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Rank: Newbie  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/2/2011 Posts: 6 Location: Birmingham
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Hi my name is Claire and I am 33 years old. I am a single mum to a 9 year old gorgeous girl Emily. I was diagnosed 2 years ago and am currently taking my Methotrexate and folic acid. Seems to be ok but still have occasional flare ups!! I work full time in a school office so am constantly on the go. Can't bear it when the pain is in my knees and feet!! But thought I would give the forum a go as I am sure my friends, good as they are, get fed up of me moaning about my bones!!!!!!!  Think I get my head around the idea of RA and then I get a flare up!! Oh well I just keep telling myself there are people in the world who are a lot worse off than me!!! Not the cheeriest if introductions to myself.....but look forward to hearing from you all Claire xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,689 Location: Durham
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Hello Claire, and a warm welcome to the NRAS forum! There is lots of info, empathy, and humour on here - and no one will ever mind if you come on and have a moan, as we`ve all done that! Unfortunately the flares still come and go, but hopefully your meds will keep things relatively under control. I`m Kathleen, age 60, married to Nick. We have two sons & two little grandsons. We live up north in Durham, and I`m currently on humira, plus various strengths of painkillers etc. Take care, Kathleen C x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/19/2010
Posts: 384
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Hello Claire,
I'm Anne 51 years old married with two sons 19 and 20 and a fosterboy aged 9.
I was diagnosed in May 2010 and put on MTX and folic acid, apart from a few blips here and there it has worked well for me (fingers crossed) so far.
I to use to work in a school office, a large secondary with over 2,000 pupils but on the front line with the lovely parents, so I can imagine how busy you must be. Not a day went by without some abuse directed at me. You definately need a sense of humour to work in that type of enviroment.
In the early days I use to come on this site everyday to gather as much information as possible, there is so much knowledge on here and noone minds if you moan, they have been there, done it and dealt with it.
Look forward to reading your posts.
Anne x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Hi Claire
Moan away - we ALL do it!!! Welcome to the forum!
I'm Jean, married to Steve with one daughter and 2 fab grandkids. I've had Ra for 9 ish years and am on Mtx, hydroxychloroquine and loads of painkillers. The RA is presently not controlled and we are looking at other meds if things don't improve rapidly.
Looking forward to getting to know yoyu
Love Jeanxxx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/18/2010 Posts: 1,098 Location: farningham kent
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Hi Claire, Welcome to the forum, whenever you need any advice and support there will always be help  I have had RA for just over two years now, and just started on the Biologic Cimzia having failed on infliximab and dmards. I have two children in their twenties with the boy still at home with me, plus off course my two pugs Nelson and Phoebe ! Keep posting and take care, don t overdo it at work  Julia x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/18/2010 Posts: 351 Location: Herne Bay Kent
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Hi Claire Welcome to the forum, as has already been said you will find it a fantastic place to find out information, have a moan and meet lots of people who understand exactly what you are going through. My name is Sue and I have been diagnosed 5 years and am currently on Enbrel and Methotrexate which is holding this horrible disease at bay at the moment. Hope you continue to keep well. Look forward to hearing from you some more. Best Wishes Sue
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/5/2010 Posts: 364 Location: mid glamorgan
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Hi claire
Welcome from me too, Im Ceri 43 and diagnosed May 09. I have 3 children, 2 girls have moved out just my son Aled who's 18 at home. Im currently on mtx 20mg injections and infliximab infusions (which are not working). I work in a GP surgery but have been off sick since May as the RA is running riot!
We all moan on here feel free! Look forward to getting to know you.
Ceri x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/28/2011 Posts: 956 Location: North Preston
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Hi Claire. Welcome to the forum, you will not be disappointed. My name is Sheila I am 60 married to Dave with 2 wonderful sons Ben 28 and Joe 25. I was diagnosed 9 years ago and am currently on mxt. Probably going to be starting something else soon but don't know what yet. You have definitely done the right thing by joining the forum. You can have a good old moan, share problems, tips and experiences, speak to people who know what you are going through and you can also have a lot of laughs. It is great to hear all about other people and how they cope etc. I found some of the stories a bit scary at first because there are some very poorly people on the forum but their courage and stoicism is amazing. I get great strength from hearing their stories and they inspire me so I hope this will be the same for you. Remember that everyone is different. RA affects people in different ways and lots of people manage very well on their medication. If you need to know anything, it doesn't matter how trivial or silly it sounds, we have all asked the same questions so don't be frightened. We are all friendly and want to help so keep posting. Speak to you again soon.
Sheila x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Claire,
Welcome to the forum, where we never get bored with people's moans! There is always a sympathetic ear on here.
I am 61 and have had RA for 10 years, now on mtx and humira. I live with my husband and 22year old daughter who is about to fly off to Canada in the next few days!
Looking forward to getting to know you.
Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 714
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Hi Claire A big welcome from me. This forum is full of wonderful, caring people so you have found the right place. I am 48 and was diagnosed two and half years ago and going through a very large list of medications. My biggest challenge is working full time but I am plodding on. Only another 19 years to retirement  Keep posting and take care. Jackie xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/12/2011 Posts: 124 Location: Wilts, nr Stonehenge
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Welcome Claire. I'm Tracy, 40, diagnosed Feb 2010. I am a single parent of a 16 yr old boy, who has just left school. I am on triple therapy + oral steroids + anti-inflams + Biologic injections 'Cimzia' which at first was like injecting a miracle, but seemed to have gone down hill rapidly. The ladies have said it all, kind, warm and very supportive people on here. I too find it difficult to 'moan' to family and friends, so the forum is an essential part of my evenings, especially with no partner to talk to. I too work in secondary school as a Pastoral Manager. Keep posting and I look forward to getting to know you Trace xx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/18/2010 Posts: 1,098 Location: farningham kent
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Sorry to interrupt the post Hi Trace You poor thing, I don t know how you manage to keep going with work and everything, and really sorry that you are having so much trouble trying to get onto the right meds. I have just started Cimzia, hoping for the best but having failed on another one so don t want to build hopes up too much just in case it doesn t work. They do reckon it is fairly fast acting, and as you say looked really promising at the beginning. I gather you are still persevering, from what I have read about the the drug, you should see improvements within the first 12 weeks, have you discussed any of this with your rheumy nurse ? Thinking of you Julia xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 263
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Hello Clair and welcome. I dont post a lot but get heaps of help and advice from all the helpful people on the forum.
If i am worried about anything i feel better when i share it with my forum friends. Good luck !
Kathleen Mc.
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/2/2011 Posts: 6 Location: Birmingham
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Thanks everyone!!!!!! Wasnt expecting any replies so to get so many THANK YOU!!!  The methetrexate does seem to help keep it under control but do occasionally have these flare ups when I have been over doing it!!!! My biggest problem is when i tell a lot of people i have RA they look at me in disbelief followec by the comment "You arent old enough!!!!" Which I should take a compliment but at 33 years old most mornings I am shuffling round like a 93 year old!!! Hey ho!!!! Can't wait to get to know you all and getting all your hints and tips!!!! Claire xx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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As I'm an old bird I don't have the problem of people wondering why I shuffle. Just wondering whether you have come across any of those lovely folk who say "oh..I've got that in my big toe" or "My gran had that and cured it with gnats pee" (one of Jenni's sayings!) If you haven't don't worry - you will!!
Love Jeanx
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/2/2011 Posts: 6 Location: Birmingham
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Ha ha ha ha I wil keep that in mind ...... am sureI will start chuckling when someone does say it too me!! xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hello Claire,
A big welcome from me. I am Rose, aged 57 from Somerset, married with 2 children and 1 Granddaughter aged 7.
I was diagnosed in 2008. Been on mtx, hydro, leflun, and started 8th June Humira, although you will see my post
under 'drugs / humira' - not very well.
This forum is excellent, never be scared to moan and groan, ask questions however small. Also making good friends
and getting tips and advice.
I know what you mean when you try and steer clear of the 'RA' with your friends. I have lots of very close friends
and sometimes I have to stop myself rambling on and on. I come on this site and then everybody else 'gets it'.
Look forward to hearing from you
Rose
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/24/2011
Posts: 21
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Hello Claire, Welcome to the forum! My name is Rachael and I'm 38 years old, married with two children - ages 6 and 4yrs. I was officially diagnosed with RA approx 3-4 years ago, but my problems really began in earnest after my daughter was born 6 years ago. I have only been a member of the forum myself for a month or so now, but have found people incredibly friendly and welcoming. I am presently on methotrexate and folic acid, and also taking steroids due to a recent flare. Hopefully due to start one of the anti-TNF drugs in the next few weeks, as things have been a bit more difficult. Hope you and your daughter are enjoying the summer holidays. Hope to get to know you more soon! Rachael x
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/2/2011 Posts: 6 Location: Birmingham
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Thanks Rachel..... We are definately enjoying the school holidays but have spent most of this week doing nothing as i got a bit carried away doing housework last week!!!
Unfortunately I am that shattered after work normally save it till the weekend and then as we get closer to school holidays and the whoops!!! Go a bit crazy!!!
Thankfully have not had to have steroids for a good while but if my flare up is paticularlly bad Diclofenac helps!!
In 2 days i am already finding how friendly everybody is.... and its really nice to know I am not on my own...... which sounds a bit mad but think you all know what I mean!!!!!
xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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Hello Claire I see you have met most of the crazy bunch!
I am Jenni and 35yrs old. I am married with 3 children who are 16, 14 and 3.
I have severe RA I'm afraid so failed all the drug options and waiting to hear about an experimental treatment from America.
I worked as a teacher for almost 10 yrs before taking ill health retirement a few yrs ago, I cant say that life is great physically right now but my mind is buzzing with thoughts of social enterprise and Im busy doing lots of setting these up for our community benefit!
One of the best things I ever did was to join NRAS and I love to support them- part of this is writing on here and I love to welcome people and "chat"
Jennihow to be a velvet bulldoser
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