Hi everyone, 7 months since diagnosis now, methotrexate 15mg and 200 bd of hydroxchloquine. I am very lucky in that drugs are working well. I walk most days 40 min and up to two hours at the weekend. My question is that the other day I finished work (9-6) and tried to walk as normal but I only achieve a snails pace when I usually stride out. My hips just didn't seem to want to move that well and I only managed 10 mins returning home to collapse on the sofa. The following morning I was the same and it took until mid afternoon to feel 'normal' - is this the RA? Would welcome comments from those of you with more experience of RA.

Many thanks

Hi

Just think you are a testimony to life lived with fab meds
Really very impressed with that exercise too

Think you did right resting when your body told you to

The ra will bite you
It's not cured I'm afraid
But really good control will make flare ups less frequent

Take care

Hi Jenni - once diagnosed I decided to try to lose the excess weight to be kinder to my joints and try gentle exercise whilst I can. Very lucky as pain and stiffness has virtually disappeared on the meds. I reduced my hours at work slightly which has helped and the only issues is tiredness/fatigue some days.

Hi,

I am newly diagnosed in April this year and symptoms for 2 years..... walking is the main loss I am feeling right now as none of the meds I take seem to be kicking in just yet! walking is my lifeline and used to be able to go for hours now I am lucky to make a 10 min stroll!!

I live in hope that the meds will begin to take affect soon and get back to enjoying life again.

Hi Gill

I have found over the years several of my friends who don't know anything about R.A think you just take the drugs and then live a normal life. Unfortunately R.A can change in the blink of an eye, one day you can feel good and the disease is well controlled, the next day you feel like you have the flu and all your joints have seized up. It all varies from one person to another.

You doing amazing Gill to work from 9-6 then have a walk. It's a real balance getting enough rest to let your body recharge. But keep walking when you have enough energy because that will keep your joints and muscles strong.

Make the most of those good days...

All the best
Rebecca