New diagnosis, feeling lost

GalwayGirl

Hello!

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis a few weeks ago and I thought I was coping with it but the last couple of days I'm feeling quite overwhelmed with it all. I've just started on methotrexate and I'm hoping to get some relief from it but I know that could be a while away. I'm 31 and work in the performing arts and am quite worried about my career at the moment. My knees are the main thing affected (although some of my other joints are joining the party too!), and I'm getting very frustrated with not being able to walk much. I don't really know if I have a question, I think I just needed to say a lot of that out loud (or quietly typed). Any advice is much appreciated,

Sinead x

frogmorton

Lovely to meet you @GalwayGirl

sorry though to hear about your recent diagnosis.

This is a very scary time for you, but just ti reassured you so many of us have trodden the same path ahead of you so we can help if there's anything at all.

I vividly remember me when this first kicked off for me I was terrified, angry, very sad, up and down. Relieved to sort of have an explanation, but all in all very mixed up.

I felt like I had ruined everything for my children and husband refusing to plan anything in case I was unable to manage it.

I became an arthritis bore! Sorry friends and family😳

Luckily I found this place and bored these guys instead. Over time the meds settled things with the odd tweak here and there and I find myself 17 years later all is pretty well ok😊

Please do ask we'll help if we can and take care

Toni x

olivia_b

Hello @GalwayGirl And welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience too.

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I am very aware of what a scary and unknown time this can be.

When I was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago I was a competitive cheerleader and I was extremely worried about my athletic career after hearing the news. Though it has only been a short amount of time, I am still cheerleading and am even training more frequently per week and I am on more teams than I was when I was diagnosed.

My best advice is to trust the process and listen to your body. At first, I tried to ignore the fact I had arthritis and live as if I didn't have it which made things so much more difficult especially regarding physical activities. When you have those days where you can't walk as much, that's okay, listen to your body and give it what it needs. Whether that's rest, ice/heat, or pain relief. Just take care of yourself and you will find the days when that pays off.

Don't get me wrong, it's a long journey with many ups and downs, but keep in touch with everyone on here as we all have little pieces of advice and stories to help you along.

I hope this has helped in some way or another.

Olivia x