hi Lisa,

to say i was in a state when i was diagnosed almost 3 years ago is an understatement to say the least!! in the first week i lost over half a stone in weight and i was eating,

i couldn't take it in, and in fact i knew very little about this disease. i fortunately have a fantastic Rheumy Nurse who i saw frequently in the beginning and i could also phone her and talk within 24 hours. i also rang the NRAS Helpline back then, and went to my very trusted GP. i found this circle a great support for me, and made me realise that this can be controlled with the right drugs.

the main factor being that the drugs can take a while to work, ( at least 3 months with Methotrexate )

so i would use all the support network you can, i didn't want to know the what if's and but's .. i just wanted re-assurance in abundance and i have to say i got it. and now three years on i am doing well on my cocktail of drugs .. i don't find each new drug easy to start but my confidence grows after a while.

your emotions will be all over the place so reach out to all the above who i am sure will support you.

the one thing i have learnt by being a forum member is that we are all different and what work's for one doesn't work for all.

so keep positive and take it day by day,

sorry i can't be of more help just to re-assure you that i was definately in a bad place when diagnosed, but have come a long way since.

Suzanne

Yes Lisa, it's a huge shock to the system, both physically and emotionally and it often takes a while to sink in. In the early days of my illness i was very frightened, isolated and utterly distraught. I had an explosive type onset (after vague symptoms for years) and couldn't even feed myself or get up unaided. I had a hard time that first year but I can honestly say now that I'm mostly at peace with it all. Somehow you adjust and move forward with a new life. Support from other people who really get what you're going through is very important. This forum is great and I have a lot of Facebook friends and RA groups to stop me feeling isolated. Ask any questions you want. I had so many at the beginning and it's good to get educated about what you're up against. Don't worry about taking it all in in one go. Acceptance can come in stages as and when you're ready. Remember the NRAS helpine is there if you need it. I rang twice in the early days and howled with grief down the phone. They can also fix you up with a buddy who's been where you are now but is in a positive place and moving on with life. Remember too that things are likely to get a whole lot better once your drugs kick in. If there's anything I can do to support you then just say. XXXXXXXXXX

Hello Lisa,

It's heavy going, and although the disease is VERY real and has lots of physiological effects it how you deal with it all in your mind, that's the real battle.

I tend to swing about between thinking I need to be super woman and then thinking I'm being rediculous and should be a patient ill in her bed!

There's a middle ground and I'm getting better at finding it, but its easier to think middle ground thoughts when the ra is calmer and I'm doing a little better (which I am on these big dose steroids).

Steroids can affect mood, so watch out for signs of being blue and tearful and do not put up with it. We have lots of things we have to live with when you have ra but depression is treatable and not necessarily with more pills
I've found CBT very helpful indeed, this has been offered as part of my pain management strategy.

All the best to you
Jenni.