Hello everyone

Yes yet another new member with RA. There's a lot of it about! My name is Jenny, I am 62 and retires. My RA was diagnosed in June, now into week 6 of Methotrexate treatment. So far so goos, very well tolerated so far and have some relief from worst of stiffness. I know I am very lucky to have progress this early, also that I don't have to struggle to work like so many have to do. My cousin's daughter has also been recently diagnosed, she's 37 and is struggling with her work which involves shifts.

I am hoping to get a support group going near home (Downham Market, Norfolk (West)). Any NRAS members near me?

Hope to hear from some of you.

Hi, Jenny,

I'm Lorna, I have had RA for almost 3 years now, I was very ill in the beginning and was unable to do most things, but being on the triple therapy and being positive about things I am much better now. Sorry to hear you have RA but welcome to the forum. Everyone is kind and helpful, and there is always an answer to your queries. I'm 51 and married to my husband for 28 years and have 3 grown up daughters the youngest being 16 and at school. Glad you have found the forum keep posting. Lorna x

Hello Jenny

Welcome to the forum. Sorry you have RA but welcome tothe group you will find lots of
support.

I am Rose from Somerset aged 56 . Diagnosed nearly 2 years ago. mtx not sucessful or leflun and waiting
for Specialist to return from her hoiliday to get me 'sorted'.

I live too far away from you to attend W yorks group but wish you luck

Rose

Helo Jenny, and welcome to the forum, though of course I`m sorry you`ve been diagnosed with RA.

I hope the MTX continues to help you.

I live in Durham, so quite a distance from you, though there are one or two on here from Norfolk I think.

Take care,

Kathleen x

Welcome Jenny i am Kathleen aged 66 . I was diagnosed about four years ago. I was very ill at first but fine most of the time now.
I am on mtx injection and Plaquinel.You will get good advice on this forum and get to know lovely people. Kathleen Mc.

Hi there to Jenny and Dawn, and welcome to the forum. Im Heather 47, married to Kev and have two children Jack 19 and KAtie 16. I was dx a year ago and am on triple therapy now, which seems to be sort of working!

This forum is great for support etc etc, its been a lifeline for me.

Look forward to getting to know you and hope things are good with you today

love
Heatherxx

Hi Emily and Heather and anyone who is mooching on this thread

Emily I was on mtx injection but have had to come off it again and just waiting to be put on lefludamide ( cant spell ) but this is a long story!!! I too have found that this forum is really comforting and very informative. Everyone on the forum are really nice and you actually feel like you are not the only one in the world who is having to put up with RA. I have been trying since joining this forum to remain positive and upbeat but on some days its a up hill battle. I do believe that if i mooch on here I will remain positive and hopefully be able to help other.
I am hoping to join the Bolton NRAS group if posible as I dont live too far from that one. I hope you both can find some help and more friends if you can find a group near where you live.

Take Care and best wishes
Dawn

Hi Jenny

Welcome to the forum. A great place to be for support and information; lots of folk, lots of knowledge and a wealth of tried and tested experiences!

I'm Lyn, married to Mike, we have four children, Abby 22, Ian and Jake 17, and Louis 15. All four in various stages of education! We live in Thornton Cleveleys in north west Lancashire. I was diagnosed with sero-negative RA 22 years ago and have since run the gamut of medication and had several surgical procedures along the way. Currently on Enbrel, Prednisolone and Naproxen and a jolly assortment of pain killers! Just trying to get a recent flare under control after cessation of methotrexate (due to neutropenia) and temporary stoppage of Enbrel for an op. All good fun isn't it ... ?!! Heyho!

I hope you continue to progress well on Methotrexate; it has been the gold standard drug in the treatment of RA for many years. It has been great for me for the past 10 years and only recently started to cause problems. Fingers crossed it is a huge help for you.

I do voluntary work to keep myself occupied and although at times it stresses me out (especially when I want to do things and the body says no!) it has been a lifeline and help me keep a modicom of sanity. I had to take medical retirement from my job as a manager of a Legal Aid office some 20 years ago so being able to feel 'useful' still is reward in itself. We are currently setting up a new NRAS group in the Blackpool area, no good to you I know! As Emily said there is a group in Norfolk, although it is non-NRAS, this is their website. It is listed on the NRAS Groups page

Look forward to getting to know you better Jenny, do keep posting!

Lyn x

Hi Jenny

The only thing I've found that helps the fatigue is to pace yourself. Don't overdo things when you feel well and keep high activity jobs to one a day maximum. For example if I go shopping that's the main task for the day, similarly with washing, cleaning etc.. On these days I might just make the beds and do a bit of paperwork.

Spring cleaning is a nightmare ... takes about 6 months it's almost done!!

Lyn x

Hi Jenny

Although I am not so crippled as Lyn is, like her I really do have to pace myself.
I do a big job a day. Also I find if I have a busy w end I just know that i
will be fit for nothing on the Monday.

Keep posting and moaning like we all do. It definately is awful.

Rose