Newbie posting - well trying again

margalot

Hello,

i have a bit of spare time today and my mood has lifted a little so will try to post my worries again! Thank you all for your replies. Its lifted me a lot knwoing that there are people out there who know where you are coming from

I am still fresh and not completely diagnosed as yet they are treating it as poly or PA at the moment but the only psoriasis I have is a patch about the size of a 50p on the nape of my neck. i started to waffle on about my story last week, but to cut a long story short after the doctor did the first blood tests and saw my swollen joints ankles one knee wrist and elbow, she referred me to the Rheumy. At my first appointment they gave me a general steroid shot in my bottom and put me on sulphasalzine, no other advice given really, but more bloods taken to rule out other things I guess. Second appointment was 18th August where another general steroid shot given and advised that they wanted to introduce methetrexate. Stupidly or not I asked if we could leave that decision until my next visit on 3rd November, as at that time I had only been on Sulph for 8 weeks. In general things arent as bad as they were when first referred. My feet are sore after resting but I can manage things and do not have to take painkillers. My elbow will not straighten even after ultrasound guided joint injection, but have adjusted to reaching further for things! Thing is now I am having a stiff feeling in the base of my skull in the morning. I have had a great deal of trouble admitting that I actually have arthritis and have been in denial until about last week when I think I finally accepted that yes this is it and just have to get on with life. I am so scared about my future, and dont know how bad things will get?? I turned 40 at the end of August and feel angry that my milestone was marked by this. I think it was this that made me feel so low over the weekend and am having trouble adjusting to my new thoughts. I was told at my last Rhuemy appt not to fight it head on, but at that time I thought it would all go away. i hope to kepp posting and reading the posts as all the information is really useful. Thank you for your kind words so far.

skezier

hi Margalot,

nice to meet you and a welcome from me.

sorry i am having to type one handed just now. its always hard prior to diagnosis and when its impacting on your life it does make you angry. i guess what i am saying is its kinda normal to feel as you do. I know that doesn't help but the anger i know so well.

i really hope they will get your diagnosis sorted and they then help you. i have pa as well and its gone after my wrists and elbows. once all your tests are in and they have found out whats wrong they should start to hep you and well, in time it does get easier. you hang in there flower and again i am sorry i am having to type one handed. sending you a cyber hug and nice to meet you. Cris x

margalot

Thank you,

every time I dwell on things it just makes me a bit sad! but going to be a bit more upbeat about things today, and already have had a good start to the day by organising my self better. Things have been building up and was feeling like I couldnt cope very well. I am so glad I have found the forum its put things into perspective for me. Everyone on here seems so friendly and very helpful. I am still learning about Arthur, so much to take in. Also we were spent a day at Centreparcs with friends on Sunday and I definately overdid it! loved it though, especially the swimming.

angel1

When you`ve been on the Forum for a while, you will see many sad posts like yours. Diagnosis is all so much to take in initially, but I can promise you that you will eventually. It`s good advice not to fight your feelings head on, but to go with them.

I always liken the process to a bereavement. And, as with any bereavement, you have to work through all the various stages, and feelings. In time you will stop grieving for the old you, and learn that there can still be good times with the new - albeit very different - one. Use our Forum for all the support and advice you need.

I wish you all the very best........Ange.x.

dorcas

Hi margalot

I'm glad you've found the forum too..... it's the only place I know where folks really understand what it is like living with arthritis.

You've had a lot to come to terms with already and it's natural to feel angry and let down at having this illness; as Ange said you're at the beginning of a process. The good news is that you're not alone and we will support you (and you us ) through the ups and downs that may lie ahead,

I've had PA for 15+ yrs (without having psoriasis). .and just like you was in complete denial for such a long time. But in time you will learn to adapt to having arther in your life.. but remember you will always remain in control!

Follow the advice of your rheummy... he has your best interests at heart and knows when and what treatments to prescribe. The thinking is that the earlier they start you on disease modifying drugs DMARDs like Mtx .. the better the outcome is likely to be in managing the disease and minimising joint damage. (at least that's what I've been told!)

hope to see you posting around the forum and if you've any questions...just ask!

Iris xx

frogmorton

Hi Margalot

It is good to see you - I am glad you found us too.

You are so at the beginning of your treatment and even diagnosis so you WIll be getting your head around it all I bawled my eyes out all the time every day for ages. :oops:

If you are kind to yourself and take it as it comes you will slowly adjust - talking to us lot helps too enormoulsy

Trust your medical team for now and be guided by them things will be alright in the end.

You mentioned a stiff feeling at the base of your skull in the mornings/??

Anyone else had this?

I think I would mention it at your next apt but if it worsens in the meantime ask your GP.

Hope to see you round and about

Love

Toni xx

speedalong

Hi Margelot and welcome, I have OA so haven't really got any words of wisdom, hope you enjoy the forum and find it useful.

Speedy

barbara12

Hi Margalot
You have certainly come to the right place, the hardest thing is coming to terms with it, I have OA so I cant comment on your treatment, but on your next appointment, take a list of changes you have noticed, and any questions you have.
This forum is a great place to talk about your feeling, and get them of your chest, we are all here to listen.
Hope to see you posting more very soon.
Love
Barbara xx