Hi everyone!
I'm Sue and I'm new here. I'm a 41 year old mother of 4 from Essex. I was diagnosed with RA by a fab rheumy at Southend Hospital two weeks ago, after a few years of pain and swelling in my knees that was so bad I couldn't wear my skinny jeans. It eventually spread to my hands; in the past 4 months I have broken 12 wine glasses and dropped the iron on me (my husband has insisted I get an ironing lady now....YES!!!).
I have had 6 months of being told by various doctors I have OA, gout, I "ski too much" and should stop wearing such ridiculous heels (although how my heels affect my hands is still a mystery). I only have one kidney, the other was taken out when I was 19 and about to start medical school. It was only when I mentioned to the Ortho at the hospital that 8 nurofen a day wouldn't get rid of the pain, and would also poison my kidney, that he sat up and decided to refer me. I was alos crying at the tie as I had fallen down the stairs for the 4th time that week, and actually tumbled at one point (hence the stunt woman).
I had my first dose of methotrexate 15mg, yesterday and felt a bit rubbish: nausea, tiredness and a headache. I still have the headache, but that may be to do with the fact that its the 6 weeks holidays still grrrrr.I can't take any nsaids because of my kidney, so rheumy is trying to sort out an exotic cocktail for my pain relief. I'm trying so hard to stay positive and ignore the "My nan gets that when its cold" comments...I put a very stroppy facebook status on yesterday, and today updated it to "God has given me RA because he knows I'm a strong enough b***ch to take it ;)" I got quite a few likes, and interestingly enough lots of people asked me about the condition.
Anyway, than you for your time and I'm looking forward to getting to know you all
Sue x
