New Diagnosis

scotmum

Hello,

I’m 44 and I’ve just been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I’ve had mild symptoms since January, but the last 8 weeks have been horrendous. I was finally diagnosed last week.

I have pain in my hands, wrists and elbows and also my feet and ankles. The fatigue is like nothing I have experienced before. I’m on painkillers and had an IM steroid injection a few days ago. I was hoping the injection would give me some relief, but it hasn’t worked. I’m starting methotrexate in a few weeks (I have a holiday booked, so I can’t start till I come back)

I feel so low and fed up with being in constant pain. I’ve gone from being an active person, to struggling to get out of bed. Tell me things will improve. I’m struggling to stay positive.

susy123

Hi I was diagnosed with OA. I know how you feel there is nothing worst than doing nothing just staring at 4 walls. However this platform is brilliant for getting good advice. You are not on your own. We all stand with you. Keep positive take each day as it comes. What helped me was tramadol. Take care

Susy123

Ellen

Hi @scotmum welcome to the online community.

Being diagnosed with a long term condition such as Rheumatoid Arthritis is huge. You have every right to feel low, most people do when it happens to them. The exhaustion (fatigue) you mention is like nothing else I know. Starting on your Methotrexate is the best thing you could do. It's unfortunate that you have a holiday booked preventing your from beginning treatment just yet.

We do have a helpline you can ring if you feel talking to an actual voice might help? The number is: 0800 5200 520 you can ring anytime Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm.

Finally before I go I'll just add this link which might be useful:

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

My very best wishes

Ellen.

frogmorton

I was also early 40s when this kicked off for me so can relate to how you feel.

Oddly enough l was also about to go on holiday!

I was however given a few more meds than you at my first apt arcoxia 90s (anti-inflammatory) amitriptyline and hydroxychloroquine (my first DMARD) and the jab in my rear. The jab didn't work that well for me either, but some of the people here were given oral steroids while their first DMARDs kicked in. I don't know whether you can have oral steroids after having had the jab though🤔

The exhaustion won't go until after the MTX kicks in unfortunately (it's a sign of how active the disease is) or the flare you are experiencing settles down. I really hope it settles soon for you.

I did ring the helplines I rang them twice and they were so incredibly kind to me, waiting while I bawled my eyes out. Being diagnosed with something like this is a lot to deal with.

Sending you some ((()))

Toni x

Eeyore

I, too, know how you feel although I am a LOT older than you! I was struck down with R.A. suddenly and viciously 10 months ago, a lovely GP knew immediately what it was and did an urgent referral to the hospital - resulting in an appointment 3 months later! I was in incredible pain but the GP prescribed Prednisolone (in tablet form) which helped enormously until I finally saw the consultant and was prescribed Methotrexate. Be aware, Methotrexate takes a few weeks to kick in but it did reduce my symptoms a bit. Not enough, but a bit! But everyone is different and different medications have different results. You have found this forum and believe me it will help to read about other people's journeys. The constant pain is incredibly wearing and I got very depressed. I saw the consultant just the once and am unlikely to see her again for many months, if ever. My designated rheumatoid nurse I see once every 3 months. The hospital advice line helps, but I have to leave a message and then wait for a response - 2 or 3 days later. Not the best system but they are so short-staffed. I have constant flares and a couple of weeks ago I was at the end of my tether with the pain but a lovely, sympathetic nurse rang me back and suggested a steroid jab in my bum, which I gratefully accepted! It started to work within hours and after a couple of days the pain was drastically reduced, no real pain just dragging aches….. but that is so much easier to live with. Don't know how long the effects will last, it varies from person to person, but I'm keeping my fingers (virtually) crossed. Can't actually physically cross them, thank you R.A.!! I still suffer from the fatigue and incredible stiffness, which is very annoying. I am hoping to have another DMARD added to the Methotrexate and that might get me in a better place, but it all takes time. A lot of time. I'm not the most patient of people and I do find it hard going but just reading about other sufferers here gives me hope that I will eventually be able to lead a near-normal life once more. I hope you, too, take comfort from the other lovely people on here. It does help to know you are not alone. Chin up, it WILL get better.

Baloo

@scotmum

I hope the holiday doesn't spoil your arthritis 🙂. Let us know how you get on. Hopefully you actually get a rest and do restful things that help you forget about the pain, without feeling you have to up and do things you can't do.

07596406085

I have been on several different meds and it will get better as you find out what helps you I am on bio injections now which has helped me loads and I am feeling much better but I still have a few bad days… I’ve had it Eight years now and it does get better but it’s a struggle

PeterJ

Hello @07596406085 and welcome to the Community. We're glad you found us and joined.

Good to hear that things have improved for you, long may it continue.

If you need any help information or support just reach out to us and post your query and I am sure we will have some members who can help.

Best wishes

Peter