hi Folks - my first time on here on this part of the forum.

I was diagnosed very quickly about 14 months ago. My knuckle joints and index fingers suddenly swelled up but my gp knew what it was and referred me straight away. I also had a huge shoulder pain problem at the same time. I tried MTX first but had really bad side effects so had to stop. Then tried Leflenomide and added sulphasalazine. Neither of these have really worked and my knees all started swelling up - I had to have the fluid drained off and have had steriod injections and infusions! I'm still on Leflen and Suphas and 15mg of prednisolne and I'm just about to start Humira - being delivered today. So I'll let you know if it works! Would like to know any of the early side effects if anyone has tried it, as I'm off on holiday abroad soon!!

I've also had Guillain Barre - which has caused a few complications to say the least - although I'm just left with chronic pain - and can't feel hot and cold - which is useful when taking things out the oven!!!

My biggest problem apart from the pain is tiredness! but I do make myself do something each day - like making coffee for our parent and toddler group. I was an open university lecturer but unfortunately haven't been well enough to get back to work yet.... looking doubtful now so I'm looking for things that I can manage to do.

I live near Fareham in Hampshire - but there doesn't seem to be a support group round here on the list. Although QA in Portsmouth does organise information days that I've been to.

Anne

Hi Anne,

Welcome to the forum!
I also had a quick diagnosis from my Gp 10 years ago,and went on to try several DMARDs, on their own and in combination. However, it wasn't until I started humira 3 years ago that I saw any improvement.
I still get the awful tiredness, but not as frequent as before, and still get the odd flare.
The only side effect I have had so far from humira is a red, itchy patch at the injection site which disappears after a couple of days.

Hope humira works well for you.
Doreen xx

hi Anne,

welcome aboard.

i'm currently on Methotrexate and Hydroxy but they haven't worked ... so going through the sessions to go onto Anti-TNF's.

let's hope the Humira works for you,

and i can relate to the tiredness, although i don't sleep well so that's half my problem.

let us know how you get on once you've started on it,

good luck

Suzanne x

Hi Anne,

Welcome to our forum it's a lovely place to come and share your stories. I myself could not be without all the support at the moment with my dad so ill. I am Lorna, I have had RA for just over 3 years, like you I was diagnosed very quickly, and was on the triple therapy within days of my diagnoses. I was affected in every joint and very severe at the time, I could do virtually nothing at all. But now I keep really well as long as I do not over do things. I am 51 and I am married to my husband Ken and we have 3 daughters, the youngest still in school. Looking forward to getting to know you.

Take care Lorna x