Hi eveyone new to the site and to RA just newly diagnosed only 39 and feel well older than that some days. Tried to read all the leaflets given but far too much to take in at once ,Feel guilty for putting on my husband is this normal even though he is great and understanding but still feel guilty.

Hi Becky,

Welcome. Yes it terribly mind blowing when you are first diagnosed. I was diagnosed in May 2010 and crikey I had so many questions, felt so tearful, but I quickly found this site and it really helped me, no question was to small, they have so much information on here, never be afraid to ask about something however trivia it may seem, someone on here will be able to help.

I'm Anne 51 years old married with two boys 19 and 20 and a fosterboy 9 years.

The only drug I have taken so far is Methotrexate, and apart from a few blips here and there it has been brilliant, but I'm under no illusions that it will work forever, what have you been prescribed?

With respect to putting on my husband this is something I personally try not to do, although there have been occasions when I havn't been able to drive or lift, but they need to really understand what you are going through because you do need emotional support especially at the beginning when you are trying to come to terms with it.

Keep posting and take care.

Anne x

Hi Becky
Im Ceri 43 and diagnosed May 09.. Still struggling to come to terms with it, but its great that you've joined us, we all understand what you're going through and I constantly feel guilty about putting on my husband and not being able to do the things I used to do..Please ask for help when you need it though and keep posting on here. What meds are you on? Look forward to getting to know you.
Love Ceri x

Hi Becky

A big welcome to the forum, you will get so much understanding and support when needed and provides such a wealth of info I know sometimes I can t find anywhere else and I certainly do lots of Google searching into the RA, having only had it myself for just over two years now. I m 55 with one boy of 20 still at home and studying at a local uni. I think Sara has it right about husbands ( I was careless and lost mine, now divorced ) because they love you it will never be like hard work and if the shoe was on the other foot you know you would do the same for them.

I hope the meds you have been put on are doing their job, no doubt it is methotrexate which is classed as the gold standard and works incredibly well for so many of us.

Best wishes Julia x

Hi everyone on metharexate 20mg seems to be working fingers crossed but still having flare ups but time will tell.Thanks for all the words of support has picked my spirits up,as for my hubby he has read the leaflets and he says he does it cuz he loves me but feel guilty but we getting there.We have a beautiful daughter 21 and she has given us two wonderful grandkids so they keep me going Thanks again to ya all will keep posting x

Hi Becky

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! Glad you have found us!

I'm Lyn, married to Mike, we have four 'growing-up' children and live in Thornton Cleveleys in north west Lancashire. I was diagnosed with RA 23 years ago, aged 31, and have since run the gamut of medication (although more options are popping up now and again thankfully!) and had several surgical procedures along the way. Currently on Enbrel, Methotrexate, Prednisolone and Naproxen, and a wagon load of pain killers! Been largely out of control for the last 12 months, but heyho things can only get better ... hopefully!

As Jean says joining a local group would be good support for you and a place to meet with others with RA. Actually, Jean is hoping you live near Bolton and I'm keeping fingers crossed you live near Blackpool!! There are 40 or so groups now around the UK and the number is growing on a regular basis!

Pleased to hear that the Methotrexate seems to be working; it's well tried and tested and is the standard drug used in early treatment. Keep posting, look forward to getting to know you.

Lyn x

Hi Becky

Welcome to the forum but sorry you have RA. It is early days and even after two years I still have to turn to my wonderful friends on this site for info and support. You will get there and once you feel a little more in charge of this disease, this will help you be more positive. The first few weeks/months after diagnosis are mind boggling in themselves. What you do have by the sounds of it is the support of a wonderful partner. This is more than half the battle. Do not feel guilty. If the boot was on the other foot I am sure you would be the same with him.

Take care and keep posting.

Jackie
xx