Rheumatoid Arthritis

Fio

Hey!

I've recently been diagnosed with RA, at aged 22, after waiting 9 months for a diagnosis, I also got diagnosed with Crohn's and psoriasis, and HLA-B27 Negative.

I'm got fairly mixed feelings about the diagnosis. I guess it's harder to ignore the fact that I'm disabled. The problem has a name now, and it's a good thing and a bad thing.

I also don't have a medicine treatment plan. Only physiotherapy plan. And I don't know what to do about it. Whether the hospital and the doctors have intentionally decided not to give me any medicines.

Any help and advice would be gladly received!!

Ellen

Hi @Fio

Welcome to the online community.

I see you have been recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, (RA) Psoriasis and Crohn's too. At 22 (any age of course) that's a tough pill to swallow.

I'm glad you are starting with physiotherapy at least and hope you have an appointment to see the Rheumatologist too booked? Possibly you are seeing a Dermatologist too for your Psoriasis? Perhaps they are liaising to decide the best possible treatment to help both conditions. Whether tis is the case or not you have every right to ask what the treatment plan will be for you. I always suggest everyone does their best to take someone with them to appointments for support.

Here a couple of links which you might find useful:

This is Chloe's story she is 23

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/september/it-s-a-rollercoaster-condition-life-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/

This is information to a support group which you might want to connect with:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/in-your-area/in-your-area-search-results/too-young-for-arthritis-event/

Wishing you the best

Ellen.

frogmorton

I am shocked that they haven't started you on DMARDs

People with RA need them to slow down the progress of the disease.

I hope you'll feel brave enough to assert yourself and ask for something.

I also agree with Ellen and never see a consultant on my own. Stops them fobbing me off!

Take care we are all here for you anything we can help with just ask.

Toni x

Fio

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/710500#Comment_710500

Thank you! I'll make sure to bring it up in my next consultation!