Oh hell Debbie - it sounds if you're really having a bad time.

Forgive me but I did snicker a bit at your Irn Bru wee.

I know from reading other posts that some of the drugs take a while to kick in, and also it's sometimes difficult to establish which are the right drugs in the first place. Some people however have said that when the drugs kick in, it's like a switch and most of the pain is gone all of a sudden - let's hope that is the rule for you.

As for all the other coughs, colds etc. it's our silly immune system that is to blame. Don't know whether good ole vitamin D, C etc might help a weeny bit?

You're right about it being a cycle though, especially as you're getting stressed, a sure winner to bring on a flare (with me anyway).

Really hope you get some relief soon - keep on whinging on here and I (and probably others) will happily commiserate with you.

Sending hugs.

Angie

Hi Debbie,

From what you say it's possible that you are suffering from actual depression. It got me in the first year too and I am now on anti-depressants. My advice would be to talk to your GP.

Confronting it, and recognising that you have a problem, is the first step to recovery. Next step is to talk to your GP and don't be rushed. They need to give you time. And most will once they see you have an issue. My advice is do it soon before it can develop any further.

Hi Debbie,
Please make an appointment as soon as you can, with your Doctor or Practice Nurse. Tell the receptionist that it may
need to be a double time slot. At our Drs there is a sign to say "one problem only per appointment". Is this normal?
Depression in the 1st. few years is almost as routine as the diagnosis of RA. Not compulsory!! but very common.
Genle hugs
Anne

Hi Debbie

Please do not be too hard on yourself and whinge away - it is much needed. Please get yourself back to your GP and get the tine you deserve on a consultation.

I am coming up for my first year since diagnosis and what a roller-coaster it's been, I was offered anti-depressants at Christmas as my mood had reached an all time low. However my GP is reluctant to prescribe more meds and is trying to get me an appointment with a Therapist for some CBT - that is another story.

I think how you are feeling mirrors what myself and a lot of us do and when we are feeling so ill it does affect our mood too. I am sorry you are worrying so much about your work as you wouldn't be taking the time off if you really didn't need to. Can you talk to your Employer and are they sympathetic?

Please let us know how you are getting on - sometimes it feels like an uphill struggle but your partner will be worried about you. My husband has had to take on a lot more housework since I've been diagnosed (which is probably no bad thing).

Sending kind wishes your way.

Lisa

hi Debbie,

i was in a terrible state when i was diagnosed,

went into shock so much i lost over half a stone in a week and i was eating,

i think you need to go to see your GP if you are feeling very low, a lot of people have to take an anti-depressant i think they can go hand in hand with a chronic condition.

it is so much easier if you have a good support system around you as well, my Rheumy Nurse is like a friend to me now she was absolutely fantastic at the start and still is.

i also have a great GP who i run too,

you could also try phoning the NRAS Helpline, i think they can link you up with someone in your position, not totally sure but you could always ask .. and they do listen to you.

once your under control life does get easier, i now don't think of my RA much .. i know it's in the back ground and always will be but i don't feel it's the threat it was once.

reach out to all while you feel like this.

Suzanne

Hi Debbie,

Not sure where you are up to now (I haven't been responding due to my own feelings), but I do
hope that you are at least someway to feeling better.

From your initial comments it did sound as if you might be a bit depressed - but who wouldn't, this is not
an easy road to walk and we have a hard battle at times even getting fed up with ourselves.

Please keep us up to date with how you are feeling, bounce your thoughts onto us and lets see if we can be of help.

Gogs xx

Hi Debs,

You are doing the right thing, making an appointment with your GP. Hopefully he/she will be able to advise and help you with how you are feeling. I think the mental aspect of coping with RA are underestimated, and not addressed as they should be. There seems to be lots of help re the obvious physical problems, but not with the effect RA has on our moods/emotions etc.

Take care,

Kathleen x

Hi everyone, just an update, I did manage to see a doctor and she recognized that i have depression. It was a hard, humiliating experience for me to admit defeat but I needed to do it and glad I did.
Again thank you so much to everyone for your support. I really don't know if I would have seen a doctor without your strength. She prescribed me some anti-depressants and was very supportive and reassuring.

Lots of love
Debs xxx

Debs, you are not defeated - in fact you have been very strong in telling your GP how low you feel. You have taken a very positive step and I hope you can be kind to yourself until things improve. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Take care,

Kathleen x