Hello!

[AmblingA]

Hi folks, new to this hub. Hope this is a positive move. xx

[springcross]

Hi AmblingA and welcome to the forum. You have come to the right place for help, advice and a good giggle. Can I ask what conditon/s you have and what medications are you taking?

[AmblingA in reply to springcross]

Hi Springcross, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. Its 6 years in now. On MTX and Benepali with Folic Acid 6/7 days. Recently had a booster steroid injection for a bad flare. Just about back on track. How about you?

[springcross in reply to AmblingA]

I have RA too, diagnosed last August. I had a depo med injection to start with as my hands were so swollen and put on steroid tablets then MTX injections started in September (as I had to wait for an appointment to become available with the nurse to show me how to do it) which was increased in March this year as the RA was still active. I started getting bad hair loss after that so MTX was reduced back down and I was started on Sulfasalazine as well. I'm in my sixth week of that now but some of my joints have started to react a bit but it's probably the lack of the extra MTX and the fact that the SSZ probably hasn't kicked in yet. I also have the FA tablets six days a week. Did the Benapali make a big difference for you?

[AmblingA in reply to springcross]

Sorry to hear your challenges. So familiar to hear. Yes, Benepali is good however Enbrel is a bit better so I've requested to return to that. Steroid injections are useful however we don't want them too often and the triple DMRD therapy isn't something you wish to be messing about for long. Best thing is to suggest no efficacy and get on a biologic ASAP. Tight control and Treat to Target by getting to remission is your goal. DMARDS only are part of this, you need a biologic. Be sure to ask what your DAS28 is. Good luck xx

[KittyJ]

Hello and welcome AmblingA, I hope you find the group useful 😊

[AmblingA in reply to KittyJ]

Thank you!

[Fruitandnutcase]

Definitely - it’s a really good friendly group so welcome me 😊

[AmblingA in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thanks, good to know

[Pippy25]

Hello AmblingA welcome to this forum. Hope you find it helpful and supportive. It's good to have a place where people simply 'get it' and you can discuss your RD or simply share information, experiences or simply let some steam off if needed.

[AmblingA in reply to Pippy25]

Thats a relief as no one gets it until they get it as the saying goes.

[Pippy25 in reply to AmblingA]

So true.

[rab1874]

Hello Ambling A welcome to the gang xxx

[AmblingA in reply to rab1874]

Cheers!

[Carolsos]

Hello Ambling A this site is brilliant and you can ask any questions and someone will answer them. Take care x

[AmblingA in reply to Carolsos]

Fab, good to know.

[Lolabridge]

Hello Ambling and welcome to our group. I hope you will find us good company.

[AmblingA in reply to Lolabridge]

I'm sure I will, thanks all. That's so kind.

[Boxerlady]

Welcome! 👍

[AmblingA in reply to Boxerlady]

Cheers!

[Kags1068]

Sorry you've hadto join, but welcome!😊

[AmblingA in reply to Kags1068]

It's all good. I've avoided forums for 6 years. It's time. 😊

[Kags1068 in reply to AmblingA]

Haha! Good for you😄

[Biofreak]

Welcome AmblingA. Hope you enjoy the group. It's always a helpful to have fellow sufferers to turn to.

[AmblingA]

Thanks Biofreak (love the name). 😊

[Faith4]

Good Morning AmblingA (well it’s morning on my side of the world lol). Welcome to the group. Like you I took a long time to join a forum but I have to say the people here are amazing. To have a place to share your feelings, frustrations and concerns is very therapeutic. I think the hardest thing for me was how quick it hit me, 1 minute life is good next morning I go to get out off bed and can’t move 😞. No-one judges you here, their compassion is unconditional. I’ve only spoken a few times and asked questions regarding different injections my rheumy wants to try and everyone’s advice and experiences has helped me through, I think it’s the feeling of knowing your not alone any more, and everyone here really truly understands what your going through 💖 Good Luck 🍀

[AmblingA in reply to Faith4]

Ah bless you. It's so key to have that protected forum. Suggestions of hobbies, and successes are also key as I have always kept away from feeling sorry for myself so wanted something kind however not too negative. Inspired is what I aim for. I'm trying to get more involved in Expert Patient Programmes as with bring an Ex nurse and still (holding on til end of year) a therapist - I feel I want to share strategies that work yet also learn new ways of living with this whilst having an affinity and sense of unity. I'm also doing some creative writing a d have written a poem if you'd like to see it as when you said 'all good one min then not able to get out of bed' it is very much like I was. Lovely to hear from you. Take care. Thank you. Xx

[Faith4]

Hi AmblingA, yes I’m also open to any new strategies that may be helpful. I totally refuse to let RA beat me. I’ve gone from complete denial (just knowing 1 morning I’d wake up and be my old self again). To finally Realising that that won’t happen and getting much closer to acceptance, this has allowed me to work with my RA instead of fighting it and make some life changes (change of job which is easier on my body etc) at least now I feel like I’m a little more back in control.

I would so so love to hear your your poem😃

Thank-you for sharing 👍🏼 📖 👍🏼

[AmblingA in reply to Faith4]

Ah, you are a remarkable person Faith4. Great to hear you are working with your RA. It surely is an evolution. Thank you for being interested in my poem. I am going to ' put it out there'. Hopefully folks see the turning point in it to empower ment. 🤞 Thanks lovely. Xx