Hi everyone!

Rlml91

Hey, I really hope everyone is doing OK in these uncertain times. This really is a great platform to help not feel so alone, I'm so glad I signed up. I joined because I am feeling increasingly low and frustrated with my body. I was diagnosed last year with Lupus and Psoriatic Arthritis only after being tested as my brother was diagnosed with AS. I had psoriasis for 10 years leading up to my diagnosis but never really took any other symptoms seriously. Since being diagnosed I feel like my body has started going rapidly downhill- might be because I'm more aware perhaps. I was put on methotrexate tablets pretty quickly and they made me feel absolutely hideous! I dreaded taking them each week because I only started feeling better the day before I was due to take it again, the feeling sick was unlike anything I've ever experienced! Have since been moved on to injection which has reduced the side effects massively. Today I got in touch with Adult Social Services because I'm finding getting about at home is starting to become tricky so had to ask for some equipment to help me, I used to work for the company that supplies it and I never ever thought I would need any myself. Before lockdown life I would go swimming at least 3 times a week and be semi-active so being shut in at home is really effecting my body. Plus I am having to isolate from my partner as she is still having to go out to work each day so it's effecting my mental health big time.

Sorry for the ramblings, felt good to type it out!

Al

Hi,It's great to meet you, you have come to the right place for information and conversation with others like you living one or more forms of arthritis

There are many here more than happy to share their experience as you share yours.

This link is for general information regarding any type of arthritis

About arthritis

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis

Find out more about the different conditions, treatments and how to manage your symptoms.

if you have a specific question please post in the Living with Arthritis discussion or for general chat in the Chit Chat discussion. Just join in wherever you feel comfortable

Al

dreamdaisy

Hello, I began psoriatic arthritis (PsA) back in 1997 when I was 37. It was eventually accurately diagnosed nine years later when some psoriasis deigned to appear which changed nothing and then OA was diagnosed in 2011. Luckily I was hideously ill as a child with eczema and asthma so dealing with that in the years before steroid creams and inhalers were developed gave me a good grounding for dealing with arthritis and now shielding.

I inject meth weekly and humira fortnightly. My husband is basically shielding with me apart from his fortnightly visit to the supermarket or occasional trips out to buy milk. He is very good at decontaminating anything that comes in to the house, including himself, but we have had years of practice at this malarkey which is helpful. Being retired is a boon, we are both using this enforced restriction of movement in taking up new challenges and interests. It must be harder for those who have to combine restrictions with work. DD