Newbie to the group and to arthritis

The_Swede

Hi there

I am new to the group after being walloped by RA about 4 month's ago. I'm 51 and have always been pretty strong but out of nowhere I was knocked for 6 with pain, swelling and stiffness. Within a matter of days I we as unable to walk, wash myself, get dressed and basically fend for myself. Despite being on a emergency list...4 months later I've still yet to be seen and have decided to pay for a private appointment which is in 2 weeks.

My main problem is each day can be totally different. I have good days where I can get about but then the following day my body shuts down and I can't move. Is this a common issue or am I perhaps doing something to flare it up. Regards in advance to Paul

Lane

Hello @The_Swede welcome to our friendly community.

I understand that you have recently been diagnosed with RA and have pain, swelling, stiffness and cannot move some days. I have attached a couple of links from our website for you to have a look at:

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

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

Keep posting as you will meet other members to share tips.

All the best.

frogmorton

HI @The_Swede

You aren't causing this. Nope not your fault at all Paul.

It was the same for me many years ago I woke up one morning stuck in position in abject agony. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition the immune system is working to hard and attacking healthy parts of us. For us our joints. For my brother it's his kidneys. Others it can be their skin.

What we need is medication which unfortunately only a rheumatologist can prescribe.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/disease-modifying-anti-rheumatic-drugs-dmards/

I'm so glad you are seeing someone soon now even if you have had to pay for it.

Do keep posting we all understand where you're coming from and will be here to support you

Toni x

Woofy

Hi.

exactly how it happened with me. Woke up one morning and couldn’t understand what had happened.

I cried the pain was so awful. In fact I spent many days and nights crying. I was lucky six weeks later I was at a hospital appointment. Although it to a fair few months for a proper diagnosis.

I am glad you are seeing someone soon. Fingers crossed you can get started on some meds.

The_Swede

Thank you so much for the supportive words. I'm off to the private Rheumatologist on Thursday just as my Prednisone runs out on Wednesday. I tried to get some more but the doctors have rejected the request. 😬

Fingers crossed I can get some help sorted

Woofy

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/702373#Comment_702373

Hello and welcome.

Hope your appointment goes well. Keep us updated. I have had two lots of short course Prednisone they do help a lot.

unfortunately they are only prescribed for short periods. Hopefully you’ll get sorted with longer term medication.