Rheumatoid Arthritis

[Hermionez]

Research on RACoping with side effects of DMRDs and biologics

How to stay safe on immunosurpressant drugs

[AgedCrone]

Don’t worryyou will get used to it….all of us here thought that ..10/20/30 years ago, & we are all still here , mostly on the right drugs & very thankful for all the new RA drugs appearing all the time!

Give it a bit of time to let your drugs start working…& things will start to fall into place!

[Hermionez in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks for such a prompt reply! I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago and it has taken most of the first year to get onto an even keel. Thanks to Adilumbab injections, life is much easier 😚.

[AgedCrone in reply to Hermionez]

Try to relax & go with the flow..I found when first diagnosed the more I fretted & read up on “what if” the more I resented being diagnosed & the worse I felt. Make a friend of your rheumy nurse if you have one…the rheumy may know all the science..but the nurses know the reality of coping.

Hope you get settled on the right drugs soon,& can get on with your life comfortably l

[Hermionez in reply to AgedCrone]

Yes, you are absolutely right. Used the Rheum helpline at local hospital for advice when I caught Covid last March. Think I'll write all my questions down when see Rheumy nurse in April.

[oldtimer2]

I find it really useful to write down my questions (and a summary of how I've been since last time I was seen.) At the end of the consultation I say that I just want to look at my list - then ask anything that hasn't been covered. I find that I usually remember most if not all the questions if I've written them down anyway. And if there are any complicated instructions from the doctor or nurse I ask for them to be written in note form and given to me.

I also asked, ages ago, for copies of the letters sent from the hospital to the GP. It mostly happens, but not always. Occasionally there have been errors in the letter which I have then had to chase up - but I would never have known about otherwise! And on one occasion the specialist nurse had definitely got the wrong patient - it was all about my shoulders and I had not complained about those at all!

[Hermionez in reply to oldtimer2]

Thank you for this advice. Have just contacted Rheum helpline for advice on red itchy palms and heat type rash following MTXtabs. Symptoms receded within an hour of taking antihistamine tab. Will also visit Phlebotomy Dpt at local hospital as due bloods this month anyway.

[Helen-NRAS Moderator]

You can download this free of charge from our website or we can send you a booklet if you prefer. Please have a look via this link nras.org.uk/product/medicin.... Kind regards.

[Hermionez in reply to Helen-NRAS]

Thanks for this contact Helen. Have ordered a copy of your NRAS booklet today.