newly diagnosed and feeling lost and lonely

Cherry_blossoms25

Hi all,😔

I have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis last week only and feeling so overwhelmed with all the information and the effects it would have on me for my future life. I am feeling very depressed to have lost my freedom i had with my earlier arthritis free body. Just saying hello and trying to discover new ways of life from here on….. not sure if there are any local chat groups where we can physically meet and chat over a cup of coffee.

Poppy59

hi sorry to hear you are in this position . I also have recently been diagnosed and struggling with it all and grieving for my old life .
What medication have you been started on ? I am on week 10 of Methotrexate and had hoped to see more of a change in my joint pain . Going to contact the rheumatology nurses and see what they suggest .
I hope you get some relief soon . I would also be interested to know if there were any local chat groups or meet ups.
best wishes.

Cherry_blossoms25

hey- nice to hear from you! Hope you start to feel better soon x i am not on any medications as of now- its only been week since diagnosis and doctors have left me to decide which one to start on(either methotrexate or hydroxychloroquine). I only have couple of fingers swollen on left hand otherwise i feel ok. i am so confused when and which medicines to start if i am not generally feeling bad but also dont want to wait till conditions gets worse. also what might be the side-effects they both might have on me ! Feeling so confused!!

Anna

Hello @Cherry_blossoms25 and welcome to the online community,

It can be overwhelming to receive a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis but please know that you’re not alone. As the two members have shown already, all our members can understand a bit of what you’re going through and are ready to support you. If you want to chat to someone, our free helpline service is available from 9am-6pm each weekday. Here’s the link below if you want to give them a call: https://www.versusarthritis.org/get-help/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11908915898&gbraid=0AAAAADBwqpmMOULgX31KuKDQYRD_e4wKH&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxOKBkOaJjgMVfIlQBh1ffS_dEAAYASAAEgLcM_D_BwE

All the best,

Anna ( Moderator)