New to RA

[Piwacket]

Sorry for long post but just wondered if some of my situations and decisions could be helpful

Joined forum at end of feb when diagnosed with RA and I have found it so helpful just reading posts and responses

This had been a very rapid journey for me.

New to RA, new to coronavirus virus , (as we a are) new to sheilding and new to all of the drugs.

It has been a bumpy ride. I was very active person even walked in the Austrian alps in January this year

I had been feeling stiff and unwell since September last year after total knee replacement for spontaneous osteonecrosis in August

Diagnosed with RA end February

Started on methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine early March had to stop taking hydroxychloroquine due to severe light sensitivity. My symptoms have progressively worsened fast . Shoulders, elbows wrists, thumb and fingers affected My other knee now needs total replacement already so much damage caused so soon

I am switching this week to sub cut methotrexate and when test results come back starting subcut bio similar all very daunting but just need to be out of pain and immobility

My rheumatologist and team have been fantastic and supportive and although sheilding at the moment I am visiting hospital twice a week which to say the least is daunting but a necessary risk for me to get disease under control. Nothing in life is without risk

I have rigidly stuck to sheilding with support of my husband, online shopping and nhs responders however not being able to see our family since before my diagnosis has had a huge mental toll on me . So I took the decision to ask them to break my sheilding (there are 6 of us including our 8 year old grandson) and after much persuasion on my part, this weekend we had barbecue in our large garden .

With so many hospital visits I am an expert on infection control and social distancing all strictly observed. Mentally and physically this has been a huge boost to me and all of us as a family

[Eiram50]

Sounds like you’ve had a lot to contend with and hopefully, with the right medication, you’ll see a significant difference soon.

I too have been shielding ( ankle replacement 28 feb and in since) so I appreciate what you’re saying about the impact in mental / emotional well being and I think we all need to weigh up the risks, be mindful and sensible and so what’s right for ourselves.

Glad you managed to see family as I think it’s doubly important that if we are trying to manage this disease, that we are in a good place mentally - it can be so draining at the best of times.

Best of luck going forward x

[Lolabridge]

Good for you! And it’s good news today for shielders as the strict advice is going to be relaxed. Although I must admit that I have been having a socially distanced cuppa in my garden with a friend or visiting my daughter and having a cuppa in her garden. I live alone so having these occasional face to face contacts has been important to help me keep my spirits up. But like you I have relied on supermarket and medicine deliveries and will need those to continue for a while longer.

I’m so pleased you have a good Rheumy team that have been looking after you and that your R.A. is coming under control.

[Piwacket in reply to Lolabridge]

Thank you so much for reply

So pleased to hear that you have been able to have some contact your friend and daughter. So difficult to face shielding in your own.

I am feeling more positive that maybe I will get back to a version of me soon.