Hi Lou
Have you called the NRAS helpline for a chat?
Start there - and see what they suggest.
Sometimes i have the steriod injection, and a few weeks later don't feel any better for it - i have called our ra helpline, which is an answerphone within the ra ward at Swindon hospital. They aim to return call within a few days (sometimes quicker). and they have been really helpful in finding time to come in for another jab.
a few months ago, they gave me 3 in one go, two went into each knee.
i can't have a jab until my rods have come out of my foot, and the skin has healed, they say it slows down the healing process.
is your doctor good with your ra? i don't bother mine, he took a while to take me seriously after i developed it.....i just had a baby.
Now i contact the ra helpline at the hospital.
i joined the nras because i felt i could get advice from people that have ra, and feel that im not going mad!
do some retail therapy on line.......like a order a pair of shoes! yesterday i was up at 2am, and could not sleep.....so i treated myself later in the morning.
do you read? i have a kindle, easy to hold/prop up in bed or when your fingers feel stiff. that's a good way of relaxing, and having time out. also, my husband bought me a small ipod last month for my birthday.....i plug myself in in the early hours, relaxing (sometimes i drift off)!
if you can, treat youself to a warm bath with some lovely smellies in!
im on the same dose of co-cod - the hospital gave the same dose after my foot op last week, can't face anymore at the moment......my tummy not liking it!
Chris Evans just said sun is on it's way the next 2 days.

take care Lou
let us know if you get your jab
jane
xxx

Thank you for your replies, I love this site because whenever you feel low you can guarantee it won't be long before someone hears your cry and responds, lots of support on here

Thank you Jane for your ideas, I do have an iPod so thats a great idea keeping that near by bed at night, I never think of these things! Didn't think of calling NRAS either, i always feel such a nuisance whenever i call my Nurse who is also the NRAS organiser for that area, i was say sorry to disturb you! Such a worrier!

i've just called in sick at work, my boss seemed ok, doesn't help i was off in May for a week with a RA flare but what can we do.

Jane i hope you recover soon from your op, blimey theres me moaning, you must be in a lot of pain, sorry

Take Care
Love Lou xx

Hi,

I just want to empathize with you. It is sooo hard, when you are aching all over and feeling tired, trying to carry on. People think, you are alright, because you don`t look different. I am lucky to be retired, I can`t imagine, how it must be, if you have to drag yourself to work and pretend to be well. I find the tiredness very hard to deal with and have to pace myself throughout the day. Doing too much and I suffer for it the next following days.

I am glad you have had a positive response and been given a depo injection. Remember to rest for 24 hours after, and don`t start overdoing things, when you start feeling better.

Take care,

Merete