Is it normal to feel like this?

Jane68

Hi,

I was diagnosed with RA in July this year and been on Prednisolone and now into 5th week of Methotrexate injections. I haven't stopped working and everyone tells me "you look well". The last few days I've felt overwhelmed with it - and feel let down by a friend and relative who don't seem to realise how much it's affecting me. I feel close to tears the whole time which isn't like me at all. Is this all a normal part of accepting it?

frogmorton

Oh gosh @Jane68

This is so frustrating isn't it? The thing with Arthritis is that it's invisible to such a large extent. I am so sorry ((()))

People want to to be 'cured' they feel helpless when someone they know has a condition like RA. I am sure I have said the same to people my own self in the past not realising how much they are affected behind the scenes.

We don't want to 'go on and on' do we?

Have you finished the steroids yet? I only ask as they made my daughter feel quite weepy and emotional when she had to take them at 16 for cancer.

Has anyone told you about these stories?

http://batsgirl.blogspot.co.uk/2008/04/gorilla-in-your-house.html

and

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/wpress/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/

I don't suppose you want to burden your work colleagues with this but friends and family might need to be educated.

Do keep posting we are all here and all understand.

Toni x

Jane68

Hi Toni,

Thank you - I'll read your two posts 🙂

Yes I've finished the steroids - it was a 6 week course in July.

I'm always so positive and determined to remain so with it, but was worried as have felt upset for last few days. I guess it's just adjusting to living with RA - just wanted to know it's normal.

frogmorton

I can't imagine anything more normal than feeling upset @Jane68 .

This is life changing and being upset is part of accepting what has happened to you.

I always think of it as a grieving process. You are grieving for the life you had planned and therefore will likely feel all of the emotions people feel when they have lost someone. Anger, fear, tearful, denial all of them and more in any order they come at you. It's quite possible that you have been so busy getting diagnosed, getting treatment than now is the first time it's actually hit you.

Have you thought about ringing the helplie team here? I have when this first started for me. I rang twice and mostly just bawled.

Their number is 0800 5200 520.

Please do keep posting you are not alone with this there are so many of us on the same path ahead of you who understand. ((()))

Toni x

Jane68

Thanks Toni, really appreciate your replies. I'll give the helpline a call.

Woofy

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/58869/is-it-normal-to-feel-like-this

I think it’s completely normal. I was recently diagnosed with R A.

I have felt totally overwhelmed at times. Especially when I have had to adapt to doing stuff I took for granted.

l have also just finished a course of steroids, they worked brilliantly and I did feel almost normal.

I am waiting for my new meds Sulphasalazine to kick in.

i am trying to take each day as it comes. Good luck.

Angel666

Totally understand this....diagnosed with RA recently, was on steroids till a couple of weeks ago & waiting for Methotrexate to kick in, multiple joints aching & swelling daily & my normal activities are difficult but hoping that it will change soon & like you I feel very emotional & scared for what my future will be & to top it all my Raynaud's has just started up as well 🙄 just try & stay focused on the good things that happen each day & take it one day at a time ☺️

Cath100

Hi @Jane68

Thanks for your message, sometimes when newly diagnosed we prepare ourselves for the physical symptoms, but the emotional impact can sometimes take us by surprise. It can be common to feel low in mood and whilst our friends and family try to support us, often things that are well-meaning or said with the right intentions don't always hit the right mark. As mentioned above, do give the helpline a call if you feel it would help for some support, but you may also find reading our info on emotional well-being helps here

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

just to offer some reassurance that this is normal to feel this way. Also perhaps reading some stories of other people who are newly diagnosed perhaps could help

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/july/diagnosed-as-a-medical-student-amys-journey-with-psoriatic-arthritis/

and some support about how to adjust with a new diagnosis

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

Am sure that many people in the online community can also empathise with you and how you are feeling too, so this is a really good place to talk to others like you are doing and hopefully feel encouraged. It may also be worth just checking in with your rheumatology nurse/ a healthcare professional about how you are feeling too.

Best wishes

Cath100

(Moderator)