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

Hi Sue

Hello and welcome to the forum, you are not alone with the RA and as you have no doubt seen already from the posts you will always get lots of support and advice on here, together with the NRAS helpline who are great too.

I am 55 with one boy of 20 still at home, was diagnosed about two years ago, have just started on the biologic called Cimzia hoping that does the job and gets me sorted ! I would suggest taking the methotrexate before you go to bed as the side effects will start taking effect during the next, might me worth a try.

Hope all goes well, keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.

Julia x

Hi Sue,

Welcome to the forum!
We all know exactly what you are going through and you will gets lots of support on here.
I am 61 and have had RA for 10 years, currently taking mtx and humira.
I live with my husband ,Ian, and we have a 22year old daughter.
Good luck with the mtx, I hope it works well for you.
Looking forward to getting to know you.

Love Doreen xx

Hi Sue

Welcome to the forum. I am Sheila aged 60 diagnosed 9 years and currently on mxt. You will start to feel better once your meds have kicked in. It can take 3 or 4 months before you get the benefit but at least you are in the system now. Good luck.

Sheila x

Hi Sue,

Anne here, 51 married with two boys 19 and 21 and a foster boy aged 9. Diagnosed May 2010 and currently on 25mg weekly MTX, started on a lower dose but had to be increased after a few blips.

Really hope that it kicks in for you soon, it has been a wonder drug for me so far (keeping everything crossed) and long may it continue.

No problem on this site is too big or small someone will have experienced it.

Take care

Anne x

Hi Sue

Lovely to "meet" you! I have a feeling you will fit in here VERY well, especially as you are a stuntwoman! We have an on-line pole and tassel dancing group and would be delighted to have you join us!!!! As you have probably realised, as well as offering each other support and encouragement, we laugh a lot too!

I'm Jean, 68, married to Steve with one daughter and 2 grandchildren. I've been diagnosed for about 9 years now and am reasonably well controlled on MTX and Hydroxychlorquine. I've had both knees and one hip replaced and am currently loosing weight to raise some funds for NRAS and try to give my poor old joints a chance!

I can still remember feeling absolute c*** when I started taking MTX but, thankfully the horrors wore off after about 6 weeks. If they dont, you could always ask for MTX injectable, which by-passes your tum. Actually, that would put more pressure on your remaining kidney, wouldn't it? It's a bit of a poser, and I hope and pray your consultant will sort it out for you.

I look forward to getting to know you.

Love Jeanxx

Hi Sue

A big welcome to the forum and the RA "family". My "relatives" are wonderful. They listen to the moaning, they offer good advice and they make me laugh along the way.

I hope you start to feel benefit from your Methotrexate. Don't expect miracles overnight. Have patience, rest and an understanding that this disease is very unpredictable but can be under better control with a little trial and error.

Take care

Jackie
xx

I have perfected that stunt too Sue, and ended up with a black eye!

Hope you are ok after it.

Doreen xx

You'll soon realise than Doreen is a bit, shall we say "different", Sue - and that's a very polite way of putting it.

Hi Sue

A belated welcome to the forum. A great place to be for support and information; lots of folk, lots of knowledge, a wealth of tried and tested experiences and 'a barrel load of stunts along the way! Glad you have found us and NRAS!

I'm Lyn, married to Mike, we have four 'kidults' Abby 23, Ian and Jake 18, and Louis 16. We live in Thornton Cleveleys in north west Lancashire. I was diagnosed with RA 23 years ago and have since run the gauntlet of medication and had several surgical procedures along the way. Currently on Enbrel (been on Biologics for 8 years), Prednisolone, Methotrexate and Naproxen and a wagon load of pain killers and other bits and pieces! But heyho...

Look forward to getting to know you.

Lyn x