Hi

My name is Deb and I'm 36 and was diagnosed with RA 6 years ago. I have been using the NRAS website for a while for information and recently decided to take the plunge and join up!

I currently take Celecoxib and Sulfasalizine which seem to keep my RA quite well controlled although I am currently having a lot of problems with a trochanteric bursa on my right hip. My hip is constantly sore and stiff and makes sleeping quite difficult and as I already get quite tired regularly during the day I am beginning to struggle at work.

My main other problem areas are my wrists and feet and not so regularly my left knee, I often wear wrists splints which I do find helpful as I work in an office which involves a lot of typing.

Unfortunately my employers are not very sympathetic or understanding and even the smallest request for help ends up in a major battle. They added a diffuser to the air con unit above my desk last year when the trouble with my hip began and this was great as it kept the cold flow of air off my hip as the draught increased the pain and stiffness significantly. Several weeks ago they moved me from that desk to one that is four desks down where the flow of cold air is significantly stronger. I have made repeated requests to be moved back so that I continue to benefit from the diffuser that was fitted specifically for me but have been told 'it isn't practical' to do so. So I am now back to square one and in a continous and significant amount of pain and stiffness caused by the constant flow of cold air blowing directly onto my right hip - aargh!!

Luckily my husband is fantastic and very supportive otherwise sometimes I think I would go mad!

Deb xx

Hi Deb

Welcome to the forum - a great place for support, encouragement and friendship. As you have probably noticed, we tend to have a laugh too!

It's good to hear that your drug regime is helping but not so good to hear about your employment probs. I am sure when Rich and Bob pick up your post, they will come back to you. They are both experts in different area of employment.


I'm Jean, 68, husband Steve, daughter Lucy & s-i-l and two lovely grandkids.

Looking forward to getting to know you. Keep posting

Love Jeanxx

Hi Deb

A warm welcome to the forum, and hope you can now get matters sorted with your employment issues.

I was wondering whether you should have a word with your rheumy team and see whether you may need to adjust your medication as you mention you are beginning to struggle at work.

Take care and hoping all goes well for you.

Julia x

Hi Deb

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 north west Lancashire. I was diagnosed with RA 23 years ago 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 15 months and far from good right now. But heyho ...

I had problems with trochanteric bursitis a couple of years ago. It caused a lot of pain making sitting, sleeping and walking (is there anything left? ) very difficult, as I'm sure you understand! My Rheumatologist organised a large steroid injection by ultrasound and within days there was a huge improvement. Since then it has not been a problem. Here's a link which makes interesting reading. I had previously had steroid injections without ultrasound guidance but these made not a ha'peth of difference!

Do give the Helpline a call they will be able to send you the booklets mentioned in previous posts. As Julia suggested perhaps time for a review of meds ... no medals for struggling on when help may be available!

Look forward to getting to know you

Lyn x

Hi Deb,

Welcome to the forum, glad you decided to join us!
I am 61 and have had RA for 10 years, now taking mtx and humira.
Looking forward to getting to know you.

Love Doreen xx

Hi Debbie

I am wondering where you go for your Rheumatology? There are some really excellent Rheumatology centres in and around Manchester, and you could always ask for a change if you are not happy.

Love Jeanxx

hi Deb,

welcome aboard,

as you can see you will get lots of advice and support on here.

diagnosed 16 months ago, failed on Methotrexate and Hydroxy .. going to start Humira this week ( not looking forward to it but know i have to )

fatigue and tiredness are a huge part of RA, always told to pace yourself but some days are difficult too.

keep posting,

Suzanne x

Thanks for your reply JeanB, I am currently under Dr McKenna (athough I have never seen him in 6 years!) at Trafford General and occasionally go up to Altrincham General, I do think the appointments I have at Altrincham are better than those at Trafford but I live and work within 10 minutes of Trafford so it is more practical for me to attend there.

I only found out I had a Trochanteric Bursa after checking up on my symptoms on the internet and then when I discussed it with my physio she said oh it is definately a bursa as I've seen your xray and it is mentioned in your notes, but I had always been under the impression from the member of the consultancy team I see that she wasn't sure what it was and yet I had discussed it with her on several occasions over the space of more than a year.

Thanks Deb x

Hello from me too, i'm Shirley, aged 50 and diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago.

Hope you get your work problems sorted out soon.

Love Shirley x

Hi Deb. I am glad you have managed to get your appointment moved forward. If you can get an injection you will feel better in no time and it gives you more time for your meds to kick in. I hope your compassionate employer comes good too.

Sheila x