|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/17/2010
Posts: 22
|
Hi Everyone, I am new. I was diagnosed with R.A 2 years ago at age 36 and have lived in denial up until 5 months ago when i quite dramaticaly fell to pieces and have been off work since. I am a very bossy control freak (Monica from Friends) who just couldn't keep up the exhausting life i was leading. You have so much to prove when you have R.A!! I am now however slowly crawling back( from somewhere i never wish to be again) and i am trying to rebuild my life. i hope to talk to other bossy control freaks  .xx
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2010 Posts: 914
|
Hi Kerrie, I'm Lorna, I have had RA for almost 3 years, I was affected very badly in the beginning as in every joint affected. So I do know where you are coming from. Having said that I have been on the triple therapy from then till now and I more or less have my old self back. as long as I don't over do things. Really sorry to hear you have RA but glad you have found the forum. We are a helpful bunch and someone is always there with an answer, so come on and say exactly how you feel, be it sad, angry, happy etc. You know we have all been there and wore the tea shirt.  What drugs are you on now? I have never let RA take control of me, I have struggled at times to do things to prove to me that I still have control. Try to be positive I really feel it helps. Also pace yourself and do a little at a time until you feel your old self again. It's not an easy road to follow but it will get easier. Glad you have found us, keep posting. Take care Lorna x 
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/17/2010
Posts: 22
|
Hi Lorna, Thanks for replying. I am on sulph, 6 tablets a day and more recenctly Leflu but am struggling to tolerate it due to headaches so am on 10mg every other day. I suffer with depression and acute anxiety which doesn't help. Do you work? that seems to be my stumbling block at the minute, spending too much time on my own isn't good for my mental health but i am currently not able to return to work as my R.A is uncontrolled. The work issue threatens everything too, i worry if i am unable to work how will we manage financially. would love to hear from you.x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,689 Location: Durham
|
Hi Kerrie, Welcome to the forum, though sorry that you have RA. Everyone here can empathise with how you are feeling - the time after diagnosis is not a great place to be. Once your RA is better controlled you will feel better able to cope with things. Finding the right medication is a very frustrating process, and also time-consuming. Keep posting - there is lots of info and support on here. I`m Kathleen, diagnosed almost 5 years now, and currently on humira. Kathleen x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2010 Posts: 914
|
Hi Kerrie, Yes I work, on Supply in schools supporting less able kids. I have actually applied for a temp contract for a year, interview is on Monday fingers crossed. Where do you live are you anywhere near Scotland? I live in Fife, I'm trying to get a little social group going, we have a few members around about. I need to get another hobby to get me out of the house too. I enjoy being at home and in my garden but I need to get out more too. Hope your RA gets under control soon, it will make such a difference to your thinking and well being. Take care Lorna x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
|
hi Kerrie,
welcome to the Forum.
there's no doubt when you are diagnosed it's a shock and a lot to take on board ... to be honest i still haven't come to terms with it 4 months on, but i am not under control yet.
i have just had my Methotrexate increased from 15mg to 20mg as this is the next step.
i suffered for many many years with anxiety/agoraphobia although thankfully i can now say in my late 50's this has gone ... i was affected from a teenager for about 20 years so i know just how debilitating that can be ( although fortunately depression never got a hold of me ) very down yes but not depression. there's just certain limitations i am left with the main one being i have to have my car near, although now i have RA i do anyway ... i also suffer with Osteo Arthritis in my knee's which is another reason i can't walk far now.
i find taking this day by day is the only way i can cope right now ... if i start to look ahead then that does worry me, i know we all suffer with the same condition but i know it varies from person to person ( reading this Forum has told me that ) apart from the RA staff at my Hospital.
i've also come to realise there's no quick fix with the meds ... what works for one doesn't for another and i find this the most frustrating and upsetting at the moment.
fortunately my working days are over but i know how worrying this must be.
i hope you get under control soon.
Suzanne
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
|
Hi Kerrie 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 (unsuccessfully at the moment! ) 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 ... it certainly isn't!! But heyho... 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. Acceptance of any chronic illness is difficult and I'm sure each of us has felt as you do now. RA is a pain, it can take over and change our lives completely, but through it all we are still the same people. It will take time to adapt but please don't feel that you have to prove anything to anyone. You have taken a big step in accepting the situation by joining NRAS and coming on the forum. Although a financial worry perhaps for now work should take a back seat until the RA is fully controlled and you are more able to deal with things on an emotional level. It sounds as though a review of your medication may be in order. When is your next appointment in Rheumatology? Hope things start to improve soon. Do keep posting Kerrie Lyn x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/8/2009 Posts: 230 Location: Leicester
|
From one bossy control freak to another... helloooooooo!! 
I'm Helly, 35yrs old and was born with juvenile idiopathic arthritis although it wasn't diagnosed until I was almost 3.
Managed to get arthritis into remission when I was 12 thanks to methotrexate and steroids.. It came back again last September but looks like I'm kicking ass again thanks to hydroxychloroquine.
Totally understand the feelings with depression and anxiety. I thought I'd accepted my arthritis especially as it had always been part of my life but I had a break down when I was 26 due to lots of different stresses coming at me from all angles... This included my first major lot of joint replacements.
