|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/7/2013
Posts: 23
|
Big hugs to everyone out there in RA land  . My name is Debbie and only diagnosed in aug this year so new to all of this and still a bit shellshocked tbh! Will be a relief to reach out to other residents of RA land I must say. A bit about me, well I'm 47, live and work in Sheffield ( although currently off sick, again!  with a chest infection), taking Meth and Folic Acid and finding the whole thing a wee bit scary, although I am lucky enough to have the best RA nurse in the world! I have a daughter at uni, I'm not married but do have a very supportive boyfriend. So that's me. Could use a hug back if anyone sending any today 
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/25/2013 Posts: 83 Location: warwick
|
Hi Debbie. welcome from me.. I was diagnosed in September so even newer than you to this. started on MTX on Monday and so far so good as far as side effects but feel like I've been hit by a truck ! so tired.. still shell shocked too , was initially actually pleased that I had a diagnosis to explain how bad I was feeling but now the reality is starting to hit home and feeling scared but I guess that's normal. glad I found this forum , good to be able to discuss stuff with people who know how you feel. It's a real lifeline , take care and keep posting 
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
|
hi Debbie,
welcome aboard.
you are very newly diagnosed, i was in a total panic when i was.. and also the sheer terror of starting Methotrexate threw me into a terrible spin where i lost over half a stone in a week with the stress.
you do have to give the gold standard Methotrexate a good 3 months to work, hope it does the trick for you.
you will find a great deal of information on here if you look back and old threads, and also there is usually someone about with any questions you might have.
to have a good Rheumy Nurse is a blessing ( mine is too ) you could also ring the NRAS Helpline for added support of needs be,
do keep posting.
i am married 41 years with a Daughter who's long flown the nest,
Suzanne
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/15/2013 Posts: 125
|
Hi Debbie
Hugs back from me too!
RA land--I like it! Not a good place to be but there are a lot of people here ready to support you .I was diagnosed way back in2000 and took a long time to come to terms with it and having to take the dreaded methotrexate so know how you are feeling Hang on in there and hopefully you will soon be feeling better about the whole thing
Keep smiling
Julie x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/2/2012 Posts: 670 Location: where the sun always shines :o
|
  hug back to you lovely Ra land is very special, humour a must  I've had ra since 2007 after having a baby......adds to the mix of being a mum!!!  Any questions/worries please ask away on here, also NRAS have a support line, rheumatology department/nurse/consultant. Me personally I don't go to my gp because I have rheumatology helpline number at the hospital - I leave a message and they ring me back! Welcome, hello btw Jane Xxxx
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/4/2010
Posts: 576
|
Hi Debbie - hello from me too. I agree - there is almost always someone who has been there, whatever our concerns are. Hope you get lots of encouragement and support on here xx Ailsa
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,689 Location: Durham
|
Hi Debbie, and welcome to the forum - lots of people here willing to help, share info and empathy : I was so pleased to find it when I was diagnosed almost seven years ago. Virtually all of us here will have been on methotrexate at some point in our trip through RA Land, with varying rates of success. For me it didn`t work, unfortunately, but there are lots of drugs out there. It`s good you have a very good rheumy nurse - mine is great, and that is such a big help. I`m Kathleen, married almost 42 years now, with two grown-up sons and two little grandsons. I currently take Adalimumab ( Humira ) and a variet of other meds - painkillers, stomach protector etc. We live oop north, in Durham. Do keep posting, Kathleen x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2013 Posts: 703 Location: Hexham
|
And a warm welcome from me too. I have RA for donkey's years undiagnosed and was finally diagnosed 15 months ago. Joined this group in April. 61, married, one grown up son and two rapidly growing grandsons Paul Barrett
Hexham - Northumberland - Loads of spectacular walks - all I need now are the joints to go with them! :)
Enthesitis (2012)
Ulcerative Colitis (1990)
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 312
|
Hi Debbie, I am sending you big hugs. My name is Fiona and I have had R.A since I was 38. I am now 56. I have only ever taken Hydroxychloroquine so far. My life is also complicated due to 4 fractured vertebra in my Spine. 3 healed and fourth well on the way to healing after 18 months or so. I am currently weaning myself off strong pain medication for the fourth fracture. I am glad to see you are posting on the forum because more posts from all members would be good! I wish you the best possible treatment for the R.A. Keep posting and let us all know how you get along. Warm regards, Fiona
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2013 Posts: 144 Location: Dumfries
|
Hi Debbie
Welcome, I am fairly new too as just diagnosed in March this year. It is very scary to begin with and a lot to deal with this forum has been a life-line to me and it's a brilliant place for help, advice, a sounding board and loads of support. I am 41 and mum to two wee guys aged 7 and 10 who are my life. I hope you get over your chest infection soon and start feeling a wee bit better.
Speak to you soon.
Lisa
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/7/2013
Posts: 23
|
Hi neighbours of RA land thank you all so much for your lovely welcome and reassurance (and much needed hugs!). On a cheery note I went back to work today which felt greaaat!!! Got a CT scan on weds tho and it doesn't sound a whole lot of fun. Has anyone had one and can tell me what it's like please. Debs xxx
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2013 Posts: 144 Location: Dumfries
|
Hi Debbie
I am glad you got the all clear to go back to work. I haven't had a CT scan before so hope it goes okay for you and please let us know how you get on.
Lisa x
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/7/2013
Posts: 23
|
Cheers Lisa. Appt for CT scan moved to tomorrow ( scanner went down at hosp ) so will keep you posted. Big thanks to everyone else for your support and good wishes too By the way is anyone a member of the Sheffield support group cos would love to meet you. Debs xxx
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 154
|
Hi there
Just to say welcome to the NRAS forum, sorry you had to join us but we are here to help each other.
I have had several CT scans, with and without the contrast dye injection, and they are fine. The scanner is like a big doughnut and I think the hardest part is lying still for the scan, but it doesn't take too long usually.
Best of luck and I do hope you feel better soon.
Take care,
Lizx
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
