Newly diagnosed and waiting for my first appointment with Rheumatologist

Kimb

Hello everyone, I'm finding this all a bit overwhelming, I've always been fit and healthy but this pain is unbearable some days. I've been managing the pain myself for the past 10 years, with lots of different treatments, but now I've got both feet and hands joint distortion and pain in every joint, it's scary to know what to do ♥️

Poppyjane

Hello @Kimb welcome to the online community

You have managed the pain yourself for a long time but are now finding that your hand and feet joints are distorted and very painful. Like many of us when we are newly diagnosed we ask all sort of questions and think all sorts of "what if's". We are glad you found us because so many of us have been there and can now offer you friendship and support. I agree it is scary but you are still you and you can do as much as you are able to live with this condition and not let it define you as a person.

We are all being advised these days to exercise as much as possible to keep our muscles and joints as flexible and as mobile as possible so as well as some general information I attach some exercise links for you to try very gently to start with.

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

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-fingers-hands-and-wrists/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-toes-feet-and-ankles/

Do you have access to a swimming pool? Exercises, or just floating in water can give relief because the it provides support . There are also heat and cool pads which many members find give relief to aching joints.

I hope your Rheumatology appointment comes through quickly. Often members go with a written list of symptoms and questions because it is easy to forget somethings at the time.

Now you have found the community you can share times when you feel overwhelmed or scared because we too are living with arthritis and are here to help.

Best wishes

Poppyjane