New to this

[Hammit39]

Just got diagnosed this week with RA and Fibro. I am 54 yrs old. Hate the idea of all the meds the doctor wants me to take. Daily prednisone and weekly methotrexate along with gabapentine. I pray I can learn to accept this new reality.

[Deeb1764]

It is so hard going from maybe zero meds to a long list. I still battle with my GP that I am on 21meds now as complicated autoimmune with heart and lung issues. We always discuss what why and benefits vs not taking them to make sure I am still comfortable about it too.

I also work with my GP in reduction when things seem better too or lower doses.

Takes time took me a year to accept and still accepting when I get a new attached condition, Mindset, pacing and support are key.

[medway-lady]

Firstly the medications can and probably will enable you to live a normal life. No one wants to take medications so why do think it’s hateful isn’t it better to think of them simply as tools to preventing joint damage swelling and pain. Secondly I never woke up one morning and thought I’ll just get a prescription and do weekly injections, take tablets every day and get regular blood tests. But I do because I want to live a normal life not crippled with joint damage, bent over, with twisted hands like my mum had. It is true that it takes time to settle with RA but your probably partly in shock, try to be optimistic for most but sadly not all RA is an inconvenience but not a tragedy. Don’t overthink medications but be happy that they exist and do enable most to continue with life. Not all but most, keep a diary of symptoms and that will help you if you need to get a review as there is no one size fits all medication unlike antibiotics. I hope that helps. Xx

[Beechwood1]

Dear Hammit39, It's early days and I'm sure you're just digesting everything. This online community will be a great support for you. The lovely ladies on the NRAS helpline 0800 2987650 are available with advice, just for a chat or as a great sounding board, Monday - Friday 9.30am-4.30pm, please give them a call - they'd love to hear from you. Good luck

[helixhelix]

My drugs are my best friends. They make it possible for me to live fairly normally, so try not to hate them.

[Madmusiclover]

It’s a tricky thing. I’m 8 years in and still try to deny it. Try ringing the NRAS helpline for some support, understanding and signposting. I’ve had a spell of group counselling (no good) currently nearing top of list for 1-1 talking therapy. Don’t suffer alone. We are here for you too. X

[Sheila_G]

Hi. I know it is hard at first but believe me you will get used to it all and you will accept it. The best advice I can give you is to follow the instructions of your Rheumatology team. They are there to help you and make you as pain free as possible. It is a bumpy journey but I have had this disease for 21 years. I was 51 when diagnosed, I am now 72 and live a great life albeit with a lot of tablets for various things. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Don't despair and only read the positive posts on here. Keep posting. There is a wealth of advice and knowledge that will be of benefit to you. All the best. x

[janmary]

Welcome to the club -,none of us wanted to join it but here we are. It feels like many of us struggle to accept diagnosis and the inevitable medications, but eventually become grateful for the treatments which mean we can live normal(ish) lives. It takes a while, so be patient with yourself .

[Kati66]

Hi Hammit,

Welcome to this lovely and supportive group. 🤗. I was diagnosed a year ago with RA and have had fibro for ten years. It’s hard to accept a new reality and meds routine isn’t it. However, this group have been very supportive and I’ve learned lots. The NRAS have some really good resources online, if the doctors didn’t already give you them. Their helpline is also very good.

Kati 👋🏻👋🏻

[stbernhard]

Hello Hammit, I'd recommend that you contact NRAS. They really are a wonderful source of information and help.You'll get a lot if very valuable hints and tips from the people on this forum. Do stay in touch. We are here for you.

Also today's medications together with excellent self management tools are far more likely to enable you to get to grips with living with RA than even 10 years ago.

It's understandable that you don't want to take meds, but the more you know about them the more likely it is that they become friends rather than enemies.

All the best

[medway-lady in reply to stbernhard]

Just so, and we are lucky to have access and very good monitoring too.

[AgedCrone]

The sooner you accept taking the initial meds…the sooner you will settle on the right ones & you won’t need to chop & change.

Don’t read what suits somebody else & think it will suit you…that can lead to tears.

But do give your initial meds a chance ..if you keep giving up too soon… that can lead to a long wait to successfully settling on the right course for you. The first 3/6 months are the hardest as you come to understand what does & doesn’t work for you.

Good luck…I hope you get settled successfully very soon.

[Haz58]

Sorry you have joined this club. I'm into my third year. I won't lie it's been very hard going. Acceptance is the hardest. I also hate taking the meds and have had lots of chopping and changing to get to the point I'm at now. But my body doesn't like a lot of meds not just RA ones. But going from not being able to pick up anything, walk even at one point I'm so grateful for the meds I'm on now. It's still early days for me on Etanercept but I've got everything crossed this time. (I couldn't even do that six months ago lol).This site is amazing as are the people. Use it to vent, smile at off topic stuff like Greens Christmas song quiz, and use it to gain the wealth of knowledge the lovey people and NRAS on here have. Xx

[KathleenMary]

I empathise, its really hard coming to terms with new diagnoses and the myriad of drugs which seem to be required to treat the symptoms.

I still remember how upset and concerned I was at being recently diagnosed with Scleroderma, after years of RA , followed by Mixed Connective Tissue disorder

I was horrified at beinng told to add Methotrexate and folic to my already long list of meds.

I have now got used to it and have had to add weekly Alendronic Acid and daily Calcium to my list, following a fall ,which caused a broken hip- Sorting my pills and making sure I have a constant supply keeps me busy.

All I can say is that this seems to be the only way to keep my symptoms at bay!

Good luck