What a great support this Forum is 😍

[Prof99]

I have been suffering for 2 years with Enthesitis/PMR but only found this forum last week. I am SO, SO pleased to have found you all. I have felt very alone with no-one to discuss my fears and questions with (without feeling like I was being a pain!!), especially when Covid struck and it was virtually impossible to get hold of anyone. It is so great to search in this group and read conversations, even if they are a few years old, and see that my symptoms match other sufferers, and to see what things people are trying. Some health professionals even made me feel that I was imagining it until I pointed out my blood results showing raised inflammatory markers!!

So I just wanted to say how great you all are for sharing your experiences and supporting each other - what a super bunch of people you all are.

[Helen-NRAS Moderator]

Good morning. If you would like support, information or just someone to speak to, our helpline is open every week day from 9.30am to 4.30pm nras.org.uk/helpline/ 0800 298 7650

[Wobbies]

Welcome and never feel alone. There is so much experience on this site that if you ask any question, someone will help. Also have no fear of looking stupid, no question is silly.

[Prof99 in reply to Wobbies]

Ah, Thank you so much - I'm so glad I found you all 😍

[Marionfromhappydays]

Hey 👋

I've learnt so much from people on this forum, glad its helping you too.

As Wobbies says you are never alone here, ask away x

[Prof99 in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Thank you - great to be a "member" of this lovely family.

[springcross]

Hi Prof. I love the dog in your avatar - can I ask what breed it is? x

[Prof99 in reply to springcross]

She is a Springer Spaniel - a total darling. She'll be 13 in June but she is doing really well.

[springcross in reply to Prof99]

I thought so - we always had Springers, they are wonderful dogs so loyal and obedient but always busy on a mission. She looks just like ours used to after I had clipped them, I so envy you. I'm so glad she's doing really well. Someone who came to the house a few years back to do some work had one who was seventeen. We lost our last one in January 2013 and decided no more, it's just too heartbreaking. xx

[Prof99 in reply to springcross]

Yes, I know I have heart break to come, but hope it is a few years away yet as she is still very spritely (especially after she's been clipped😂) and full of fun. She has brought us so much joy. I have a friend who had hers until 18!!

[springcross in reply to Prof99]

Yes I remember that well with all the racing around the garden afterwards 😂 bless 'em. She still looks really good and certainly doesn't look her age. How fantastic to have one 18, I wish ours could have lived that long. All the best. xx

[nomoreheels]

That's great to hear Prof. It's a really good site that's for sure. Particularly helpful if you don't know anyone else (in real life!) with similar or the same issues, why I joined, eventually. I couldn’t to begin with & whilst I could read posts that weren’t locked I couldn’t read those that were, which were often pertinent to my reason for checking in.

[Prof99 in reply to nomoreheels]

Wishing you painless movement. Best Wishes.

[nomoreheels in reply to Prof99]

Thank you. The same for you.

Is that a young German Short Haired I see in your profile pic?

[Prof99 in reply to nomoreheels]

No, she's a Springer Spaniel - a total sweetie.

[Lolabridge]

Welcome! I don’t have the same diagnosis as you as I have RA. But like you I’m also trying to get off Prednisolone and having to taper very slowly as I had been on it for a long time. Last night I had several nightmares and I’m sure it’s the effect of the steroid!

I hope you get replies from others suffering from the same problems as you as I’m sure it will help you to share experiences.

[Prof99 in reply to Lolabridge]

Thanks Lolabridge - even with different diagnosis I am sure we share many of the same symptoms and, as you say, take the same drugs - and it is hearing other people's experiences of the drugs that is really useful. Wishing you painless, fluidity of movement. Best Wishes.

[allanah]

Lovely x