New to all this

withazed

Hi everyone

After about 8m of pain I was diagnosed with RA in October. I don’t have much of a frame of reference but I think it is pretty severe - in all joints plus swelling to fingers and toes, muscular pain and spasming in my neck and back. I was put on steroids which were a revelation but obviously not a long term solution. And then on methotrexate and hydrochloroquine (sp?). I had to stop the latter after 2 weeks after quite dramatic side effects and the former is not working so I’m waiting an appointment to increase it.

I’m now back to pre steroid levels of pain and it’s completely debilitating. I know there are other meds to try but feeling pretty helpless and pessimistic to be coming into the new year feeling like this. I’m 49 with 2 youngish (10 and 12) kids and am a self employed consultant (I get to work from home but if I don’t work there’s no money!).

I’d just be glad to connect with others who’ve been in a similar situation and remind me that there’s light the end of the tunnel!! Thanks :)

Anna

Hello @withazed and welcome to the online community,

Youve recently been diagnosed with RA and it’s understandable that you can feel overwhelmed by it all - it can be a lot to take in. It’s great that you’ve joined this community though as all our members live with some form of arthritis and are really helpful and supportive, especially to new members.

Versus Arthritis has got a useful site for people who’ve been newly diagnosed. It talks about symptoms and treatments and also self help measures and how to look after your emotional health.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/newly-diagnosed/

There are also several threads about new diagnosis. Here’s one below that you might like to read and maybe join in.

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/59164/newly-diagnosed

Do let us know how you’re getting on,

Anna ( Mod)

withazed

Thank you @Anna - will investigate! :)

Woofy

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/59274/new-to-all-this

Hi. I was diagnosed with RA last summer, so similar position to you. I’ve never known pain like it.

it came on quite suddenly. I have had two appointments at the hospital, and was given Hydroxychloraquine which I had some reactions to. I then had two courses of steroids ( the wonder meds) now on Sulphsalazine, and naproxen.

will be having a review this month. It’s been hard going, and I am still in pain, but not quite as bad as when I first started with all this. It has been dry today, and I’ve felt less sore. The damp weather really plays my joints up I’m convinced.

I do hope the hospital finds something that works for you. It sometimes takes a while to get the right meds, and dose I think.

good luck.

withazed

Hi @Woofy and thanks for commenting. Yep, I know I need to be patient, it’s hard though, isn’t it, when you just want to get on with life!!

Still trying to figure out what impact weather etc has - need to keep a diary or something I think!

Good luck with the appt - hopefully they get to a solution for you 🤞 If you’re anything like me, Naproxen doesn’t seem to touch the sides anymore so hopefully there will be a better solution.

Let me know how you go - sounds like we’re on a similar journey…