Over the years I've learnt alot about how a long term condition can go hand in hand with mental health. Not working can especially have an impact but there is a good support network. I learnt self management which in turn helped me understand my condition, the feelings that went with it and how to overcome them. When my depression came back a couple of years ago, I knew the signs and so it didn't get as bad as it did before. I've had brilliant support from my local Mind group and I go to a social group a couple of times a week as a way of getting myself out of the house. It means I'm not spending too much time in isolation and often it can be a right laugh, especially when we jump on the kareoke lol. RA can make you feel quite cut off so its important to have a good support network around you.
I don't think there is really ever a time when you fully accept RA, you still get the days when you're cursing the day it ever came to you but you also learn to compromise with it. Like you, I like to feel in control and when I'm not it can be scary. I'm also very independent and having to rely on other people can be a real challenge, but sometimes a challenge can be a good thing
Looking forward to getting to know you and seeing some more of your posts....
Helly x Celebrating 10yrs of National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society Doing a Tandem Skydive - May 2011 - All Sponsorship Welcome - www.justgiving.com/helencopeland Read my blog - Helly Copeland
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
|
Hello Kerrie, Welcome to the forum sorry you have RA but a good job you found this site. You will find it brilliant for moaning groaning laughing and getting opinions of lots of bits and pieces. I am Rose aged 56 from Somerset diagnosed sero neg RA nearly 2 years ago . I have failed on MTX leflun and sulph so still awaiting to be put on another DMARD, I am having trouble getting a Specialist appointment been waiting 7 weeks now, told yesterday they will try and get in at end of the surgery during the first wk in Oct ! ! we will see. Anyway I know EXACTLY how you feel. I work as a Manager and have been of sick since 23March, I was trying to struggle on how I felt trying to ignore all the excruitiating pains and of course the stress of a sales job and working long hours. I eventually saw my GP who signed me off with RA brought on by stress. So yes the mixed emotions, the pain, the feeling of being worthless(not keeping on working) the stress it puts on the family is huge. I went off with high blood pressure complete rest did not change the BP and failed drugs, still 6 month down the line. So still in pain , stiff, anxious and now take prozac due to being 'mixed-up. I am having a visit from my employers and their Insurance , line manager this Wed so very anxious, nervous as they say I need to get back to full time employment on a graded return to work. Like you my money has stopped so need to work and I am the main breadwinner. SO yes extactly know how you are feeling. Keep posting always good to discuss with people who understand Rose 
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/13/2010 Posts: 786 Location: east anglia
|
hi, i am a new person also i can honestly say this is an amazing site i have learned so much and everyone is very nice and helpfull,i get lost on it alot and my son helps me get back to where i was but it is fun and serious at the same time,keep talking, good luck take care,dorothy.
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/5/2010 Posts: 364 Location: mid glamorgan
|
Hi Kerrie, Sorry to hear your struggling at the moment I know how you feel I was diagnosed just 15 months ago and still cant accept what is happening to me.. Like you I am very independent and hate having to ask for help although now I realise that its silly not to as if you push youself too far you end up paying for it! Its terrible that we have to worry about work on top of everything else I have changed my job role and cut my hours but still find it difficult and feel like they would prefer I left, although my work colleagues are brilliant! Managers useless.. I think feeling out of control is normal I am nothing like the person I was before I got RA I know im quieter and nowhere near as much fun as I was although I do try to stay positive and happy for my families sake. I have only recently joined this site and it really is a godsend I dont feel so alone now.. Take care and hope you feel stronger soon Ceri
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/17/2010
Posts: 22
|
Lorna-A wrote:Hi Kerrie, Yes I work, on Supply in schools supporting less able kids. I have actually applied for a temp contract for a year, interview is on Monday fingers crossed. Where do you live are you anywhere near Scotland? I live in Fife, I'm trying to get a little social group going, we have a few members around about. I need to get another hobby to get me out of the house too. I enjoy being at home and in my garden but I need to get out more too. Hope your RA gets under control soon, it will make such a difference to your thinking and well being. Take care Lorna x Just wanted to say good luck for Monday, I hope that your interview goes well. x
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/17/2010
Posts: 22
|
Thankyou to all those of you who replied to my post. I have an appointment with occupational health on 27th sept and am determined that they will help me to return to work. I am pretty sure that my boss would prefer me to leave and sees me as a liability. Its going to take the biggest amount of gumption for me to walk back in there ( they are not very sympathetic ) but i want to feel valid again. I am afraid that they will retire me on incapacity if i don't return and the benefits system seems a knightmare! I am trying very hard to be positive. x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2010 Posts: 914
|
Hi Kerrie, Thank you for your good wishes, I will let you know how I get on. I do hope you get things sorted out at your work. Hold your head high and don't let them beat you down, show them you can and will do your job and get the necessary people to back you up. People out there do not realise the pain we all can go through but we do, and they should be more sympathetic. I will keep my fingers crossed for you too, be positive and good Luck. Lorna x
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/19/2010
Posts: 384
|
Hi Kerrie,
I'm Anne and yes when I was 36 I would say I was probably a control freak I needed to be in control at work and at home, although with age that has disminished. You will find alot of help and advice on this site. May I suggest you take the information booklet and hand it to your boss so he/she can learn about RA and what you are experiencing.
Anne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
