Recently diagnosed with R A.

Meli

Hi, I'm struggling a bit with this diagnosis and the anxiety that comes with it. I'm struggling with wrist and finger pain at the moment. I've not been started on any formal medication yet, just naproxen for the inflammation. My wrists feel like they are broken on a night, can't stand the bedclothes on them. It is having an impact on my mood, is this normal and will I eventually get my head around this?. I just keep thinking about what lies ahead and I have some anxieties about the medication I will inevitably be starting soon. I know it's important to stay positive but I'm finding this hard. ☹️

Brynmor

Hi @Meli and welcome to the Online Community, great to have you here.

I understand you have had a recent diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in your wrists/hands. This has come as a real shock and has naturally made you depressed and anxious such that you find it hard to keep a positive outlook.

The first thing to realise is that you are not alone and the Community is here to help and support you. We have some really good information on the website that may also help.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/hand-and-wrist-pain/

The emotional effects of arthritis can have as much impact as physical symptoms. I know that I feel at my lowest at night when the pains in my back wake me up yet again as I turn over. There are some really useful tips that may be of some help here - what I find works best is talking about what is upsetting me and getting help from others.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

Do join in across the community. Ask questions and don't hesitate to look for help from other members. Do say how you are getting on and call in for a chat or a read. You will be most welcome.

All best wishes

Brynmor

Lyndieloo

Hello there,l have rheumatoid arthritis, started in February, l am now taking methotrexate, felt l really must take what they suggested as l really hope for any improvement from this cruel disease, haven't been on it long so we shall see.😊

noddingtonpete

HI @Lyndieloo and welcome to the Community. I hope the methotrexate goes well. Most people on here seem to say it takes a few weeks to work properly. I've put a link in below on methotrexate which I hope you find useful.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/methotrexate/

Best wishes

Peter

Woofy

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/54861/recently-diagnosed-with-r-a

Hi Meli.

Gosh reading your post reminded me of how I felt nearly three years ago.
I do hope you get to see a rheumatologist soon, that can get you on some medication to help.

The emotions you feel are very normal. I think most people on here can identify with that.

Someone on here wrote once. [ I have Arthritis, it doesn’t have me]. That has always stuck with me.

You will find your own way of dealing with things. You will still get to do the things you like, but just differently.

My advice is to read up about Arthritis. Keep a journal if you can, so that you can tell the healthcare team how it is affecting you, when it’s most painful etc. these are some of the questions they will probably ask.

Good luck.