New to the scene

[LoveIslandFan]

Hello, I’ve just signed up after probably a year of avoiding doing so, really hoping to connect with some people who understand rheumatoid arthritis and how to navigate it alongside the health system 🦓🐘🦒

[Spanelmad]

Well done for being in the head space now for advice and support, it takes time after diagnosis to except .I know everyone will be willing to help , just ask away!

[Tealblue2]

👋

Hi!

This forum has proved invaluable to me in the last few weeks. People are so lovely and full of advice and ideas.

Hope you are well and getting the medical help you need

[Fluffontoast]

Hi, I was diagnosed seronegative arthritis in May after symptoms flared up in January prob from covid, had no idea what was going on because I was really active before, like climbing and cycling, now can only just manage the stairs! Just started my Dmard Methotrexate this weekend and rheumatologist said I should return to normal eventually. Been a learning curve! This forum has been sooooo helpful. Lovely people, brilliant advice. What's your experience of RA? Are you doing OK?

[janmary]

Welcome !

[Haz58]

Welcome...but sorry you've had to join the club!

[Jackie1947]

From one to another welcome ! We have different experiences with the disease but what we do have in common is understanding and support.

[greynot]

Hello there...this is a lovely supportive forum, so I'm pleased you've joined us, though sorry you're in the RA club!

No question is too daft on here, too!

[stbernhard]

Hello LoveIslandFan. Welcome to the forum. You are very likely to find somebody on here who's gone through a similar experience as you, regardless of what aspects of RA you post about. So post away. We are here to help if we can.If you don't already know about NRAS, I would highly recommend that you become a member.

There are many publications that will give you answers to many questions you may have. Fir instance nras.org.uk/product/living-... and nras.org.uk/smile/ to mention but two. All the very best to you.

[ABwn]

This is a wonderful group. Any problem you'll find someone will have had experience or be able to point you in the right direction to find out. Good luck.

[HeadInASpin]

Welcome. My first year since diagnosis has been full of ups and downs. The help and support here has kept me going at times and helped me to feel less alone. Sometimes it’s not advice that’s needed but just the knowledge and understanding from those who have walked in your (uncomfortable) shoes and have eventually felt better. I hope you respond well to medication and you can keep your RA under control. For me, it’s still a work in progress but I feel sure that I will find the drug that helps eventually.

[hazelcats in reply to HeadInASpin]

Totally agree hapeadinaspin, the knowledge you aren't alone in this,the support and understanding is massive to me. I'm still in the early days but nice to know others have got your back.

[Choccy23]

Hello and welcome!🙂

[AgedCrone]

Everybody has their own way of understanding their own Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is very subjective…..what to some is acceptable to others is definitely not. We all find our own level to live with….some hit the jackpot & find their drugs quickly…others take a while. …but “most” people do eventually find relief…but of course some are still struggling.

As to how to navigate it……I reckon you trust your rheumy team, accept their advice on the drugs prescribed for you,& it is really important not to think because X suits another person it will suit you,

I read of people living very comfortably on a drug that had me sleeping on my bathroom floor….so taking what you are prescribed & sticking with if it helps is sensible, but don’t hesitate to say when a drug gets to the enough is enough stage. Rheumies are not ogres….they don’t expect us to put up with a drug beyond a reasonable time of trying.

I hope you find a successful drug regime very soon.

[Deeb1764]

welcome 🤪 take each day as it comes on good days dont over do it, remember the word PACE tho many of us on here, are still learning, me included.

Best thing I did at the start was keep a dairy and this helped a lot as it took a long time for me to find a medication that worked ok. Track meds , pain, mental health , how you respond to meds.

Mental health if challenged tackle it head on speak to NRAS and Wren and of course your GP.

If you think something is not right do something about it as you know your body. Don’t use the “ NHS is under so much pressure” line. RA can be tricky but let’s hope you get on with medication and things ease a little.

[whitedog]

Hello and welcome

Everyone's experience is different but there is lots of great info and help to be found on here. x

[MerielPB]

Welcome. Joining the NRAS forum was very helpful in the early days. You have definitely made the right decision.

[ruth_p]

Welcome to the forum. It’s a great place to learn about RA and find advice.

[medway-lady]

Hello from sunny Auray in France. First thing don’t Google, and the worst is probably behind you as once diagnosed there are lots of medications and life goes on. I’m sero positive and RA is no big deal as the medications work well for me. I’d just add be positive and remember that some get side effects but most don’t. X