Hello everyone!

HBha
HBha Member Posts: 2
edited 13. Apr 2015, 14:55 in Say Hello Archive
Hi there, I'm 25 and last week I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

I started getting persistent inflammation and pain in my right hand wrist and gradually my index and middle finger decided to join in (and I'm right handed, just my luck!) It got to the point where I couldn't lift a cup of tea, or more importantly a pint of beer! After poppin' a substantial amount of Naproxen and Codiene to help ease the pain after 18 months I was finally diagnosed.

Has been a lot to take in, especially about the drugs I will be required to take from now on, the regular blood tests and the side effects I have been looking at (the internet definitely does not help ease my mind!)

So I just thought I'd say Hi :D

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 3,635
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Welcome to Arthritis Care Forums HBha from the moderation team

    As mods we are here to help with any problems you may have on the message boards.

    There are lots of lovely people here with a wide range of experiences with arthritis and the problems of living with the condition. Just join in wherever you like you will be made very welcome.

    I look forward to seeing you posting on the boards.

    Best wishes

    Moderator JK
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi there and welcome from me too. RA is a lot to take in at first buy you've come to the right place for support. We do understand the ins and outs and difficulties of the whole business. If you have any specific questions please post on Living With Arthritis as you'll get more replies. But remember there is life after diagnosis and it can be very good.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello, it's nice to meet you but I am sorry you have had to find us. Don't read too much on the net about the meds etc. - it's hardly a hotbed of safe and reliable information. I've been on the strong stuff for years now, with little in the way of side effects (and also little in the way of relieving the arthritis but that's another story!) The good news for you is that you have been diagnosed relatively quickly and the general prognosis may be better than one might expect. The disease can still be contrary, however, and it does test our patience and stoicism at times. I have psoriatic arthritis, the joint damage from that has led to osteo in some very useful joints but I can't change what has happened. When you talk to people on here rest assured you are talking to the initiated - but we all wish we weren't! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello and welcome to the forum
    Sorry I cant help with any advice but like the others have said don't read to much on the net its always quite scary..come and post in Living with Arthritis and listen to what the people there have to say..its helps to talk to people that understand some of what you are going through.
    Love
    Barbara
  • Jonwright
    Jonwright Member Posts: 9
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello!

    I'm new on here too.

    31 with PsA for over 10 years.

    Your Rhumy will work out the best course of treatment for you. This can take a good while. In my case about two years. Tried sulfalazine and methotrexate but these didn't work for me. Been on Enbrel for about 5+ years now and this has worked well for me.

    DO NOT read too much into the Internet. You'll almost always get the 'worst case scenario' from it. Trust me, talk with your specialist. Before your next apt, make notes of your questions + concerns.

    Good luck.

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