Hi there, my name is Lisa and I am 47 years old. I have been meaning to join this site for years but always felt if I did, I was acknowledging that I needed help. Sorry Im not very good at telling people about me and telling anyone that I have RA. I have had it for 13+ years. When I was first diagnosed one doctor told me I had it and his partner told me I didnt !! So I never went back and tried to ignore the symptoms. I didnt even know what it was. Finally after not being able to get out of bed I went to see my new G.P who referred me to Rheumatologist but my blood tests came back normal and the Rheumatologist said to come back in 4 months. This went on for a few years with no medication until I asked my G.P. to send me to another one. I then met my current( well he has just retired) Rheumatologist and his wonderful nurse.

I unfortunetely had allergic reactions to Humira and Enbrel. Methetrexate tablets gave me stomach problems too. I switched to injections and have been better.
I am married with 3 children ( ages 23, 20 and 17) they all try to help when days are bad.
I have had to give up work ( I used to work in a funeral home) and this has been the most frustrating part having RA, losing a lot of my independence and life outside of home.

I hope somewhere along the way I can help with a listening ear or contribute to a problem

Hi Lisa, and welcome to the forum - I`m glad you decided to join us. There`s always lots of info, support and empathy on here.

I`m Kathleen, married to Nick, and we have two sons and two little grandsons. We live up north in Durham. I`m currently taking humira, and various other painkillers etc.

Keep posting,

Kathleen C x

Hi Lisa

A warm welcome to the forum where you will find lots of help advice and support.

I am 57 and have been diagnosed for 5 years currently on Enbrel and Methotrexate which is working well for me. I am married with 3 grown up children and 5 grandchildren.

Look forward to hearing more from you.

Best Wishes

Sue

hi Lisa,

welcome from me too.

you will find so much support and advice on here.

i was diagnosed 18 months ago and having failed on Methotrexate and Hydroxy have started on Humira which has shown a good improvement in the first month.

i'm 58 married with a grown up daughter,

Suzanne x

I'm not too sure about this, Lisa, as it could be several things. I would say please get in touch with your Rheumatologist asap - don't leave it to the GP who doesn't have specialist knowledge. Hope you get some advice soon. I have all sorts of wierd rashes which appear from time to time - the latest is thought to be related to the shingles I had in January!!! The rheummy and the GP are discussing whether to treat me or send me to a dermatologist. Happy days!

Love Jeanxxxx

Hi Lisa,

I am Lorna, I have had RA for almost 4 years. Like you I took years to join, my excuse was it hit me so hard in the beginning and I was so ill will it. I did not want to know what was in front of me then. I am 52 and married to my lovely husband Ken and have 3 lovely daughters. I joined last year and like others have made lots of new friends. It the place to be when you need to talk as we have all been there and understand how difficult things can be at times. I am sorry to hear you have not had an easy time of things. Hopefully your RA will settle down soon and make things easier for you. Where are you from, I'm from the North in Scotland.

Nice to see you posting
Take care Lorna x

Hello Lisa,

Welcome to the forum but sorry that you have RA. The forum is excellent
for advice, friendshop and moans. You will be pleased you joined.

Yes I agree that RA is horrid, however coming on here will certainly help
you.

I am Rose aged 57 from Somerset. I was diagnosed in 2008 . Failed on
DMARDS and 1 tnf and last week I had my first infusion of Rituxumab.
So fingers crossed this will help me. I was working very full time as a Manager
of a Insurance Broker, but now due to being poorly I only work 12 hours
pw.

Keep posting

Rose x

Hi Lisa

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 and NRAS!

I'm Lyn, married to Mike, we have four 'kidults' Abby 23, Ian and Jake 18, and Louis 17. We live in Thornton Cleveleys in north west Lancashire. I was diagnosed with RA over 23 years ago and have since run the gauntlet of medication, had several surgical procedures along the way and looks like more in the offing! Currently on Prednisolone, Methotrexate and Naproxen. Been on anti-tnf for 8 years but just stopped due to lack of efficacy, and starting Rituximab next week. Add to that little lot a bucket load of pain killers and other bits and pieces! But heyho...

Keep posting Lisa

Lyn x

Hi Lisa and welcome
I'm so glad you've joined. I am the same age as you but have only been diagnosed for a couple of months. I'm afraid I can't offer any advice about the rash on your arms but I expect someone else will be able to help. You are certainly in the right place for help, advice and support and I'm sure you have a lot to offer to us too as you have quite a lot of RA experience under your belt.
Hope to get to know you better soon.
Best wishes from Naomi.

Hi Lisa from another Lisa. I am 43 married to Robert and I have had RA for 10 years. I fully understand how you are feeling and hope that you can get support and infomation from the site. I have certainly got a lot from it over the years.

Best wishes
Lisa