New diagnosis, feeling lost

GalwayGirl
GalwayGirl Member Posts: 1
edited 30. Jan 2025, 11:18 in Living with arthritis

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

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,149

    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
    olivia_b Moderator Posts: 74

    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

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Archangel
    Archangel Member Posts: 2

    Hi, just been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and find it very overwhelming and I thank you for this post.

  • MaryL44
    MaryL44 Moderator Posts: 140

    Hi @Archangel Welcome to the community. I was diagnosed with RA about 6 months ago and, like you, found it overwhelming. The Versus Arthritis Community was the best thing I found. You will find that everyone is very friendly and supportive and a lot of us are further on in our journey than you (see @frogmorton s post above) .

    My personal take on this is knowledge is power. I have researched RA, pain management and diet and feel better now that I know more. Just be sure you are looking at reputable sites (Versus Arthritis obviously 😉) and try not to disappear down rabbit holes! However, I do know we are all different and not everyone has the same way of dealing with difficult stuff and I'm sure our community will give you their views.

    In the meantime our website is full of very useful information. Have a look at this:

    And search recent posts. Just use the magnifying glass top right of screen and search for rheumatoid arthritis. You'll find lots of posts.

    Now that you're here keep coming back and let us know how you are getting on.

    Best wishes

    Mary

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,149

    @Archangel nice to meet you.

    I am so sorry to hear you have needed to join us. If it helps just remember all of us have trodden the path you are now on and we can help and support you and we will just ask us anything.

    We've also all felt the same as you at the beginning. I thought my life was over I was honestly not worth knowing for a good while.

    If you feel you want to tell us more then go ahead.

    I have read these pages and wished they had been written when this first kicked off for me

    Take care sending you some ((()))

    Toni x

  • Lucky71A
    Lucky71A Member Posts: 7

    did find this condition daunting. Was always going out every day and lots of walking till covid came about. Stoppped going on buses and my everyday gadabouts in case I caught it. I think that’s what this stems from I was so active before,. Trying to do some things now but painful and have a stick to help. Found this site and to know there are others out there with this condion helps a lot.

  • Lucky71A
    Lucky71A Member Posts: 7

    after I had x rays on my knees doctor just said it was arthritis presume it’s osteoporosis

  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 208
    edited 30. Jan 2025, 11:17

    Hello @Lucky71A

    Do you mean osteoarthritis ? Osteoporosis is where the bones are weakened and more likey to break. Osteoarthritis is what most commonly referred to as 'arthritis'. Did your GP offer any treatment or advice?

    Here's some information on osteoarthitis of the knee for you:

    Here's a link to the NHS website about osteoporosis:

    best Joanne

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm