Hi everyone, I've just joined NRAS after attending a launch meeting for a group in my area. The people leading and attending were so friendly and helpful. I'm looking forward to sharing with folk through the meetings and on this site. Its great to have contact with people who might be able to give advice or encouragement. My history for RA is quite short. (I'm 64, live in Blackpool (no its not sunny, we've had rain by the bucketfuls these last weeks!). I have two lovely daughters 39 and 34 who have 2 wonderful boys each, 9, 6, 5, 4. They all keep me going.) The RA started about 3 years ago. The pain and disability was serious and came on me very suddenly. My GP first of all tried the usual pain killers but nothing touched it. Then 30mg steroids and referral to RA consultant. After various medications I settled on Methotrexate (currently 17.5 mg) and Naproxen. Over the following months I was able to come off steroids completely. I no longer need Naproxen. The areas I'm affected are mostly feet and hands/wrists, that's if there is a flare-up. Gladly I find I'm not troubled by the stiffness or pain sufficient to need painkillers. When I read your stories and see others suffering I consider I'm very fortunate. I'm truly thankful for the backup I've had through the consultant and nursing staff. I started back swimming last April and found my ESR dropped to 16 from about 28. I'm not sure if its a coincidence or whether the swimming has helped, as I have certainly been great since April. I lead a busy life, church, helping out with my grand-children (especially at the moment with school holidays!) and I think being needed, and valued especially, helps me to put thoughts of myself into the background. Thank you NRAS for all you are doing and for this opportunity to share with others. Looking forward to reading all your news. Nancy

Hi Nancy,
welcome to the forum.
It's good to hear you are doing so well on MTX.
I'm 46 and have had RA for over 20 years. I have 2 daughters aged 20 and 15. Currently I'm on Enbrel which is the most effective drug I've ever had.
Look forward to getting to know you.

Diane x

Hi Nancy,
I'm Sue, been diagnosed about 20 months now and thought I 'd found a result as they say. previously tried mex, sulf, then after a long period without anything started Humira. the first 6 weeks were good then niggles started sore throat tummy bugs and then a vicious tongue infection. Just spoke to rheummy nurse today and she says stop all meds liver levels are high again. so feel like back to square one. but i will bounce back. she will speak to consultant for me and we will go from there. I think you will find this forum good for finding out things sometimes i don't post much but I come here when can and it does help to see you are not alone.
so big welcome from me
sue v xx

Hi Nancy,

Welcome to the forum!
I am 60, married to Ian and we have a 21 year old daughter.
I have had RA for 9 years and am now on humira after trying many other drugs.
It's lovely to hear you have had such a good response to mtx, hope it continues for you.
Looking forward to getting to know you.

Doreen xx

Hi Nancy,

A very big welcome to the forum! It`s great that you have had such a good response to methotrexate, and are able to enjoy your swimming etc.

I`m 59, diagnosed nearly 5 years ago now, and I live in Durham. Nick & I have two sons, and two little grandsons, 5 and 3, who bring us much joy.

Take care,

Kathleen x

Hi Nancy and welcome. Look forward to chatting with you in future. Keep posting. We do have other Blackpool area members. One is on holiday at present but I am sure she will link in with you when she returns.

Eleanor x

Hi everyone, thank you so much for your posts, it was great to log in and find so many friends who have taken time to wish me well. I hope to log on as much as possible to see what you are all doing. My sister Dorothy, lives in Surrey, also having RA (on gold injections as Methotrexate was affecting liver) arrives today with her husband and 3 year old grandson, for a week. We're looking forward to a happy time (praying that the rain will stop for the week, at least). I will get her to look at the site with me and I am sure she will want to join up. Its great to be a part of this, I think sharing halves our problems. God bless x

Hi Nancy.
a belated welcome to the site and also to Dorothy. I'm Sheila and have had RA for about 3 years, take a mixture of things, none of which are really working so I'm pretty dependent on the steroids and methrotrexate at the moment but there's new ideas coming through all the time so it gives me hope.
Talking of hope I wish you good weather for the rest of the visit. My sister is also staying with me this week, which is good as it makes me make more effort to get out and about.
Best wishes
Sheila

Hi Nancy

Welcome to NRAS and the forum where you will find lots of friendly folk and useful information.

I'm Lyn, married to Mike, and we have four children, Abby 22, Ian and Jake 17, and Louis 15. All four in various stages of education! I was diagnosed with sero-negative RA 22 years ago and have since run the gamut of medication and had several surgical procedures along the way. Currently on Enbrel, Prednisolone and Naproxen and a jolly assortment of pain killers!

I too was at the Blackpool launch meeting (I was the one trying to avoid knocking people for six with my bright red crutches!!). Plans are under way for the next meeting ... once a few of us are trained up next month we will name the day for our first full meeting and it will be full steam ahead. We will keep you posted!

Look forward to chatting with you and getting to know you. Do keep posting

Lyn x