Mistake

[Colaba]

I mistakenly sena long message soe minutes ago, thinking it would go to NRAS. Obviously that was an error. No doubt you will have ignored it, if not please do so.

[AgedCrone]

Just wait a while Colaba…it,s early in the morning, wait until a few more people are awake!

I think the problem maybe technical…to read your message I had to click on members..your message appears in your Bio.

[Hidden]

Morning. Once the drugs start to work you will feel slowly better. How you are now may well be the worst you will ever be.

It is a big shock when you first get diagnosed, and it takes time for your mind to adjust to it all.

Day at a time and ask your GP for some counselling. You are not less worthy of help because you are in your 80s.

Take care x

[Boxerlady]

Just read it on your bio.Please don't despair - as CripLady says, things will get better once you find the right medication regime and everyone struggles when first diagnosed. Keep communicating with your medical team, family and friends and us - we're a friendly lot and always up for a chat.

Age really is just a number and I'm sure that the future will look brighter once you've got the right help. Please talk to your GP or ring the NRAS helpline.

[Helen-NRAS Moderator]

Good morning. If you would like support, information or just someone to talk to, our NRAS helpline is open every weekday from 9.30am to 4.30pm nras.org.uk/helpline/ 0800 298 7650. Many thanks.

[KittyJ]

As others have said your message is in your bio so we have to go there to read it but it’s fine there if you want it there? Please try not to see RA as a death sentence, I know diagnosis is a shock and until Your meds work properly it can seem your life is over but there’s lots of hope whatever your age. Methotrexate is the gold standard treatment but if this isn’t enough other drugs can be added. There’s lots of them. I was diagnosed over 30 years ago and I’m still here 😊 Yes I’ve had many meds and felt like you many times but there is help out there. Please give NRAS helpline a call, they are there if you just need someone to talk to about your diagnosis or to give advice about where to go for specific things like benefits and practical help. There are also lots of aids you can also get to help in your everyday life to help you keep your independence.

Please keep talking to us, there’s a wealth of experience of living with RA here. Even if you just want to let off steam we are here for you. I’m so glad you found us and hope we can make you feel a bit better and more supported. 🤗

[Deeb1764]

Hi Colaba, I see NRAS have said give them a call and can I say it would be worth it as they have many years experience but also someone for you to discuss your worries and concerns and maybe given some direction to take. Best wishes

[medway-lady]

l did read you previous post and am shocked that you feel that way. I’ve had RA for many years and simply don’t agree with your prognosis, yes of course you’re going to die because we all are. Life is finite and RA incurable but that doesn’t mean untreatable. MTX may work for you or not but it takes time so patience is vital. Please don’t write yourself off, it is a shock be you 84 or like me who was busy working mum. I still was some 15 years later when I retired. Life has to be taken one day at a time the only thing we can do is enjoy every day. I’m now 70 and still active because the medications work. Obviously not for everyone but RA is not like an infection there is no one size fits all medication it is simply a case of trying and patience. I do feel sympathy for you reading you post but realistically you must not give up. In fact why should you, there is no need too but you might find calling the NRAS helpline for some more detailed advice. I’d urge you not to believe everything on Dr Google but stay positive and being a senior citizen has never affected my treatment and it should not yours. Times are difficult for everyone these days but your life is very far from over, it the case that another page has turned for you but it is not the end of your story. Xx