Hi, it is very nice to meet you all, I am 56 and was diagnosed 2 years ago but only recently joined the NRAS. My GP had missed my symptoms for 4 years but it was finally spotted by a trainee GP - thank heavens for her. I had been struggling coping with a stressful job and blamed my growing fatigue on that. I had frequent bouts of illness but tried valiantly to continue working - though now I know rest would have been a better option. In 2008 an opportunity arose to take early retirement and my decison to do so was made taking my health into account. It has not been an easy road, as most of you will be familiar with. The last two years have been filled with continual trips to Rheumatology clinic and medications which have steadily increased. Initially, I was started on meloxicam. When that proved useless I then started on sulfasalazine. Almost to the maximum dosage and the realisation that that wasnt working either I was then also started on Methotrexate in December 2009. Side effects kicked in on Christmas day Now I am almost at the maximum dosage of that too and am still also taking the other two drugs alongside. Rheumatology say that I may have to consider the injectable route for the methotrexate if improvement does not happen soon. Does this sound familiar to anyone? On a more lighter note - I try my hardest not to let this thing rule my life and am looking forward to an extended holiday in warmer climates over the winter - but organising that is like a military campaign.

Never mind keep thinking posative myself have been taking Sulfasazine full dosage for a very long time,my consultant as now put me on Methatraxate taking the 2 together i am keeping my fingers crossed this will slow everything down for me as i have attacks all over my body.Just had both my arms go together sheer hell>As i have other illnesses Consultant is"nt sure what to do with me.
So there will be a light at the end of the tunnel for you.Keep strong & smiling.Val.R

Hi

I'm new to the forum and new to RA but am on Methotrexate...awaiting to see any improvement. In fact, I seem to be getting worse. Your comment about the trainee GP made me laugh! I've found that all of the younger and newer GP's I've seen have seemed to be far more knowledgeable and empathic about RA than most of the established GP's.

I hope you find the support you need on here.

Gem x

Thank you for all your messages of support - feel more cheerful already and there seems to be support in abundance. There are so many variations in treatments, effects and opinions etc but thankful that we all share the same problem and can 'sound off' when things dont seem to go right. Good luck to those embarking on changes in treatment and combination therapys - hopefully the process can be slowed for you. It seems I have lots to read and catch up on......... must get started. XX to you all.

Hi, welcome to the forum but sorry you have RA.
Hope you find the right combination of drugs soon to give you some relief.
Looking forward to getting to know you.

Doreen xx

Thank you Ailsa, Dorat and Kathleen for your support. I am also looking forward to getting to know you all too. It seems all so confusing at present as there is so much to take in. Any suggestions of where to start!! I have heard of humira and often think that I should ask more about these therapies when at the rheumy clinic, it seems rude though when they are trying so hard to help me. Yes, this is a lovely part of the country and glad that some of your family, Kathleen, are benifitting from it. We do have a really lovely country all in all - shame it has to be ruined by politicians!! Take care all. XX

Thank you Doreen - will start there. Love Pat XX

Hi Pat

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 16. 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! Still trying to get over a recent flare after cessation of methotrexate (due to neutropenia) and temporary stoppage of Enbrel for an op. in July. It's certainly taken its toll this time but am feeling much better than I was! Heyho... such fun!!

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.

I was on methotrexate for many years and it was a terrific drug for me but we all respond differently to these various drugs, many do well on it others less so, so fingers proverbially crossed for you! MTX Injections are considered to be more effective as they enter the blood stream directly and can be given in smaller doses therefore less side effects. It would certainly be worth considering them. There are certain criteria to be met for anti-tnf treatment such as Humira and Enbrel so perhaps you are not yet at the stage. Something to bear in mind for the future though! There are so many treatments available and new products are reaching the market regularly so don't despair yet!!

In fairness to GP's RA remains a very difficult condition to diagnose especially when symptoms are few and far between. I suppose I was lucky to some extent as my GP suspected immediately that I might have a problem and referred me straight away ... but that was like 500 years ago when you waited half century to see a consultant and by that time it was fairly obvious I had severe RA! Ah well, I have survived to tell the tale!!

Do keep posting Pat, look forward to getting to know you,

Lyn x

Hi Pat,

I'm Lorna, I am married to my husband Ken for 28 years and we have 3 lovely daughters. I was diagnosed 3 years ago, I was very ill at that point but having been on the triple therapy I am much better now. I stopped the Sulphasalazine last August still on Hydrox and MTX. My next appointment is in December, I suspect she will stop the Hydrox then too, as long as I never go back there I do not mind. Glad you have found the forum, keep posting. Lorna