Help from another newbie.

mjwscorpio

I have had problems with my joints for the past thirteen months and I am now at a stage when I feel that every day is a struggle. My GP signed me up for the early arthritis clinic in Southampton and they have been very good in trying various medications and treatments. I started on hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate injections which have not helped in any way. I am 46 and a teacher who needs the body to be fit so I can carry on with my normal teaching day. The feet are the biggest problem and as many of you know the pain is with you all day and makes it difficult to walk. I have just had my third set of orthotics and I do hope that they help in some way. I am still trying to keep fit and sit on my exercise bike every other day for about an hour and play golf once a week, but the walking is sometimes very difficult. I find it difficult talking to my wife, friends and family because they have always known me to be a strong individual who always copes with things, but this is now very difficult for me and at times I ask if I can cope with the pain which is constant throughout the day and night. I have a young daughter, who relies on her father to be able to run around and play with, but sometimes this hurts and I can never show her how much pain I am in. I know other people have much more pain, but I have never had pain like this that I can’t control or see a light at the end of a tunnel when the pain will finally go. I have seen five consultants who can’t find any diagnoses but they know that something is going on to cause the inflammation and pain. I just need people who I can talk to who have had similar problems and I do hope have answers to many of my questions.

traluvie

Hi..

Welcome to the forum..
You sound all over the place at the moment, and i can understand why...
It is very daunting when you have so much going on..
I think you need to take a step back and listen to what your body is saying, to me it sounds like you need to slow down.. I know how you don't want too, i am the same.. I am 31 with 2 children, had symptoms for 10 months, i have had no choice but too slow down, I have had to explain the situation to family and friends, say that i am unable to do the things i used too..You can't keep fighting this on your own, Yes we are here to support and understand you, but your family and friends i'm sure will do the same..
In Regards to your diagnosis, it can take a long time to find all the right answers, bloods do not always show a problem, mine was diagnosed through bone scan , as other tests were ok, I still do not have an acurate diagnosis, just that i have some sort of inflammatory arthritis...I started on hydroxychloroquine and found that after about 10 weeks it started to work i am not in as much pain..Everyone's arthritis is different and how the meds work for them varies too, which is why you need to work closely with your doctors to try and find whats best for you...Are you on any other meds??

bubbadog

Welcome to the forum mjwscorpio, I'm sorry you are suffering with such pain, I can't say I understand how hard it must be to bring up a family with kids as I don't have any, but it must be exhausting. I think you did the right thing joining the sight as we all try and help each other through good and bad times, and there is also the helpline. So I hope you find the help and advise you need now you are a member of the forum. Amanda/bubbadog.

mjwscorpio

The other meds are diclofenac, which is a retard. Nothing seems to help and I know that I should take it easy but I just find it more difficult sitting and resting. My joints just hate it when I am not active, the problem is how much I should or should not do. You are correct in saying that this forum is very good to join, because I can now talk to people who understand.
Thanks for your help.
Kind regards.
Mark.

piglet1

Hi Mjwscorpio

I to think you need to explain to your family & friends how you are feeling, and that you don't have as much energy to do things as you used to. It is hard to admit at first but I am sure they will all understand. My hubby has been brilliant, and I can honestly say I do not know what I would have done without him over the past couple of years. The hardest thing I find is how tired I seem to feel, but then if you are in constant pain, this is how it is unfortunately. I have now come to realise I have to listen to what my body is saying, and try to slow things down a bit.

Take care

Piglet 1 :P

liesa

**hugs** welcome xx

tjt6768

Hi Mark. Welcome from me too Rkid. Hope that you are not suffering too much today.
This whole thing is about learning to listen to what your body is telling you, if it's telling you to rest them you should.. (yeah, I know, I don't even listen myself, lol)
It will take time but you will learn to adjust, hopefully your family will too, but you do need to discuss things with them..

Best of luck with everything..