New User :)

Gem19
Gem19 Member Posts: 6
edited 11. Oct 2011, 10:37 in Living with Arthritis archive
Heyy everyone :)
Well my names Gemma and im 19 years old. At 14 I was suffering from joint pain in my knee, i went to the docter and told me it was growing pains so i gave up. A few years later I was diagnosed with Psoriasis, by then the joint pains i had in my knee had gone in all different joints of my body. I went back to the docters and have finally been referred to a rheumatologist, im still waiting for the appointment. Ive recently finished college and had a few job trials but im in so much pain afterwards that i can barely move. Ive noticed a change in my mood and i think i might be developing Depression :( .. I dont want this condition to rule my life but i dont know what to do and how to get back to my old self

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Gem, I've just replied to you on the Young People's forum. It's probably simplest if we all stick to this one from now on.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Gem19
    Gem19 Member Posts: 6
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    yehh sorry i didnt get what to do earlier, think im getting the hang of it now though, ive read your other post and thank you its good to hear from someone who has gone through the same, i have a tendency to think to far ahead and get carried away :)
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gem

    I am sorry to read your story. Sounds like your gp was rather slow in picking up and piecing vital information together. :roll: By that I mean the joint pain and the psoriasis. Well, it is no good crying over spilt milk, is there? If I were you, I would begin to chase up this rheumi appointment. You have been misdiagnosed through no fault of your own, for some years now and it is only fair, to my way of thinking, that your referral is pushed forward.

    As for feeling low, I am not surprised especially if you have no one to really talk about this with.One can feel very alone and it does help to chat with others in a similar position and know that they understand. You will be listened to on this forum and helped and supported as much as we are able to do. Although many of us are not young like you, we have been able to help other youngsters along the way. We must have, because at their lowest ebb, they stuck with us and then when they felt a little better about things, they went away. They know they will be made welcome if they call in here any time again as I hope you will feel that you are able to do too.

    I am wondering what medication your GP has prescribed for you. If you would like to speak with someone at the other end of a phone, call the helplines, they have helped many of us on here and they have lots of literature they could send you if you wish too.

    Things will get better for you, that is a promise.

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gem and a very warm welcome from me, you really have come to the right place...ask all the questions you need..and someone will come along with some answers
    Like Elna says you have us lot to talk things over with now..
    Love
    Barbara
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    just a quick welcome from me as I'm struggling with signal problems..

    Hope today isn't a bad day though..
    :grin:
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,026
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gemma

    It is good to meet you - even if the reason for you being here isn't so brilliant.

    l hope they hurry up and treat you and then you will be able to cope so much better with this malarkey.

    Depression can go hand in hand with long term conditions such as these and pain really can drag you down.

    However you don't sound like the kind of person who sees things negatively. Coming on here is a really good start, getting treated will be even better. I am going on a challenge pain course run by A/C starting tomorrow...maybe there will be one near you? Also there are A/C groups in most areas. Worth checking out as meeting others with this problem can really help??

    Love

    Toni xx
  • Ankyspond
    Ankyspond Member Posts: 626
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gemma,

    So nice to meet you although sorry it's for this reason. You are young but once you get your proper diagnosis and medication you should be able to do most things. I am 43 and have AS, I teach three days a week have good days and bad days but get through it. A new teacher has RA and she is only 26 and now her meds under control leads a completely normal life so hang in there chuck.

    Keep talking to people on here or your family and friends, rest if you need to and do what you feel you can. Keep in touch. Xxxx
    AS Sufferer
    Live, love and enjoy life, live each day as though it's your last!
  • Gem19
    Gem19 Member Posts: 6
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thank you all, its so nice to be able to hear other peoples stories and feelings. it must of been my lucky day yesterday because as id joined this and met all you lovely people i heard from the hospital, my docter had faxed them and told them i needed to be seen now so i now have an appointment on Friday :) .. i feel like a huge weight has been taking off now that i have an official appointment and have good people on here who understand and can talk to :)

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