such a dramatic and painful start on the RA journey.

Finding the drug that suits you and works for you is the hardest and most frustrating thing about this disease, but added to that is the fact that one drug rarely works forever. We are all different, thankfully but that does make for some challenges.

Hope life improves for you and you find something that gives you relief

[Faith4 in reply to Brushwork]

Hi Brushwork, thank-you so much for your welcome. Yes the whole medication process is frustrating, my rheumy is also a 5hr drive one way so that makes it a little awkward as well. Am so grateful to finally have other wonderful people to share with.

[lilyak]

Sounds like you had an explosive introduction to RA. I know its hard, and its a lot to take in, but you are very lucky to have a rheumy who has put you on Olumiant so quickly. The meds sound scary, but they are nothing compared to what aggressive RA can do. Have faith! I hope olimiant works for you (it has been great for me). Wishing you the best.

[Faith4 in reply to lilyak]

Hi lilyak, thank-you for that. I’m so so happy to hear of a positive outcome to Olumiant. Your right it’s been a daunting few years to say the least. Thanks again I do feel a lot better now :0)

[Mmrr]

Welcome to the group.

I started baricitinib (Oluminant) a few weeks ago with mixed results so far, but I've definitely seen an improvement. My main issue with it is a sore mouth, but I've had a sore mouth with all RD drugs so far !

Its definitely worth a try.

[Faith4 in reply to Mmrr]

Hi Mmrr, thank-you for your reply. I’m so glad I joined this group, it suddenly doesn’t feel so lonely anymore.

[stbernhard]

Hello Faith, ten years ago it happened to me. More or less over night. You'll learn a lot on this forum and you can post whatever you want (within the guidelines) and somebody will have a response. There is also NRAS with a lot of useful information about all aspects of RA. NRAS also has specially trained volunteers who live with RA and can talk to you on a one to one call. That can be a really "healing" experience. All the best and keep in touch.

P.S. I am in remission for 5 years now and RA doesn't really affect my daily life anymore.

[Faith4 in reply to stbernhard]

Hi stbernhard, thanks so much for that. I will definitely look into what the NRAS has to offer. Wow remission for 5 years congratulations 🎉. Did you need to change your diet at all to help make that happen? I’ve read so much about food and flare ups. Thanks Again

[stbernhard in reply to Faith4]

Hi Faith, no I didn't make major changes to my diet. I eat what they call a varied healthy diet with little meat and lot of veggies. I have the occasional drink of beer or wine. All in moderation. I was lucky to get the right drug combination after about a year and quickly learnt that from then on it was my responsibility to get better and manage RA. Becoming a volunteer to help others self manage was helping me too. There are good booklets about self management on the NRAS website to order for free. Sorry about the preaching, but I really think we can and must help ourselves along with the medics and the medication. I wish you all the best.

[Faith4 in reply to stbernhard]

Hi stbernhard, I agree with you wholeheartedly. We must also take responsibility and care for our bodies health as well. I will get onto those free booklets today. Thanks Again

[KittyJ]

Welcome Faith4 to this friendly informative group. I am sorry you have had to join us but glad that you have as this can be a lonely disease. Good luck with the Olumiant, I hope it works for you 😊

[Faith4 in reply to KittyJ]

Hi KittyJ, thank-you for your welcome. I’m already feeling like a part of the group. It makes you feel so much stronger when you know your not alone anymore.

[Candy]

Welcome to the group, it really is a very supportive community. I haven’t heard of Olumiant, so cant comment on that I’m afraid, but just wanted to welcome you. I’m on triple therapy after being diagnosed over 10 years ago and at the start of my journey just wept when I joined this forum having found others that had a shared experience. Hope things improve for you soon. 😊

[Faith4 in reply to Candy]

Hello Candy, thanks for welcoming me in. It’s so wonderful to have people to share this journey with. I know this is one of the most positive things that have happened.

I truly hope things have improved for you as well.

[Hessie5]

Welcome Faith4. Love your name it symbolises everything you need with RA.

This is an excellent forum as with RA you can feel so darn alone.

I would say RA is a roller coaster but steer yourself correctly and you will be fine. There’s ups and downs like anything. I too was scared when this was thrown at me - but acceptance is everything. You will get better with the right meds. It takes time, but you will get there. Reach out if you need anything no matter how small. Wishing you wellness - Hessie 😌

[Faith4 in reply to Hessie5]

Hi Hessie5 awww thank-you so very much, what a warm welcome :0) You are so right regarding acceptance, I think I spent a lot of time in denial thinking 1 day I’d wake up and it’d be gone lol 😝. Thanks again for your kind thoughts

[Hidden]

You’ve come to the right place. People on here are amazing and their knowledge unending. We rant, we congratulate, we laugh and best of all we understand . Sorry you have had to joins us but you are very welcome.

[Faith4 in reply to Hidden]

Hi J1707, thank-you for your welcome. It already feels so much easier being surrounded by people who truly understand what R.A. is like, and it’s only been 1 day :0)

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Faith4, welcome from me too. A bit late to this, been long & busy day at hospital, more investigations. I do hope that Olumiant (baricitinib) will be the med that brings you under better control. I like the way you say you live with the disease, this is my viewpoint too, I don't suffer with the disease, I won't let it be the boss of me! It can be testing at times as you know & as it wasn’t invited it wasn’t welcomed particularly but hey, what do you do?!

I hope you find it helpful being here, your partner is insightful, it does help to be part of a group with a commonality. We're able to share experiences, empathise & support one another, you'll not find a better place to do all those things especially if you don't know anyone else with the disease. Just one thing to bear in mind, we are UK based & whilst we happily welcome members from all over the world some guidelines or med names may differ, something to bear in mind that's all. We have quite a few members from your part of the world, I’m sure if they're around they'll be along to introduce themselves.

I've been diagnosed 11 years, seropositive, pretty well controlled, there's always room for improvement though! I follow a mainly Mediterranean diet, exercise & love gardening, I pace myself otherwise it's easy to do too much & pay for it for a few days. I’m on MTX (subcut), tried 3 DMARDs but for whatever reason remain only on MTX & low dose steroids presently, plus the usual add ons, NSAID, pain relief etc.

If there’s anything we can help with you only need to ask, there's usually someone around to share their experience or help wherever they can. There may be a delay with the time difference so don't think we're ignoring you if we don't reply immediately! We're a happy band & glad to welcome you. 😊

[Faith4 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi nomoreheels, (I simply love your name).

I truly appreciate you welcoming me, it’s never to late to say gday. I do hope all the investigations in hospital turned out okay for you. I do always try & stay positive & keep on top of it. I will admit it was very disheartening at 1st & I was upset (& a little ashamed to admit quite angry) when I had to give up my much loved career to suit my bodies capabilities. I do feel 100% better mentally/emotionally now just in the very very short time I’ve been with the group. As I live in a rural remote country town there’s no-one that understood my journey ........until now :0) Thank-you again and I do hope everything turns out well for you to.

[Hidden]

Hello to Faith4 welcome and keep in touch with us all good and bad but hopefully some funny moments or something off topic too.

We cover it all here