Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

[Lemoonada]

Was diagnosed yesterday. I'm currently breastfeeding my second born. I'm young. Trying to understand what I've done to cause this to happen. It seems like there's so much info out there on how to manage it, I'm quite overwhelmed.

Will be starting Hydroxychloroquine tomorrow morning. Any experiences? What is your life like with it? Do you still feel young/ accomplished/ attractive? I know that's stupid and vain to think about I'm just feeling a bit low about it.

Please share your experiences!

I was diagnosed at 28, after 6-12 months of constant pain and blaming my carpal tunnel/weight gain/new mattress. It was triggered after I gave birth to my 4th and final baby. I started on NSAIDS but they destroyed my stomach. Then went into humira biologicals but they caused constant infections, been on cimzia for the last decade and it’s been great. I have found that life is different but providing I pace myself and don’t over do things, my life is good and I’m very happy in general. I do take care with my diet, lots of home made sourdough bread, fermented foods and plenty of fruit, nuts and vegetables. And a good quality vit D with K2 supplement as we tend to be chronically low due to inflammation. Gentle exercise, I love spending time on my allotment but as I said, I have to pace things out.

This sounds very positive! I'm so sorry you were diagnosed so young, but it sounds like you have a good flow. Can I ask how much do you notice the medication/ side effects?

Trying to understand what I've done to cause this to happen.

You haven't done anything to "cause it to happen", in the same way that people diagnosed with most medical conditions haven't done anything to make it happen.

I'm sorry you've had this news.
How old are you ?

I'm 31, just had my second baby. I honestly wanted 4 or 5 but now I'm not so sure

I was diagnosed age 8 (I’m 34 now)
I get tired easily and have to try to slow my life style down otherwise I’m more likely to flare.
I’m on hydroxychloroquin for 4 years, it hasn’t given me any side effects. I sometimes need a short course of steroids i flare.

I’ve been on methotrexate as a child but hate it. Hydroxychloroquin works well enough for me just about. But I do find I catch a lot of cold viruses.

i have 2 children and life’s good. Frustrating sometimes though as it can stop me from doing things. (Long walks, nights out in heels, )

I'm 64 and have had it for over 30 years. When first diagnosed I was convinced I would become severely disabled (it runs in my family and an aunt was badly affected) but, thanks to advances in drugs, that hasn't happened at all. I was on Methotrexate for many years which worked fine, but after some concerning liver function tests switched to an injectable biologic which is wonderful - one self-administered jab in my thigh each week and I'm done. Over the years the pain and swelling has been well-managed and, while my hands won't win any prizes for beauty, I can do most things any other 64 year old can do. Try to stay positive - it's not a life (or death) sentence.

It’s very much depended on the medication. The DMARDS were ok but over of them turned my saliva and tears bright yellow and I hated it. The naproxen killed my stomach desire taking it with the prescribed naproxen. The humira worked a tasty bit suppressed my immune system so much that I got sick pretty seriously and constantly. Think tonsillitis 12 times a year, 4-6 chest infections of which 2-3 would turn into pneumonia. The cimzia works much better and for most part I can live a decent life. I do get shingles pretty much every year in late November/early December and I can’t use public transport or travel on planes from early November to mid Feb as I seem to get pneumonia every single time. I had to be v careful with my kids when they were in primary as they brought home every germ going and it always hit me a lot harder than everybody else.

What helped me was my DH being so amazingly understanding. He researched everything and he took on as much as he could to help me while I got my medication sorted. Took me around 15-18 months to get my medication settled onto injections. My family and friends would step in and do the occasional school run/child care to allow me to catch up on sleep. Sleep is the most vital part of me staying healthy, it really does make the world of difference to my health and how I cope. I have become very resilient and developed a very positive mental attitude. In a way I think this illness has taught me to appreciate the little things in life and not to take things for granted.