Newly diagnosed.. any advice for first steps?

lozzashep1509

Hi everyone,

Hope you're all keeping as well as you can :)

I (26, F) was diagnosed with RA yesterday evening, I'm overwhelmed and looking for some advice on where to start. I've got an appt with the hospital to discuss medication and a steroid injection and arranged an appt with my GP to go over everything but I don't know what to do next.

Is there anything that the community recommends I do or necessities to buy? Any advice is much appreciated.

Wishing you all the best x

Poppyjane

Hello@lozzashep1509 welcome to the online community

Firstly we are really glad you found us, we are a friendly and supportive group and we hope that you will continue to join in with us. Secondly, like all of us when we are first diagnosed we feel overwhelmed so don't feel on your own, you are among friends who know just where you are at the moment. You sound as though you have got a lot organised with appointments etc.- the practical stuff, now you need to pause to draw breath and think about the emotional stuff and your general well being. I attach a few links which I hope you useful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/january/a-big-part-of-any-arthritis-diagnosis-is-dealing-with-what-it-means/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/november/ask-the-expert-newly-diagnosed-with-arthritis/

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

There are a lot of aids on the market to assist you in the house and with your mobility and there are many of our members who will be able to advise you so don't rush into too quickly until you have given yourself time to adjust to what is in effect a life changing event for you.

We are here to support you and if you want to talk to someone the Helpline is available Monday to Friday 9.00 - 6.00. Tel:- 08005200520

Take care

Poppyjane

jamieA

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/58545/newly-diagnosed-any-advice-for-first-steps

Hi @lozzashep1509

If I were to do it all again I'd ask if someone could accompany me or take notes during the consultations. I'd also write down in advance all the joints/areas you are having problems with. I feel I missed so much in the way of information from my initial consultations and there were also misunderstandings on both my and my consultants part that needed to be clarified later. My first rheumatologist didn't communicate well and I got no follow up transcripts or copies of the clinical letters sent to my GP. I raised this on day one with my new consultant and I now get a copy of the clinical letter raised after consultation.

lozzashep1509

Thank you both @jamieA AND @Poppyjane - I really appreciate your advice! It's a great starting point - I'll for sure be exploring the articles and taking someone with me to my next appt :)