Newly Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis

egghead

Hi,

I have recently been diagnosed with RA. Totally devastated and struggling with pain and restricted movement. I am awaiting specialist nurse consultation to start Methotrexate, in the meantime I am taking steroids which alleviate the pain slightly.

I work full time and feel extremely guilty about taking time off during this time. I feel like I should return to work until my treatment starts despite foot and hand pain. Do people take time off work until their treatment plan is optimised?

Many thanks in advance

noddingtonpete

Hello @egghead and welcome to the community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I understand that you have rheumatoid arthritis and about to start methotrexate. Our website has the following articles on these which you might find of interest.

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

and

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

Please do keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and I am sure that others will connect with you to share their thoughts and experiences as well

With very best wishes

Peter (moderator)

stickywicket

Hello. I'm sorry you had to join us. I've had RA for many years. It's not fun but is not the end of the world.

Unfortunately, there's no one size fits all treatment or procedure. If you've been told to stay off work I suggest you do. But don't stress about it. Arthritis thrives on stress.

Have you any idea how long you'll be waiting for the methotrexate? Remember it doesn't usually work immediately. How about the steroids? Any joy there?