Hi all

I have recently joined NRAS and thought I would introduce myself to you all. My name is Marion and I am 53 years old and live with my partner Dave. I have 2 grown up children (Faye & Emma) and 2 wonderfull grandsons (William and Lennon) and have great support from them all. I was diagnosedwith RA 6 years ago after 2 years of hell trying to get anyone to listen. I am on methotrexate as I've been too scared to try the other drugs. Up until very recently I have been doing OK although there are numerous things i can no longer do like playing with the grandchildren or walking for any length of time and as for bending down or wearing nice shoes I cant remember when I was last able to do either of those things..........

I work full time for the NHS as a administrator but am finding this increasingly difficult as typing and taking minutes at meetings that last for 3 hours at a time, means I find it very difficult to move afterwards. This puts me under a great deal of stress which only adds to the problems as this adversly affects the RA. I am off work at the moment as I am in the middle of a flare up and before i go back to work I get to go to see occupational health again to prove that i am doing everything I can to ensure I stay well........ why can't I get them to understand that a flare up of the RA is not in my control and constantly having to prove I'm not swinging the lead is wearing very thin and adds to the difficulties and delays my progress. I am so very tired of it all I just want to run away and hide. I feel like i'm going mad.........

Having looked at some of the entries on this forum I applaud you all for your ability to stay sane and look forward to taking inspiration and comfort from your entries.

Thank you for listening to my ramblings.

Hello Maz and welcome to the forum. I am Naomi, aged 47 from Devon and I was diagnosed in august last year so am still trying to get to grips with it all (despite being described as an 'advanced member'). I do understand about how hard it can be to continue working. I have gone part time but still feel like I am hanging on by the skin of my teeth. Are you in a union? I found that my union have been really supportive when I've had to have absence review meetings at work. I, like you, have had a long battle to get a referral and diagnosis so already we have things in common. I hope to hear from you again. Best wishes from Naomi.

hi Marion,

welcome.

i was diagnosed June 2010 and to be honest still not 100% comes to terms with it, well i have in some ways but i don't look ahead .. take it a day at a time.

it is very tiring and challenging especially when starting a new drug etc.

i have found the forum invaluable for advice and support and so much knowledge.

i failed on Methotrexate and Hydroxy so Humira was added to the mix 6 months ago and i do feel a lot better on it, not sure if it's doing all it should but it's enough for me !!

keep posting there is always someone to help,

Suzanne x

Hello maz and a very big welcome from me

I'm jenni and am currently in hospital. I'm also 36 married, 3 children. Have dire ra and medically retired 5 yrs ago now

I don't like this culture in the Nhs and public service that if you are off sick you are lying and cheating the system. It's horrible and counter productive

I think jeans idea on the booklet is a strong one
I also think if not already the union are a place to turn to on this stuff
They could be making all kinds of helps available to you
Like for example dragon software (I use this) with a decent high quality head set.
A digital dictophone and pc package that automatically transcribe notes
(think it's called one page)

There's lots!

I understand re drugs but lots of people on here have had to do more than mtx and do well on it leading almost normal lives.

Love
Jenni xx

Hi all

thanks for all your kind words and good luck to us all in this struggle. I have already supplied my boss with a great deal of information about RA but she does not get it i'm afraid. she pushes our sickness policy at me and wraps it all up as if she is doing me some great favour by sending me to occy health. They however are not too bad but its difficult going over everything with yet another stranger. I am in the union but hadnt realised they might be able to help so I'll talk to them about the difficulties and see what happens. Thanks for the advice and keep poisitve.

thanks for your suggestions Jenni I wil explore these options. I hope you feel better soon and can get home to your family.

Hi Maz, welcome from me, Barbara 58 married to Roy 4 grown kids, two of each!! youngest, Georgia going to uni in September (hating the idea!!)

I was diagnosed in July 2009, currently on methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and waiting for my delivery of Humira.

You'll find this site invaluable, I would be lost without it, although I'm not on every day, (still working, I'm a childminder/nanny, and working part time) usually I'm so tired at the end of the day, so can imagine how hard it is for you. Jenni gave you some fantastic ideas, and you are definitely entitled to have equipment provided for you. I hope you find the site useful, and as helpful as we all do

Hi
Me again!

Have a look on the butyoudontlooksick website
On there is something called the spoon theory

Give it a go

I don't have cruciate ligaments
So need one of these David

http://www.physioroom.co...st_Op_Bracing/3336.html

My hosp got it for me
But you can buy one!
Lots on this website
David, a couple of yrs ago we looked at the naidex exhibition
It was great to go to
Everything was there!

Jenni xx

Thanks for the advise

David