Hi Sally, and welcome to the forum, though I`m sorry you been diagnosed with RA.
Lisa has given a good explanation re the X-rays - at my hospital they take more X-rays periodically to check for any damage that may have been caused by the RA. I can well understand you feeling "fried" after your blood tests, X-rays etc. At my initial appointment they threw in a visit to the Occupational Therapist as well - I was reeling!
I was diagnosed in Jan 2006, and my first drug was sulphasalazine, like yourself - have they fixed up fortnightly blood tests? The steroid injections are brilliant - they sort of "tide you over" until the meds kick in, which can take 12 weeks sometimes.
You don`t say whether or not you have access to a rheumy nurse, who should be available on the end of a telephone - at least in theory, sadly not always in practice. They are a good source of help and support, at least mine certainly is.
If the sulpha doesn't work for you, there are other drugs out there.
I`m Kathleen, age 62, and I live up north in Durham.
Take care,
Kathleen x
