Hi Cathy,

Oh dear, you are in the wars aren't you? Does the heaviness in you legs extend to the rest of your body? Because fatigue is a common component of RA and if it hits hard it could produce the symptoms you describe. In truth it's unrealistic to promise people that they will be back to normal as, unless they go into remission, there will always be some symptoms that limit what you can do. But that doesn't mean that you are destined for a life of constant pain and limitations - it all depends on your treatment and they can take up to 6 months or more to take effect.

It's really good you are going back to you doctor to explain how you feel.

Hi Cathy
Sorry you are feeling so bad at the moment

.I agree with everything Paul and Rebecca have said but would also add that Sulfasalazine,though it helped for a short while, actually made me feel VERY low and depressed and have heard of others who can't take it for the same reason.

Hopefully your GP can advise you on that one.

Take care and don't be too hard on yourself

Julie x

Hi Cathy, and welcome to the forum - but sorry you are having such a tough time.

RA has so many strands, and I sometimes think that not enough attention is paid to how terribly debilitating the fatigue is. This isn`t helped by the amount of medication we have to take, which is very much a process of trial and error until you find the one which works best for you.

Clearly, your GP needs to attend a course on how to speak to patients with a chronic illness - it`s support you need, not casual throw-away remarks like that.

I was already retired when I was diagnosed, almost 8 years ago now, but even so, I struggled terribly in the first 18 months, often in tears of pain and frustration. Luckily for me, my own GP was fantastic, and helped preserve my sanity while I struggled to come to terms with the limitations RA imposed on me. I also have a very good rheumy team, and am wondering if you have access to a rheumy nurse? They are a very good port of call when things are really bad. Oh sorry, just noticed you do have one - call her again and tell her how you are feeling.

I think rushing back to work is the last thing you need right now - rest and being kind to yourself is more important. As for your nurse being realistic/unrealistic, it`s important to believe that there is indeed light at the end of your particular tunnel : there are so many drugs out there now, and one of these, or a combination of them will be right for you. Once your RA is under control you will see a huge difference in your quality of life - my "magic" potion is Humira. Prior to that I was in a wheelchair for all but the shortest of distances, and I don`t need it now. Try to look no further than one day at a time - easier said than done, I know.

Take care, and do keep posting as we`ll do our best to help.

Kathleen x

Cathy-M - Well done you. I hope the CBT works for you, it's certainly helping me

Hi Cathy

I have not had personal experience of Sulf but am glad you were able to get that issue resolved as on top of everything else you do not want to have to deal with a drug that is making you feel worse instead of better. I would be very interested to hear how you get on with CBT as I suffer terribly from anxiety which is a lot worse since being diagnosed with RA in March.

This forum is a lifeline as we all know what each other is going through.

Take care.

Lisa x

hi Cathy,

glad to hear things sound brighter for you now,

it'a long path to getting sorted with RA, i hope things work out for you soon,

Suzanne