I'm a 40 years old mum to two wee boys of 7 and 9. I was just diagnosed early this week so am still coming to terms with it. I am happy to find a place to be in touch with others like myself.

Thank you Lorna it is so reassuring to be in touch with others, I got the news on Wednesday and typically went to the hospital on my own not thinking I would hear that news. I suppose in some ways it is a relief to me and my family to know what is wrong with me. I also work in a school but in the office. I don't have a very "sympathetic" boss though and she appears not to like asking how I am after being at hospital etc. I am not sure how to broach the subject of actually being diagnosed. Has your work been ok with you after being diagnosed?

I am sorry to hear of your slipped disc but am very heartened to hear you are in remission.



Lisa x

Hi Lisa. Welcome to the forum, though sorry you got RA and needed to be here at all. I was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago so the memories of that early period are still quite raw. You've done well to join NRAS. There is a telephone support line which you might find helpful. It was a lifeline for me when I was first ill. I sobbed down the phone to two very sweet women who listened and answered my questions. It's a shock at first to be diagnosed but as you say at least you can explain all the symptoms you've been having and moreover you're now in a position to get the right medication to treat it. There is a section in the forum to do with work related matters and you might find it helpful to look through there, especially as your boss hasn't been that sympathetic. I'd recommend that you read the 2 NRAS booklets (available on this site) about employees with RA. One is directed at employers and it will detail for you what your rights are. You have rights under the Equality Act now (another bonus of official diagnosis) but only if you inform your boss about it. If you have any questions about RA and related matters then please ask away. People on here do understand what you're going through and are willing to share their experiences and their wisdom. I'm only going to offer one piece of advice without being asked first and that's because I think it's relevant to most of us RAers, and that is to rest as much as you can and in any way that you can. You won't be as badly affected by RA if you get plenty of sleep and rest. Try to pace out your chores and activities so you're not trying to do too much at once. I'm still learning this skill by the way. I look forward to getting to know you more over the coming months. Naomi, xxxxxxx

Thank you Naomi & Sylvia

I have been started on Methotrexate tablets, Hydroxycholoquine & prednisolone. It's a lot to take in but I am very lucky to have a great husband and family to support me. My emotions are all over the place at the minute and one minute I feel upbeat and fine and the next I just want to cry. It is very raw and will take time to come to terms with. Thankfully this is a lifeline to be in touch with other people who know what I am going through. x

Hello Lisa
Warm hello from me.
I was diagnosed when I was 34, a new mum. I find ra a juggle - being happy and loving being a mum, but ra/pain reminding me things are a little different to other mums.
I joined nras last May - I don't talk about ra or things related to ra to anyone other than my hubby, boss at work because I'm off sick following knee replacement. Have a look under work thread....my boss compares me to her old dog with arthritis & her mum!! all bosses are different - shame we couldn't pick the loving warm boss to our jobs!!
Still, I do the lottery in hope of not needing to work (haven't got there yet)!
My daughter is fantastic - she knows I have poorly bones - like my knee and loved coming into hospital to see cbeebies on the hospital tv that was in my room, but I don't talk about ra when she is around because I want her to be happy and get on with growing up. She watches get well soon on cbeebies - says they should do poorly knees for me!
I go swimming with her, days out to places - if it is a theme park I try to go on rides if I can't then my hubby has to and I'm happy to take photos (also prove her dad went on certain peppa pig rides)!!!

Do you have occupational threp department for schools? If so worth an appointment/chat to them. I work in the public sector and have occ health unit - and keep them updated because in their medical capacity can tell human resources and my boss how it is medical wise with ra (I keep occ health on my side to help me).

Being a mum with ra is about adapting, if say you feel awful do rainy day things like a dvd for them or ideas from 1001 craft ideas.
My housework doesn't come high as my no1 I have to do anymore (as and when you have the energy)! My hubby helps, kind of!

We are here for you!
Jane
Xxx

Hello to all that replied to my posting.

Thank you for all of your kind wishes and advice.

I am already finding this a lifeline as you all understand and as it is Mother's Day I have enjoyed my day with my wee boys and even managed to go out a wee 5-minute walk with the dog. The housework is way down my list of priorities now and will be using what energy I have in doing things with the boys.

Lisa xx

Good morning Lisa!

I'm jenni, I'm 37 and have a hubby, 2 teens who we adopted and then we had a little surprise and she is 5 now

I've got severe ra and have been dx since I was 20.

It's not the most exciting thing in my life though I do like to come in and support others on here and feel supported too.

So, lets find out a bit about each other
I'm sat having a cuppa tea looking at my home magazine as I've had the hall plastered and looking for inspiration.....

What are your days like at the moment?

Jenni x

Hi Lisa
Welcome to the board sorry to hear you have RA though. You do have your hands full with 2 little boys, I have no kids and am always full of admiration for others on here who juggle RA and kids I'm not sure I could do it. Ref your reply to my post on the other thread yes flat shoes all the way from now on

Deb xx