Hello everyone, my name is Wendy and I'm 44 years old, married to Adrian and we have a son called Lewis who will be 13 this month. I was diagnosed 17 years ago at the age of 27 so it's took me a long while to get here but better late than never!

Hi Wendy - and welcome to the forum. I'm Sylvia, 55 and was diagnosed May 2012. Last year, I visited the forum almost daily, for help and advice and general support. Since then I've progressed to being in remission (although I've got hand issues atm) and restarted work - part time - so I only get to visit once a week, but I still love to hear news of all the friends I've met here. I'm married to Andy, and have 4 teenage children. My youngest is also 13 - a girl called Georgie - very headstrong and definitely hitting "that age"; then there's Olivia - 15 and struggling through GCSEs; Kathryn is 18 and currently in Canada (back in April - can't wait!!!!!) and finally Alastair who's 19 and at uni.

Hope to hear more from you - best wishes - Sylvia

Hello Wendy!

I'm jenni, I am 37 now and have got a husband Richard and 2 adoptive teens and a bit of a surprise who is now 5.
The rheumatoid has decided to be aggressive on me and gone for the severe side of things

I visit this forum a few times a week and like to have a bit of banter and a giggle

I wondering what your interests are Wendy?
I've always been creative and having a go at sewing is my latest thing. I got a flash Sewing machine last August bank holiday and have fallen in love!
Silly I know!

Like you, I have had the ra a while now, I was about 20/21 when diagnosed
So the knowing on the body takes its toll and I've got the second knee due for replacement this year.

Anyway, enough waffle from me- welcome again :-)

hi Wendy,

welcome aboard.

i hate to hear it when people are diagnosed at such a young age, i can't imagine the journey you've been through.

do let us know how you are and what meds you are on.

i was diagnosed nearly three years ago now, took quite a while to get my RA under control ( about 18 months ) and now doing well these past 18 months. i'm almost 60 eeeekk with a grown up daughter and been married 40 years.

Suzanne

Hi Wendy

I am a newbie too, looking forward to getting to know everyone

Hi everyone and thank you so much for the very warm welcome. My journey so far has been emotional at times. Even though I've had RA for 17 years, it has taken me a long time to come to terms with it. I got off to a bad start when first diagnosed because my employers were not supportive at all. To cut a long story short, I was very ill and had time off which did not go down to well. I was scared, bewildered and vulnerable and gosh did they take advantage of that! You probably detect that I'm still very bitter about it all. (Note to self: Let it go Wendy!) In the end, with the full support of my wonderful husband, I decided to call it a day and concentrate on getting better. I would like to think that this wouldn't happen now but who knows? Maybe some of you have horror stories of evil employers??? Over the years I've been on a few DMARD's, an Anti TNF and a Biologic which have been either unsuccessful or I've reacted badly to them. These include, Sulphasalazine, Gold Injections, Methotrexate tablets & injections, Leflunomide, Etanercept Injections and now I'm currently on Rituximab infusions but sadly that seems to be iffy now. One thing I do struggle with as well as the pain is the fatigue, although I am getting much better at pacing myself now. Also, I am not ashamed to say how much this wretched disease has affected my mood over the years and chipped away at my confidence. However, I had CBT last year which really helped and I am currently on a self management course for people with long term conditions. I also started doing voluntary work for Arthritis Research UK last week. Just a couple of hours a week but it's so good to give something back. Anyhow, I seem to be waffling so I'll leave it there for now! Thanks again for your welcome messages.
Take care,
Wendy X

Hello to Suzanne - haven't talked to you in a while - hope you're planning a good do for the big six-0!!! Love and hugs - Sylvia

Hi Wendy - that's brilliant about the tea party! It's such a nice idea to share tea and cakes and raise money and awareness for such a worthwhile cause. I've been thinking about doing one at work - but somehow just haven't got around to it - you're an inspiration. Let us know what you plan to do cakeswise! - Best wishes - Sylvia

Hi Wendy

I was just diagnosed 3 weeks ago age 40. I am married with two wee boys of 7 and 9. I am not surprised you feel bitter about the way your work treated you but am glad you have got out as I am a firm believer that your mental state can have a knock-on effect on what is going on in the body. I have been started on methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine & prednisolone. The fatigue is one symptom which really annoys me especially with having the boys but as you say you need to learn to pace yourself.

Take care and speck soon.

LisaMcB xx

Hi Wendy,

I'm Fiona, nearly 56 now and diagnosed at 38.

I have 3 grown up kids in their 30's and a 12 year old Granddaughter. (Well she is 12 tomorrow!)

Well done for providing the Tea Party.

I am currently writing quite a lot under the Benefits section because I feel so very upset about the

changes which effect R.A sufferers and the horrible experiences I have had with ATOS the French I.T.

company awarded the Government contract to move all Benefit claiments over to E.S.A. So if you ever want to

read some cross rantings take a look!

I have Blogged on here too.

Kind regards,

Fiona