Hi gogs,

Welcome to the forum.

I am sorry we have to meet this way, with R.A, but I find your posts to be articulate and

expressive.

My name is Fiona, I'm 55 and have had R.A for about 17 or 18 years now.

I will keep an eye out for your posts and hope to keep in touch via the website!

Warm wishes to you.

Fiona

Hello Fiona and Julie,

Thank you so much Fiona for those kind words!

I went to my GP's yesterday and saw a different doc. Initially I had a lovely doc. but sadly she was a locum who moved on in July which was also after I had also immediately been diagnosed with RA.
I then went to see another partner in the practice whom I felt experienced my saga as a complete yawn. I decided I might be judging her too harshly and should wait until my next
visit which produced the same feeling.
I might add at this point that I'm going through a nasty grievance situation at work relating to bullying over a period of two years, I came off work in April, Had a knee op early June,
was diagnosed with RA at the end of June, my husband had a stroke early July, and I was further diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis in August. Enough of that but I need a supportive GP.

I tried another one yesterday and he seemed very sympathetic and supportive - so here's hoping things look up again as I need that support especially with work.

I think also I might be getting back some twinges of pain in my feet ( it's nearly four weeks since my last injection which I reluctantly agreed to have, but surprised me how well and painfree it made me), I hope not as I have made all sorts of plans for my husband to be looked after allowing me to take a weeks holiday.
A friend of mine, who is also at the top of her field as a Pharmacist, told me that the steroid injections last three months. This must surely be an academic view point and not one based
on experience as I have read many posts on this forum all stating that these injections last 3 days to 6 weeks - further input would be appreciated please.

I do find this forum and all of you very kind and helpful, and always full of very sound advice.

Thank you Julie and Fiona, and all of you for your sound input which I find very valuable.
Gogs

Hi Gogs,Oh my dear what an awful time you are having,I too have a lung problem Bronchiectasis also oesophagus as to be dialated twice a year.I take 20mg mtx sulphalazine every day steroids 30mg every day injection called Enbrel,my consultant really had to think hard as with a lung problem it almost impossible for treatments.I have been on the injections 9 months now.Yes!! i still have flare ups but not so often as i did.Do not give up hope Gogs there must be something out there for you.When you do have flare ups rest rest & more rest apply icepacks to the area take you pain killers.Hope you husband is a little better each day?
Keep strong
Valerie-R

Hi Gogs a belated welcome from me ! I'm a bit slow off the mark.
Just to say, definately, do not be afraid to speak out at your app.s and to express how you feel.
One thing I have really learned since having ra is not to be afraid of being a nuisance.
It is sometimes very difficult to express yourself when you are feeling very ill, low and unsure and we tend to think they are the professionals and they know best but we do have choices!
i used to be afraid of upsetting the apple cart, but think I have actually gained respect by speaking my mind and expressing my worries.
Money is a very big factor in drug decision making. Nice have guide lines that have to be adhered to.
Dmards did not do the job for me on their own and I an now on my third biologic, with successs at last.
Hope you get sorted soon. Steroids are a wonderful thing, glad you are feeling better.
Best wishes Zena x

Hi Gogs - hope you're having as good a day as possible - thinking of you and your hubby and wishing you both well - Sylvia xx