Sending gentle hug first x

By all means call the rheumy department and speak with the nurses (I ring up the hospital helpline and nurse calls back) if no luck - ask the switchboard to put you through to the pa of rheumy consultant.

When I was first diagnosed, I couldn't move a few days after seeing rheumy consultant for the first time. By early Sat I just could not move only shuffle along and my hands were like stone, so I got my hubby to drive me to a & e - my little one was 14 weeks old. They were fantastic in a & e - booked me in over nite, did xrays of hands/fingers/wrists. I started a course of oral steriods.

It was sad because my hubby had to go home with our baby daughter because I wasn't able to keep her with me (insurance reasons).

BUT I was so happy that a & e looked after me, even though there was no rheumy people working over the weekend.

If you can't wait till after bank holiday weekend - go and see a & e.

Sarahkat, it is understandable to be tearful and upset, I truly understand how you are feeling. I am sure many other people with ra understand as well.

Let us know how you get on.
Xxx

I am so sorry you are suffering. When you are first diagnosed there is so much to get your head around and dealing with the pain can be awful. Unfortunately stress can make it worse so it can become a viscious circle. Pain makes you stressed, stress makes the pain.

When I was diagnosed three years ago I was in terrible pain and on Tramadol (morphine based). My lovely Husband bought me a tens machines which I used a lot. The first twelve months can be very daunting and you really have to stand up and shout that you need help. Hopefully they have put you on Methotrexate but unfortunately this can take up to twelve weeks to start working so you really need to get some good pain killers sorted. A course of oral steroids may also help you.

It has taken me a good three years to get my head around the fact that I have RA but the more you talk about it and the more you read, the easier it will get for you.

As Jane suggests, if it gets bad take yourself off to A&E. It won't be the first time they have dealt with an RA patient and you will not be wasting their time. You have been diagnosed with a chronic incurable disease and it can really hurt.

Take care

Jackie
xx

Hi Sarah,

I'm really sorry you are feeling so bad. You are not imagining it I'm afraid. But you are not alone either.

Once you get some DMARDS (disease modifying drugs) things will hopefully get better for you.

If necessary in the mean time you could consider asking your GP for a prescription for codeine phosphate (the strong component of co-codamol. One codeine is about double the dose in two co-codamol, and you can take two codeine at a time, ie four time the dose of codeine you are currently on. Do not take double co-codamol though as that will give you too much paracetamol.

Also try to take it easy, have warm baths or showers if they help, and if you have any other things that relieve pain for you try those.

And cut way down on busying until you are feeling better.

Good luck