Newly diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis

Gillyd62

I am slightly overwhelmed with my diagnosis. Previously I had been told I had osteoarthritis but after two months of a knee so painful and swollen I could hardly walk, I now have my RA diagnosis. I have just started steroids this week and feeling the improvement. I am scared for the future and the prospect of methotrexate and being immunocompromised.

I would love to hear other peoples stories.

Poppyjane

Hello @Gillyd62 welcome to the online community,

Like many of us when we are first diagnosed you have so many " what if's " going round and round in your head . You have come to the right place to find some answers and gain some support. So sharing with us that you are overwhelmed and scared for the future is ok it is a safe place to be , to pause for breath and readjust.

You were told that you had OA and now have had an RA diagnosis. The steroid treatment is beginning to make an improvement to your painful knee and once that is calmer you may well have a different medication prescribed. Giving yourself - both mind and body - time to readjust will be beneficial for your general well being. So when you have a chance look round the community for some of the activities that our members follow and join in.

Meanwhile I attach some links which I hope you will find useful

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

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/october/new-stretching-videos-to-help-keep-moving-and-manage-your-arthritis/

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

We are glad you found us ,we look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Take care

Poppyjane

Gillyd62

Thanks for the support and info @Poppyjane