1st appointment next Tuesday

[bexlt17]

Hi all hope you are all as well as can be, I’m ok apart from the RA as always, pain and feeling low, I just want to cry today, I’m having my 1st appointment with the rheumatologist on Tuesday and I’m feeling well a little worried, I don’t know what is going to happen what meds I will be put on, I hear so many bad things about meds, how long will they take to work does anyone know? not looking forward to being used as a pin cushion, I’m just so fed up with this dam thing I want my old life back please can I have it back? Becky

[sylvi]

Becky me too, i want my old life back as well. Every one reacts differently to each drug. What works for one won't work for some one else.I wish you well for next week and look for the answer to how it went. Sylvi.xx

[helixhelix]

Hi there, and sorry you're feeling low. Try to think of this as having been through the worst bit, as once you get to see a rheumy and get proper treatment it will be onwards and upwards. Hopefully you'll get a rheumy that's as nice as mine, and will have a decent discussion and come away from the appointment feeling that with their help you're going to get your life back. With some people it does take a while, it took me a few months, but you could well be one of the lucky ones who start to see benefits from the meds within a week or two. I've never been as bad as I was before I was diagnosed, and it really can get miles better. And as for being a pin cushion, well you do get used to it and most of the docs and nurses who do the jabs or take blood are very good, so I've found that most times it's fine. Write your list of questions, and hopefully you'll feel much better after the appointment. Pollyx

[Caza]

Hi Becky, Im fairly new to this,Ive always hated taking pills,they dont agree with me & I would sooner go without when possible even headche pills. But I felt so ill these last few months that I would of done anything to feel better again. Im on a very mild form of medication & Ive had no lasting side affects & infact I only had a slight rash which lasted 48hrs. I feel so much better now,the best Ive felt in a yr. Ok I still get pain but I can cope with that as long as the extreme tiredness has gone etc... Hang on in there,there is so many brave souls on here to keep you going. Take care caza x

[Hidden]

Hi Becky - good luck for this first appointment. Hopefully you will get a diagnosis and be offered treatment straight away. It may take up to 12 weeks to work depending which ones you are offered but as others have said you are currently at the worst stage and I'm sure things will be improved for you hugely when you get onto the treatment. I feel as if I hardly have RA now but before MTX I couldn't drive, write, open doors, walk up and down stairs apart from in my bum sometimes! Take care and do your research re drugs so you know what he or she is advising you. Tilda x

[Hidden]

Hi Becky - good luck for this first appointment. Hopefully you will get a diagnosis and be offered treatment straight away. It may take up to 12 weeks to work depending which ones you are offered but as others have said you are currently at the worst stage and I'm sure things will be improved for you hugely when you get onto the treatment. I feel as if I hardly have RA now but before MTX I couldn't drive, write, open doors, walk up and down stairs apart from in my bum sometimes! Take care and do your research re drugs so you know what he or she is advising you. Tilda x

[allanah]

Hi, bit sore today too, but just to say I agree with Polly and Cazas comments,take a list of questions and if possible someone with you, I found that helped. Hang on in there, they will help you. Hugs A xx

[Lady_Jules]

Prior to my first appointment I felt like my world had ended and I was living in a nightmare, the weeks waiting to see a specialist can be the darkest with the mind filled with thoughts of being 'ill' for ever. However, once you see your specialist a lot of your worries start to disappear. Ensure that you are informed regarding treatments and procedures (e.g. NICE guidelines for RA patients) and, as already said, have a list of questions ready to ask. You are in the driving seat, do not be afraid to ask what may seem the silliest of questions. The drugs can take a while to work but once you are in the system there is always someone to talk to. I have found the Rheumatology Specialist Nurse to be very helpful, always at the end of the 'phone line.

Good luck and believe in a better future - it will happen.

[linnieh]

Hi Becky.....read all of the above as its such good advice. Good luck with your first appt. Big gentle hug. Come on here when you need a friend. You will get loads of support. Has helped me so much x x x x