Hello, I am a new member, and after reading your stories of RA and how you are all suffering, I feel I have nothing much to moan about at 67 years of age and having diagnosed last January, even though the treatment has still not activated yet. I new so very little about this condition, and am so sorry that so many young people suffer with it. I have had two replacement knees with arthritis so the RA cannot attack them! but all other joints are very much affected. But it is quite a comfort to know I can read and talk to others that have so much more information about this problem, I will be able to read so much now. Jan

Evening Jan

Welcome to the forum too, pleased that you found us. I was dx when I was 54 years and didn t appreciate how this condition affected so many young people. My mum was dx at 61 years but it was a few years ago now, and she was only on steroids/ gold injections. As my doctor says there has been so much advancement in treatment over recent years.

Keep in touch, thats what we are here for.

Julia xx

Thank you for answering, so quickly, it makes me realise how many people suffer with RA. I excelled my last comment my fingers could not use the computer key board, and spelling was bad! I take Methotrexate 8 tablets per week and one Prednsolone daily, with folic acid and codeine and paracetamol when the pain is bad. I live in a village south east notts, on the borders of Leics in the vale of Belvoir. I still work in finance for a hotel, as my brain not affected yet! I have ended up doing a day on and a day off as the exhaustion is something I have never experienced before in my life. It is not just being tired, it is complete exhaustion. I am sure you all could tell me about it.I feel thankful that I am old! so many young people with it, why has no one ever found out where it comes from and why? Thankyou Jan

Welcome Jan,

So sorry you have RA but you will find there is always someone who will listen to you and answer
your questions. Keep tuned in

I am Rose Aged 56 from Somerset. Diagnosed nov 2008 - was on mtx during 2009 but kept having to stop
it because affected my liver. I started leflunomide 2 weeks ago (no change yet) on parcetamol. re-started
naproxen again (was off it for 6 wks as upset my tummy) and amitriptyline.

Yes fatigue is a VERY large thing to contend with and I now space my jobs out to try and conserve
my energy

Good luck


Rose

Hello Jan and welcome to the Forum, as you said allready you will find lots of info and you wont feel on your own with RA. I live in Notts but north on the Derbyshire border. I'm Glenys and had RA for over 10 years now, I'm 56.

Hi Jan

So glad you took the plunge and joined us. The only thing I object to is you being 67 - you are now officially the "gran" of the forum and this was previously MY title !

I'm 66 (67 in July) and have had RA for about 8 years. I agree totally that the younger ones on the forum are the real "stars". How they manage to cope with babies and small chldren is beyond me.

You'll make some great new friends on here and I look forward to getting to know you.

I am married to Steve and have a daughter, son-in-law and two beautiful grandchildre, aged 5 and 2.

Take care

Love Jeanxxxxcx

Welcome to the Forum Jan! Hope your drugs kick in soon and 67 isn't old.

I was dx with polyarticular Juvenille Arthritis at age 6 and I'm now 46. I've had neurosurgery to decompress and fuse my cervical spine and three hip replacements in the last 18 months, but my first op wasn't until 2002. Most of my other joints are worn out but I'm delaying surgery as long as possible. I believe having been dx young, I adapted physically and mentally to cope, maybe easier than if I'd been dx later on.