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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/30/2010 Posts: 55 Location: St. George, Bristol
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Hi. My name is Rose. I was diagnosed with RA 2 days ago. Feel a bit shell shocked and a bit scared. Rosie
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/21/2010 Posts: 32 Location: west midlands
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HI Rosie
Welcome, so sorry you have RA, I have had it for 33 years now , but can still remember the day when I was told. I have never been so shocked in my life. The doctor was not at all nice, he just gave me some pills and told me he did not want to see me again, I felt so alone abd scared. I am sure you will get more support now, there are lot's of treatments out there so try not to worry to much. This forum is great for help and support. Keep posting and let us know how things are going with you.
Take care Gill xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/29/2010 Posts: 264
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Hi Rose and welcome to the forum. I'm not surprised you are shell shocked and a bit scared I think we all probably had the same reaction when first diagnosed, I certainly did as it was something I knew little about and the more I read on the net the more I scared myself.
However on a more positive note, at least you've a firm diagnosis, yes I know its probably the last thing you would have wanted but there are lots of things they can do for RA now and many people once they get the right treatment and medication in place can live a reasonably pain free life.
Hopefully as well as being diagnosed your treatment may already have started. I was given steroids for the first few weeks, to relieve the pain whilst the other drugs kicked in.
This forum is briliant for giving support, advice, ideas and tips, just ask there's bound to be someone who can answer questions you may have. Its also great for lifting your spirits when things are tough. The only thing I haven't found on it yet is a spell checker (so you'll have to excuse that)
By the way, I'm Sheila and was diagnosed 3 years ago, I currently take methrotrexate, prednisolone, rituximab, diclofenac and a few other bits and pieces that hold me together.
Keep posting and let us know how you are getting on.
With all best wishes
Sheila
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2010 Posts: 914
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Hi Rose, Glad you have found the forum, its the club no-one wants to join, I was diagnosed 3 years ago and like you I was shell shocked. I had never even heard of RA, all I new was how much pain I was in. Have you only just developed the symptoms recently, or have you had symptoms for a lot longer. I'm Lorna, I have had RA for 3 years now and been on the triple therapy, I was very ill in the beginning but I keep well now as long as I pace myself. I am married to Ken and we have 3 lovely daughters the youngest 16 and still at school. It is difficult to come to terms with, but I kept a diary when I first started the meds then you can see yourself improving. You will get there just be positive and tell yourself it could be worse, thats what I did. There is a chance you will beat this and go into remission. It is very difficult to comprehend but you will get there thats a definite once the drugs are sorted out. Are you married and do you have family ? I ask because I wonder if you have support at home. You will get lots of support on here everyone has been there too. Thinking about you take care Lorna x 
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/30/2010 Posts: 55 Location: St. George, Bristol
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Hello and thankyou for your replies. I am 53 years old, married with 2 grown up sons, both still at home. I've felt unwell for a while now and in hindsight realise that I have had some RA symtoms, but put it down to getting older and I was involved in a car accident about 4 years ago and thought that the joint problems were still the aftermath of that. I have been put on a cocktail of different drugs which is quite hard for me - I prefer alternative therapies where possible but realise that the drugs are necessary. I am lucky that I only have RA moderate - severe and the consultant wants to treat it aggresively to try to slow it down. From lookint at the website I know that there are hundereds worse off than me. I felt sorry for myself the last couple of days but at the end of the day I am no different now to how I was last week - it is just a name for my symptoms and hey the sun is shining. I am interested in knowing if diet/the avoidance of any foods helps. Really pleased that I have found this forum  Rosie
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Rose,
Welcome to the forum where you'll get lots of support and advice.
I'm 60 and have had RA for 9 years, now on mtx and humira, married with one 21 year old daughter.
You are quite entitled to feel sorry for yourself, it is a nasty disease, but can be kept under control with the right drugs, I hope yours start working for you soon.
Looking forward to getting to know you.
Love, Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2010 Posts: 914
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Hi Rose, I avoid red meat which can put up your inflammation markers, I also do a little exercise which helps and I have taken Mangosteen Juice since I was diagnosed. I truly believe this helps me. See my post under Complimentary Therapies. It may not help everyone but it has helped me. Also omega 3 or flax seed oil which contains omega 3 is a great help. Ask Nras for my e-mail if you would like to chat about this. Take care Lorna x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi Rosie,
welcome to the Forum and totally relate to how you feel.
i managed to lose over half a stone in the week i was diagnosed with the shock of it and also the fact i had to go onto Methorexate !!
i'm still not under control ... diagnosed in June, just had my dose increased and to be honest still not come to terms with it.
once you read all the Posts you realise you are in a family here ... one non of us wanted to join but one i couldn't do without now as i definately don't feel so alone.
