Diagnosed

Glynis_Brown1966 · 9. Dec 2020, 10:21

Hello just wanted to say hello to everyone. I've been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I cant believe how quickly it came on. I had a pain in my left calf at the end of August the pain was horrendous. I went to urgent care they told me I had a blood clot. That came back negative. A few days after I woke up with horrendous pain in my knee arms, jaw wrists. Doctor did blood test and sent me to a specialist. I seen the specialist on Monday 7th of December. I've had a steroid injection and taking Methotrexate. I'm just hoping these work because right now I feel useless. I have never experienced anything like this is my life. I feel for everyone who has got this terrible condition. Thank you for listening. Much love Glynis.

Al · 9. Dec 2020, 10:27

Hi @Glynis_Brown1966 and welcome

youve come to the right place for advice and to chat to others who suffer this condition,please look at this - it may help

Arthritis | Causes, symptoms, treatment | Versus Arthritis

but ask anything you want,we are here to help.

Al

scotleag · 11. Dec 2020, 14:09

Hi Glynis,

Yes, this can manifest itself suddenly and be absolutely devastating when it does. That's what happened in my case over 25 years ago. And it can take time to find the medication that's right for you. I can only speak from personal experience but I've had long periods of remission where it's just a few aches and pains, not what I would describe as the worst toothache imaginable only over my entire body which is how I describe it to 'outsiders.'

But with time it can become manageable and I have days when I don't even notice I have it even though the remission periods now seem to be over.

I hope my experiences from over a quarter of a century with RA can give you hope that the initial period is often the worst and once the correct medication and dosage applicable to your personal situation life can be lived as close to normal as possible.

Good luck and best wishes

Peps · 14. Dec 2020, 21:04

Hi Glynis,

I'm a newbie too and pretty much in the same situation.... pains came out of nowhere a few months back and after blood tests my GP diagnosed RA about 3 weeks ago, have been referred to specialist but haven't had an appointment yet.

I am really struggling to manage my pain specially during night time, GP put me on Naproxen 3 weeks ago but it doesn't seem to be helping at all.. after reading a few post lm going to call them tomorrow and try different meds.

l am usually a really active 42 year old but this has really stopped me in my tracks... fingers crossed when l see the specialist l will get some more help.

X