Just want to say hello, having just joined. I am 65 yrs of age, diagnosed with RA about 8 yrs ago. I have complex health problems some of which include osteo arthritis, under active thyroid, ankylosing spondylitis and insulin dependent diabetes. I also had rheumatic fever when aged 4 yrs and subsequently have heart murmur and heart valve problem. I feel I have been suffering from pain the whole of my life.

I am married, love my home and garden and have three grown up children and one grandchild. I worked as a travel consultant until having to retire when I was 55 yrs. due to my poor health. Since then, life has unfortunately been a struggle.

I am looking forward to being part of this forum and I am sure it will give me support and help, in return, I hope I can help other members with my experiences. Lynda

Welcome Lynda,

I'm sure you will find this forum very useful at times. People are kind and helpful if they can be. There are all shades of illness here
and collectively years of personal experience to draw on if you're looking for an answer to some query.

I am fairly new to Rheumatoid Arthritis having been diagnosed in July 2012. Like you the RA has done its damage to other organs,
and the year has been difficult, but when I've been able I've come onto the forum either just to read, or to ask a question, and always
get very 'sound' responses.

Looking forward to reading your 'blogs'.

Gogs

Hi Lynda and welcome!

I'm a relative newbie to the forum though was diagnosed with RA in 2000..I'm sure you will get lots of sound advice and plenty of listening ears here Even just reading through previous threads makes you realize you are not alone and there is help out there

Julie x

hi Lynda,

welcome aboard, you will always find someone here to listen or help we are a friendly bunch with the same thing in common.

have a read through old posts when you have the time .. i am sure there will be things that you can relate to.

i was diagnosed 3 and half years ago, took 18 months to get my RA under control, now doing well on Humira and 10mg Methotrexate.

i am married 41 years with a Daughter long flown the nest.

Suzanne