if i hadn't joined the Forum i would be at home thinking is this is it now, is nothing going to work for me ... as i've come to realise getting under control can take time with different drugs added.
i have a great RA team but i know i can log in here for support and advice.
i'm 57 married with a grown up Daughter.
hope things get under control for you soon and keep posting,
Suzanne x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/5/2010 Posts: 364 Location: mid glamorgan
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Hi Rose,
So Sorry about your diagnosis and totally understand how you feel... It is a horrible time as you have so much to come to terms with.. Im still trying as I look back at how I was 18 months ago and compare it to how I am now.. different person.. But this site is wonderful I really hope that the drugs start working for you soon take care Ceri xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/13/2010 Posts: 786 Location: east anglia
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welcome, this is a great site i have had no end of helpfull info and advice, im so glad i joined, it takes ages to get to grips the thought of RA,and what to expect,im 53yr 2 grown up kids,widowed last year,take care, watch for you
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/30/2010 Posts: 55 Location: St. George, Bristol
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Hi. I am taking Meloxicam, Sulfasalazine, Folic Acid and Methorexate and am crippled with heartburn. Is this the norm?? I also take Propanalol for migraines, been taking it for 40+years and Cocodamol Really interested in Mangosteen Juice - not heard of it before - will google it to see where I can get some. Feels good to have this support. Thank you xx Rosie
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Rose,
Do you take a stomach protector, eg omeprazol ,lanzoprazol? If not, ask your GP to prescribe one for you, most of us take one because the drugs we take are notorious for upsetting the stomach, especially mtx.
I take Esomeprazol and have no problem at all with heartburn.
Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 312
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Hello Rose, So sorry you have beeen diagnosed with R.A, but at least on this forum you know that we all have it to one degree or another! My name is Fiona and I am 53, have three grown-up kids aged 34,33 and 30 and one 9 year old Grandaughter. They have, thankfully, all left home! (However I do love them very much.) I have been diagnosed with R.A for 15 years and prior to the diagnosis, I had been the type of person who really detested the idea of medications that had to be taken ad infinitum. Up to now I have only needed Hydroxychloriquine twice daily. I will look out for your posts. Best wishes, Fiona
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/30/2010 Posts: 55 Location: St. George, Bristol
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Hello everyone. Has anybody heard of fingerless support gloves that help when you are using a keyboard. I find my job can aggravate my hands and wondered if anyone had tried these or knows where I can get some. I'm off to Malta tomorrow for a week in the sun with my friend to celebrate her 60th birthday. Have to go for Dexi Scan?? when I get back. Thank you to everyone for their good wishes and advice  Rosie
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/18/2010 Posts: 351 Location: Herne Bay Kent
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Hi Rose
Welcome to the forum. Sorry about the diagnosis but you will find this site invaluable as I have done.
I am 56 and was diagnosed 4 years ago. I am currently on sulphasalazine and methotrexate but am about to start enbrel. I take lansaprazole to protect my stomach as the meds do tend to upset it. Hope you have a great relaxing holiday with lots of sun
Sue
x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,582 Location: Oxfordshire
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Hi Rose,
Welcome to the forum!
You are among friends who will understand everything you are going through.
It must be a dreadful shock to suddenly be dx with RA- I was only 8 and a half so I have unfortunately grown up with it.
Love,
Amanda
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hi Rosie
Welcome and hope you have a good holiday. Sorry for late welcome but I have had laptop
trouble
I am Rose aged 56 and disg 2 yrs ago still not sorted on drugs failed 3 DMARDS and
waiting now to go TNFs.
I agree as above you should have a stomache protector if taking anti inflam. The ' acid '
is awful I know as had to have a change in anti inflam earlier in year.
Good luck and I hope when you read this you will be holiday'd out.
Rose .
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/30/2010 Posts: 55 Location: St. George, Bristol
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Hello. Once agin thanks for all your replies. I am now taking Omeprazole to protect stomach. Holiday was fab- A week of sunshine, bar one rainy day. Sat out on balcony each night until 10 pm. Back to normality now. I have Dexi scan tomorrow and my first follow up appt with rheummy nurse next week Rosie Rosie
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hello Rosie
Glad yoy had a great holiday . Sun is great for our well being isn't. I have just had 3 nights
in Girona . Similar sat out for early drink until 8 ish and just with a cardi on then eating inside.
It is great to get away isn't.
Hope appointment goes well let us know
Rose
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/22/2010
Posts: 51
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HI Rose,Try to think positive as today there are lots of drugs to help us its just finding the right ones for each person.In time there will be a light at the end of the tunnel for you so stay strong & keep smiling Val.R
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