Newly Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis 39

lesley_ant
lesley_ant Member Posts: 1
edited 12. Aug 2025, 20:32 in Living with arthritis

Hello! I Am feeling a bit overwhelmed, after nearly 2 years of undiagnosed pain, fatigued and mobility issues I was finally diagnosed with RA yesterday. I’m starting medication Friday but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and not sure what I should be doing. Any advice for a newbie? The last decade has really beaten me down with one thing or another and these last two have pushed me mentally and physically.

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Comments

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,989

    Hello @lesley_ant a very warm welcome to the online community.

    Of course you are feeling overwhelmed by your recent diagnosis. That's exactly why this information was put together by Versus Arthritis:

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/newly-diagnosed/

    What I will say now is that every single emotion, worry or feeling you have is perfectly normal. The good news too is that everyone here has already been where you are now and can support you through this.

    Hopefully someone will be along soon to share their own experience of being newly diagnosed. Keep posting keep talking and read reliable information is my advice. You can also ring our helpline if it would help to speak to a voice:

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/get-help/

    My best wishes

    Ellen.

  • helen1937
    helen1937 Member Posts: 5

    Hi. I’m newly diagnosed with Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis.
    Been to the consultant today had no end of information given to me so I too feel quite overwhelmed by it all.
    I start my Methotrexate on Thursday once I’ve had the all clear from my bloods.
    I’ve got 6 weeks worth of tablets and I’m staring at them thinking what am I going to feel like once I’ve taken them.
    Alll we can both do is go with it. And just look forward to the day of no pain and discomfort.
    I’ve just got to get my head around the blood tests every 2 weeks and then not forgetting to order more medication.
    So please try not to panic as I’m always here for a chat. xx

  • Nickicoley
    Nickicoley Member Posts: 4

    hi Lesley, I was exactly like you a couple of months ago, but my diagnosis came a bit out of the blue, all I can say is don't panic and get a decent calender to write everything down on. I had no idea how I was going to get it all organised, and at the same time I was going through the same trying to get my BP under control. I remember that consultation about mtx well but really it's not as bad as it seems when it comes to bloods, and ordering blood forms etc you will soon get organised, like I said, a good big calender… I use a magnetic one on the fridge so everything is there at a glance. I heard lots of horror stories of mtx and was scared to death of the stuff. Yes I'm getting nausea with it, been on it 8 weeks now, but it's not horrendous and if you have problems then the nurses I've found to be understanding and really helpful.

    always feel free to chat if you have things to ask I'll help ill help if I can.

  • Skate
    Skate Member Posts: 3

    Hello - I was diagnosed with RA in March this year.. it’s a lot to get your head round isn’t it. 2 years is a long time being in pain and not knowing the cause. Once the medication has kicked in I’m sure you will feel so much better.. I’ve just started Methotrexate alongside Hydroxychloroquine so fingers crossed this will reduce the inflammation symptoms asap!

  • Skate
    Skate Member Posts: 3

    Hello - I was diagnosed with RA in March this year.. it’s a lot to get your head round isn’t it. 2 years is a long time being in pain and not knowing the cause. Once the medication has kicked in I’m sure you will feel so much better.. I’ve just started Methotrexate alongside Hydroxychloroquine so fingers crossed this will reduce the inflammation symptoms asap!

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