A little story about my journey.........

[sylvi]

I have been reading all the blogs on here and i thought i would tell you how i came to be here.

Ten years ago i went abroad for two weeks and i caught a chest infection while there. After i got home in the september i had pnemonia. Nine years ago i started to get pains in my hands. I was being treated by dr at surgery. He put me on a waiting list to see consultant. This was may/june time. The appt was in sept. So we went private to see the consultant. Even at that stage he couldn't confirm whether it was ra or not. He said to keep hospital appointment in september. It was then when he started to come round to the idea of ra. Blood tests proved it in the end.

I have been cruising along nicely until three years ago,when my right knee had to be replaced. Well most of you know that story. Then last xmas i had a chest infection and i was quite ill. was taken off mtx and i have gone down hill since. I have been well looked after by my team. Now i am unable to work and i have had to have that knee redone and i have been treated under pschyologist ever since.

My confidence has taken a real battering. There are times when i have wished that i was dead. I am in the lucky position of having a brilliant husband who has put up with a lot from me. My children are also as good at lookng after me too, despite all that i have been through i wouldn't have managed without them. This site has been a lifesaver as well. THere are people on here who are a lot worse than me. We have had laughs and tears along the way,but we are still here. We are the strong people,i believe that if we weren't that strong we would not be here now.

I salute you warriors on here as you have some amazing ideas to help each of us. My good wishes to one and all of you..........

[Hidden]

Hi Sylvie,

Thanks for sharing your journey with us, and what a journey! No wonder you know so much about ra. Confidence is the first thing that goes when one had an illness, and the last thing that returns. You have not mentioned any new drugs since mtx, have you been taken off everything except pain killers? Your are a blessing and a comfort to us all. Take care xxx

[PJ68]

Oh Sylvi,

I can not begin to imagine your jouney, but can I say - and I mean this whole-heartedly - YOU are an inspiration - you have commented on all my messages, and always give hope and advice with a hugh dollop of support.

RA has a way of either creeping up on us or going straight for the jugular - which ever way, it gets us good, and life is never the same again.

I wish there was more I could do, something I could say, but I will be thinking of you and wishing you some pain-free days

Take care, Pen x

[Hidden]

It must be really hard when things are going so well and then you hit such a bad patch. But isn't it crazy that you've survived all that and yet your confidence has taken a bashing. I can understand it but being the person you are - so generous with your time, able to comfort and cheer up just about everyone here, liked by people from all walks of life - your confidence should be sky high!

Wishing you well Sylvie,

Christina xx

[sylvi]

Morning girls, it was lovely of you all to say such nice things about me. If there was a problem and someone had to kick up the fuss or ring and complain it would be me,not now i'm afraid. If i can get grace or hubby to do i will. This disease has taken so much from me, it won't take my personatility though. I am a lot more fearful than i was. I love being on here and offering help where i can as it gives me a purpose. I can't work now and without my scooter i couldn't get out without hubby. Everyone wants to feel needed somewhere somehow don't we. I look here and i see others who are a lot worse than i am. This might sound daft,but it has taken me until this summer that it has hit me how ill i am.I have asthma and i have had it for all my life and it is something i live with and this has been the way i have seen ra/fibro,not something that will in time cripple me one way or another.

whatever happens ladies i will be here for each and evryone of you. love to you three lovely ladies. sylvi.xxx

[Aliced]

Morning Sylvia, I don't comment too often, but I read the posts regularly. You're input and help to others on this site is so clear. You are stronger and more courageous than you will ever believe. RA may take many things from us all, but if we can keep our spirit there is always hope, and that is a powerful tonic. Good luck fellow warrior, everyday is a challenge and a journey, but you are not alone. Alice x

[minka]

sylvia

you a starr a real warrior

[Gina_K]

Hi sylvie,

Well done to you and all the support u give to new members and not so new always, you are a constant, even in the dark days.

RA hasn't taken your personality, you have merely changed to accommodate your illness, I am sure you are still the funny bubbly person by times that you always were. I know because of those nails lol!

Xxx gina

[cazh]

Hi Sylvie,

although you have had to give up and change so much in your life, your new role, as others have said, is a real lifeline to us on here. I love to read your blogs and helpful comments. You cheer us up, inspire and always seem to have time to help.

Wishing you a lovely, and hopefully pain free day.

Caroline

x

[sylvi]

Thank you everyone of you. It is heartwarming to know i am needed. I still have a lot to give even if it is not in the pscyhical sense.

Thank you again. love sylvi.xxx

[helixhelix]

Really hope that the journey gets better for you from here on in, with knee improving and being able to go back on the drugs. You've been through enough, so must be your turn for a break now..... Stay positive. Pollyx