Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Well, welcome. You will go through a wide variety of reactions. The road ahead will be bumpy, but you can get through it. Don't know if or what labs you had and have to seen a Rheumy Dr.? Different meds are available. DMARDS, biologics etc. I found a lot of info looking thrings up in internet. I wrote all my questions down before seeing dr. You will have to have routine labs too . The hardest thing I had to deal with is learning to be patient for the meds to kick in. And also to learn your limits. I did have to change my lifestyle a bit, but i was able to continue working full time after a couple months off when I was bad. This group is extremely helpful in learning about others going through the same thing . You will get used to having this disease and learn to adjust. Again, welcome to this group. Everyone here is very helpful. erica

Welcome to the group. I was dx'd officially a few months ago but have been treated for it since late July. This group is great for support and to get a real take on RA. I am still in the very early stages of getting meds correct and learning my limits. I have been told it takes some time to adjust.

What medication has your doc started you out on?

Chris

Come here a lot, ask a Lot of questions (here and to your doctors). Get a plan, find one that works, stick to it. Be ready for bumps in the road. Be glad you have your diagnosis, now you know which way to go, AND you get to see US! Welcome!!

Thanks for the advice. My doctor is going to start me on Methotrexate and prednisone.

Welcome to our unique little group. I was just dx in April 09 so I am still waiting to find the right combo of meds that will work for me.
Prednisone is wonderful, but not suitable for long term. I have been on Methotrexate for 3 mos now and have not had bad side effects from it. My latest drug is Enbrel and thankfully I am starting to feel noticeably less fatigued.

I hope that you find your combo quickly! Definitely hang around here. It has been a lifeline for me.

Jess

Hello and welcome!

Everyone has given you good advice. I only suggest - read and learn all you can - ask all you can. And, lean on us when you need to!!

Tort

Just to keep a good sense of humor, read the posts on this site, and learn all you can about RA. I love this group, they have taught me a lot about RA, and the advice given to me has been very beneficial. I learned about sure-click pens (vs the standard kind of shot) on this site, adding turmeric and ginger root supplements, about folic acid and more! Be patient too as much as you can. I started methotrexate last August and Enbrel last June. I did not start to feel like my old self until mid October. We are here for you!!!!

Jen:

We have a wealth of wisdom from people on this site. I was diagnosed in 200l, went through just about every drug you could think of and I'm now in remission (for five months). I'll still be around here because it is such a wonderful source of support and encouragement.

Welcome!

Lynne

just wanted to welcome you to the site i love it here so glad that you joined you will find out alot of information and most likely your questions answer and you will get alot of support so welcome

Welcome to DS and to RA, I like the one about sense of humor, because that is sometimes what you need to keep you going.Since you are going on MTX you should also be on Folic acid. Probably a vitamin supplement would help as well. Some folks including myself had hair thinning or some loss. Just read a lot and come here to ask questions. These are a good bunch of folks and you will meet some great friends here.