Just diagnosed aged 19

rebekahjackson

hey ive just been diagnosed with psoractic arthritis im on daily DMARD's and injections steroids im findin it a bit of a shock atm any copin mechanisms yas can offer please

CJHunter

Hi Rebeka and welcome, its unfortunate you have had to find us but a good thing too. We are a nice bunch really and im sure some good advice will follow.

My advice is listen to your body, do as much as you are able without overdoing it and enjoy life. If you find there are things you cant do , focus on things u can and find alternatives if poss.

Take care, HUgs ((((((((((xx))))))))))

(i do try to listen to my own advice sometimes lol)

pinkbritishstars

Hi Rebekah

Just wanted to say welcome to the forum but sorry that you had to find us.

Keep talking to us we can support you through this difficult time.

Take Care

Pink xx

frogmorton

Hi rebekah

welcome to the forums - though l am very sorry you have had cause to find us

Two things helped me were time and information.

The other thing you need to know that your life is not always going to feel this. Yes, it isn't what you had planned for yourself, but it will be ok....l promise.

The good thing is you are getting help and treated and once things are under control you will feel a whole lot better than you do at the moment.

You can get a lot of information off this site (reputable) and hands-on advice from us lot. If you need to you can ring the helpline:

0808 800 4050

It may also be an idea to see if there is a local support group in your area, hopefully maybe other young people :? .

Love and hugs

Toni xx

phoenixoxo

Hi Rebekah,

Welcome from me too. I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at age 12, but unlike you I didn't begin DMARDs until many years later.

There's plenty of support here, so if you have any worries about anything just ask.

Best wishes,
Phoebe

stickywicket

Welcome from me, too, Rebekah. You’ve had some good advice there from Clare and Pink, Frogmorton and Phoenixe. You’ll find your own way of coping but do remember we’re always here to help.

jenzie06

Welcome! Glad you found the forum, everyone is lovely and helpful.

I was diagnosed at 15 with Rheumatoid and Fibromyalgia.

Diagnosis doesn't mean your life is over, it can be massively helpful as your symptoms can now be treated.

I am now married with a small child, something that I never thought I would manage.

You can do anything you set your mind too (it might not be the way everyone else does it but that doesn't matter).

Chin up chuck.

Jen

scattered

Hi Rebekah,

I was diagnosed with RA at 19 and I'm now 24. My life is a little different than I expected but I have got 2 degrees (almost! graduate from my MA in September) and I live on my own, miles away from my family. It's not easy, but is definately is possible.

Don't give up on your dreams. Allow yourself time to grieve for the life you think you should have had, and time to adjust to the new life you're going to have. Keep taking the drugs and use support forums like this.

Take care.

barbara12

Hi Rebekah
And a very warm welcome from me, like Toni says you will have to get over the initial shock, and the good part is that you are getting treated early...I am sorry I cant help with advice , but I just want you to know you can always talk to us lot.xx

cthornley

Hi & welcome - It is inevitable that you are in shock, I was diagnosed with RA at 19, I'm now 33 so have had a bit of time to get used to the idea although it still occasionally floors me
It isn't the end of the world - just a change in it.
Learning to pace yourself is key but it will take time. Asking questions has always helped me come to terms with my disease and how to cope with it. Write down questions whenever they pop into your head, no matter how daft or trivial you may think they are and ask them to your doctors and on here and keep asking them until you get an adequate answer.
If you are in university or college make an appointment to have a chat with your disability officer to see if there is anything they can do to help you with your studies.
Consider getting some counselling - just talking through the jumble of thoughts with a complete stranger can sometimes help sort through them. I got it through the university counselling service but I've also been offered it through my GP.
Getting on top of your meds is also important - I have a memory like a sieve but have to take huge quantities of medications all at seemingly random times and frequencies and it can get mind boggling. If you have a smart phone you could use an app like RxmindMe , which keeps me sane or go down the old fashioned route and make a chart or use pill boxes. It really helps with pain killers as I know if i've taken my limit for the day whether or not my body agrees is another matter. The app on my phone also reminds me when to get repeat prescriptions which is better than leaving it til you get to your last pill. On the subject of prescriptions - consider getting if you haven't already a pre payment certificate it will save you loads of money if you have more than 14 items in 12 months on the year one or four items or more in 3months for the short one.

sorry to have gone on
if you want to ask anything just shout - I don't know much about PA more of a RA specialist but there are plenty of people on here that do
Chrissie