Hi I've just joined

runange

HI, I'm new to the group. I've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis since August 2023 but I've had fibromyalgia for 26 years. I had the fibromyalgia well under control for about 20 years through diet and exercise. I was an exercise freak running half marathons and walking miles every day. Don't get me wrong it floored me at times but the exercise seemed to help. Then my back goes and it's downhill from there. I've osteoarthritis in my back, pelvis, knees and hands. I can now hardly walk at all and can't stand at all. My friends were all through exercise and they've drifted away. I've been off work since the start of January, I managed one week back after Christmas. I've been to the doctor practically weekly and paid for a rheumatology consultation which lasted all of 10 minutes. They say they've exhausted nearly every medication they can give me yet nothing eases the pain. I've finally got a physio appointment in a few weeks so hoping for some help there. My family are amazing. I'm thinking of trying to go back to work as this seems to be as good as its going to get and I feel really guilty about being off. I'm sorry for the essay, I suppose I'm hoping by joining on here I'll feel a little less lonely. Thank you for letting me join xx

nickjay

Hi, I have just joined this morning, I have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and fibromyalgia last year. Until September 2023 I would consider myself very fit and well, I then came home from a cruise and was bed ridden for 8 weeks with an upper respiratory infection given loads of antibiotics and steroids, then I came down with it again in February 2024 and was bedridden again for another 8 weeks after this I was in extreme discomfort and pain unable to walk for long periods of or exercise which I had done before about 4 times per week. My hands fingers knees and feet literally hurt all the time couldn’t get comfortable I was referred to rheumatology and that’s where I was diagnosed ( thank god I have private health care through my job). I have never been so stressed out about my health or been in pain for so long it’s not just now and then it’s all day every day 😢.

Naomi33

Morning @runange and @nickjay and Welcome to the online community.

Sorry to hear your concerns about arthritis but be reassured you are not alone.

I am sure others will connect with you soon.

Best wishes @Naomi33