r/a

[owenkarlvmax]

hi help required ive had ra for 10 weeks now on celebrex tramodol paracetomal had a steroid injection going on mtx in september had couple of flare ups few days ago this morning my neck has got a rash and itchy just below my adams apple also my physio pherapist has ask me to do swimming and cardio so i joined the gym been 3 times went nice an steady 5 lenghts in total breast stroke only because my shoulder hurts plus other joints the day after i was in agony all over is this wot i expect from now on every time i go swimming

[bub124]

Hi Owen

It's early days yet. You will have a bit of a bumpy ride until they get your drug regime sorted but it will settle down. Whilst the drugs all seem a bit scary, by attacking the ra aggressively in the very early stages, it reduces the chances of you suffering joint damage later on so bear with it.

Speak to your physio and see if you can get on a hydrotherapy course, They are few and far between admittedly but if your local hospital has a pool, it's a great way getting to know what your body can and can't do safely with a physio there to give you advice.

As far as the gym is concerned. Again, some of them have personal trainers who are a bit more knowledgable on medical conditions so ask and see if there's anyone there who can help you.

Above all, take it easy. This is a marathon, not a sprint. You'll try all sorts of different things before you find the ones that work for you - drugs and exercise. And the fact that you have been diagnosed early makes all the difference.

If you have any questions or need any advice (NOT in place of your medical team, obviously) then ask away. There's nearly always someone on here who can help.

B x

[owenkarlvmax in reply to bub124]

thankyou for your support

[su2po]

Hi Owen

I was very active before I got RA and it took me a long time to adjust. admittedly I have only had it for a year and a half now and I have gradually gotten better and better with medication. I came off the crutches last feb and I can train handstands again as of last week.

The fatigue still keeps me allot less active than I used to be but I have hope that I can get there again. I totally agree with B it is a marathon you have to pace yourself and don't feel bad if you need to rest, you are not being lazy, your body needs it.

I tend not to train when I am hurting, I found this helps me balance out the illness with real constructive training. and it is getting better all the time.

[owenkarlvmax in reply to su2po]

thankyou for your support

[helixhelix]

It's a delicate balance, as tho' it's not good to overdo it you do need to push a bit otherwise you get nowhere. But 10 weeks post diagnosis is really early days, so I'd build up your exercise a bit more gradually as your joints are probably inflamed so you need to be a bit careful. When I was just starting to get back on my feet I did things by time, so started with 15 mins and slowly worked up adding an extra 5 mins each week or so. Now I can keep going for ages, and with few or no after effects. You'll get there, just give it time. Good luck Polly

[owenkarlvmax in reply to helixhelix]

thankyou poly for your support