Newcomer

Clairemarie

Having had RA for over 20 years and managed without a great deal of medical intervention, it has been a shock to find that my CRP levels are extremely high and DMARDS look like the only option.

From GP request for bloods to consultant appointment has been an urgent 2 week turnover.

I'm feeling worried about the prognosis and the treatment as its a shock.

Ellen

Welcome @Clairemarie I am so glad you have found us.

Although you have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for 20 years it's almost like a new diagnosis for you having coped without much treatment for all that time. Now your CRP is very high and you are needing to thinking about DMARDs so you are understandably feeling worried and shocked.

I wonder whether this might be useful for you to read in the circumstances:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/august/how-to-adapt-when-you-ve-been-diagnosed-with-arthritis/

Many of our members with Inflammatory Arthritis will relate to what you are saying. A future on regular medication is quite a scary prospect. When you know which medication is being advised do let us know and hopefully those members who take it will be able to reassure you a little before you start taking it.

My advice though is to be kind to yourself and keep talking to people who understand and this is really a perfect place to start. Our helpline are available if you wanted to talk things through too:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/get-help/

My very best wishes

Ellen.

Ellen

Just suggesting you might want to read this thread:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/56605/reluctance-to-start-dmards

Ellen.