Hi all.

Just thought I'd reintroduce myself as I haven't been on here for over 12 months because of one thing or another.

I'm 34 years, married with three young children (7, 6 and 4) and was diagnosed with RhA when I was 25. Up until five years ago I worked as a Podiatrist in a General Hospital and, funnily enough, 'specialised' in Rheumatology Podiatry! I made a very tough decision to give up NHS work due to the effect that the workload was having on me, my family and my RhA. Two years ago I took a positive step to set up my own business providing virtual secretarial services to small businesses, individuals and organisations - which is proving to be very successful as I now have two people working for me. As I work from home I am able to work when I physically can (and it doesn't matter that I'm still in my pyjamas when I'm working). Even though it was a difficult decision to give up the work that I really enjoyed and had planned to do for life, I now feel that I can look forward once again.

I also appreciate that I am very fortunate to have a supporting network of family and friends around me that help us when needed - especially at this time of year; hubby is a sheep farmer and we're in the middle of the lambing season so extremely busy here at the moment!

I now take Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Omeprazole, Folic Acid and either Ibuprofen, Codeine or Tramadol (depending on degree of pain) and RhA is reletively well-controlled. We don't have a local Rheumatology clinic here in Mid-Wales so RhA management tends to get left to GP's after initial consultation. I've found that because I have the background knowledge of RhA I tend to get asked what I think the best course of treatment would be for me - I've come to the conclusion there are many advantages of pleading ignorance!

Looking forward to catching up with all your posts.

Hi Sara,

I'm Anne 51 years old and joined last May.

Well done in facing up to your RA and making a career change that suits you and your family.

Never say never maybe in the future you could return to the joys of working with peoples feet.

Look forward to reading your posts.

Anne x

hi Sara,

welcome back.

well done for changing career path so successfully .. glad it has worked out so well.

i remember at an NRAS meeting last year the Co-Ordinator mentioned it is a lottery with Rheumatology Departments across the country and mentioned Wales was not a good place.

i'm 57 and was diagnosed last June, in the process of going onto Anti-TNF.

Suzanne x

Hi Sara,

I am Lorna, I have had RA for just over 3 years now. I was very ill at the start but improved dramatically with the triple therapy. I now keep very well as long as I do not overdo things. Welcome back to the forum, nice to hear from you, You seem to be well controlled now: A business and a young family, you are doing really well. I feel for you having RA since you were mid twenties. Keep posting and look after yourself.

Take care Lorna xx