newly diagnosed and feeling lost and lonely

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Cherry_blossoms25
Cherry_blossoms25 Member Posts: 3
edited 9. Jul 2025, 14:11 in Living with arthritis

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.

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  • Poppy59
    Poppy59 Member Posts: 8

    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
    Cherry_blossoms25 Member Posts: 3

    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
    Anna Moderator Posts: 1,197

    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)

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


  • helen1937
    helen1937 Member Posts: 3

    Hello. I too have just been diagnosed and I could just sit and cry. I feel so angry and frustrated. The things I used to be able to do are now such a chore. Even just something simple like walking my dogs. I’m taking steroids at the moment and awaiting to see an NHS specialist to be given the DMARD drugs. I paid to go private just to get some answers as I’m in so much pain. I felt like my GP was ignoring my symptoms and making me feel I was imagining it all. It’s so nice to know I’m not alone and that there are so many of us fellow RA people.

  • AMJ10
    AMJ10 Member Posts: 1

    Hi I'm new here i was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis last month can relate to everything said here. I'm 32 year old its all feeling very scary. Something I'm really trying not to do is read to much online everything seems to be negative.

  • noddingtonpete
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,439

    Hello @AMJ10 and welcome to the Online Community forum. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

    Yes rheumatoid arthritis can be scary but as you read through some of the posts on here it is not all doom and gloom. It takes a while to get the right medication in the right dose so persevere but a lot of folks on here have done that journey and are still able to have a life.

    Have a look at the following

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

    One thing to remember is that you are among new friends now, so please keep posting and let us know how you get on.

    Best wishes

    Peter

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on0800 5200 520Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • MaxJ
    MaxJ Member Posts: 1

    Hello everyone, it has been 18months since my RA diagnosis. Eventually collapsing at work and having to retire earlier than planned. Hip worn out and replaced within six weeks of seeing a surgeon and getting told off for leaving it so long and a big thank you to the NHS for their care.
    Lots of roller coaster emotions and can commiserate with RA people on here entirely. Lots of tears, anger and feelings of loss as I had worked my job of 30 years and my physicality was letting me down and I didn’t want to face it. I live alone and love it, I’d always been extremely independent and now I was in trouble. My Daughter thankfully was there, so lucky and grateful.
    Back to RA, had all the tests and Pred injections and tabs, three lots of Dmards, crashed on Methotrexate tabs and injections still on Sulfasalazine. Liver decided to stop behaving and the fatigue and anemia was crushing. 18 months later back on Steroids and awaiting Biologics. Phew! And the journey goes on and that’s the only way I can see. I am in a respite moment physically and mentally trying to not allow the negativity by growing some plants and baking and taking each day as best as I can.

  • Anna
    Anna Moderator Posts: 1,197

    Hi @MaxJ and welcome to the online community,

    Retiring early can really can be quite difficult to deal with, especially when it’s through ill health. It can take a while to get used to, but it sounds like you’re seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Gardening and baking are such relaxing and rewarding things to do to keep your mind and body active, I’ve posted a link below that you might find helpful - it discusses other ways you can help look after your physical and emotional health - gardening and cooking are two suggestions you’ve already started!

    https://versusarthritis.org/news/2023/january/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health-when-you-have-arthritis/

    I hope you enjoy looking round the forum. Join in any conversations you’re interested in, and ask any questions you may have - there’s always another member who’s happy to share their experiences.

    Anna ( Moderator)

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


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