Newbie here :)

[LilBax-71]

Hi all, I've been using this site for a couple of months now so I thought it was time to introduce myself 😊. I first realised that my symptoms were a bit more than 'getting older' in May this year. My RA diagnosis and treatment has been delayed, firstly by having to wait 2 months for an ultrasound on my hands and wrists and then due to them finding a shadow on my lung from the routine chest x-ray. This led to a CT scan, bronchoscopy and PET scan which, to my relief, has found no evidence of cancer. They are going to repeat the tests at 3 and 9 month intervals to monitor for any changes. I finally started on mtx 15mg at the end of October, so 2 doses in now and very little in the way of side effects so far. I find this group a great source of wisdom and reassurance - thank you!

[Deeb1764]

Welcome to the forum 😘

[LilBax-71 in reply to Deeb1764]

Thank you Deeb1764 x

[Amnesiac3637]

You’re most welcome and hope you find us all useful and informative ( and wise) in varying degrees. Ask anything you like as there’ll be some one on here who has an answer.

[LilBax-71 in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thanks Amnesiac3637 x

[J1707-]

Hi and welcome. You have come to the right place . A great source of help and wisdom

[LilBax-71 in reply to J1707-]

Thanks J1707. you've all been a great help to me so far x

[Gottarelax]

Sorry you've found yourself here. I was diagnosed about a year and a half ago. This place has been invaluable (and so friendly). I hope your path to medication that works for you is a smooth one.

[LilBax-71 in reply to Gottarelax]

Thanks Gottarelax, love your username by the way x

[greynot]

Welcome! It's a great place to ask, share, support.

[LilBax-71 in reply to greynot]

Thanks greynot, so glad I found this forum

[greynot in reply to LilBax-71]

It's a great place to come to ask, to share, to support and be supported.Whatever the query, there's likely to be people with their own varied experiences.

As we acknowledge, we are all different, though sharing challenges In common.

All the very best, and keep us informed of your progress.

[Durrell]

Welcome Lilbax a great forum, golly you had lots of investigations on your way but glad they were all clear. RA can take along time to finally get diagnosed, mine was near 18 months in total by that stage walking was a shuffle & holding a toothbrush up was extremely painful. Lymes disease, fibromyalgia, lupus & RA were slowly ticked off, then after moving back home with family, change of drs I was again tested for RA & at last given a diagnosis which finally meant I would get treatment. I know I’ve read many similar stories here, so you aren’t alone & it’s great your getting the treatment to be able to get on with your life… 🌸

[LilBax-71 in reply to Durrell]

Thanks Durrell. Wow, you've been through the mill, haven't you. Hope everything is going well for you now x

[WilfDog]

HiWelcome..I'm a newbie, too. Hope the methotrexate serves you well and your symptoms start to reduce

[LilBax-71 in reply to WilfDog]

Thanks Wilfdog. Hope things are going well for you too.

[Intheend]

Welcome😄

[LilBax-71 in reply to Intheend]

Thanks Intheend x

[Gymcactus]

Welcome, I was diagnosed 7 years ago put on methotrexate and sulfazaline, you have to pace yourself and not overdue things. I am lucky that I don't have any joint damage and manage reasonably well. Good wishes on your RA journey.

[LilBax-71 in reply to Gymcactus]

Thanks Gymcactus. I think one of the hardest parts is accepting the fact that your life has changed and I can't do half the things I used to. Ill just have to find new hobbies 😀

[Tired-fed-up]

Welcome! Feel free to ask any questions. We all have different experiences and it’s useful to get different perspectives.

[Plumcrumble]

Hi LilBax, welcome 👋

[Green230461]

Welcome! There are some great people on this magical site. 😀

[stbernhard]

Hi Lil, welcome to the forum. A lot of good people with a lot of experience and knowledge on here.Do you know about the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society NRAS? If not, I highly recommend that you have a good look at their website. You will find many answers to questions you may have and even answers to questions you didn't know you had. There are also many self management tools, such as SMILE-RA. A series of on line tutorials which you can do at your leisure. I hope you'll find your way to a positive life with RA. So many of us have got there. All the best.

[Happy5]

Hello LilBax and welcome 😊