My Story - The short version!

You have given me inspiration. All the best! Let me know how MTX works. I am thinking of switching medication. I am 34yrs and was actually diagnosed with ra on May 23rd this year. I was devasted! I thought that was the end for me. I have been a plaquenil 200mg once a day from since then. Not too sure that the medication is working. Will be going to the Rheumy next month was thinking of MTX. So I would like to know how it went with u.

This is one of those times when you don't always know what to say.  Like uh "congratulations" would be totally assanine.  Getting that diagnosis always comes as quite a shock.  For me if there was any positive side to it, it was confirmation at least that I wasn't entirely crazy.  So how bout this instead, welcome to the family!  Such as it is anyway.  None of us really want to be here after all, but at least we can be happy knowing you will be OUTSTANDING company!

-me

What do you say?? Everyone at college is like "...oh" lol

I'm just glad there's a family here to be a part of, without it i'd feel a bit lonely i wager!

mckenzie... shall defo let you know... 2 days to go... eeeek

am well hyper because of the steroids haha feel better than i have all month!!

I'll join the rest in welcoming you to our online family.  Thanks for sharing your story - you're right, it's all a matter of perspective and being used to coping.  Don't be too scared about the meth - there are so many BIG meds for this disease that it quickly becomes old hat. 

Looking forward to reading your posts!

Hi Everyone,  I'm new to this too - both to RA and to the website.  I just wanted to pass on what I have learned since being diagnosed (8/18/2008).  At first I was shocked but glad there was a name to what I had.  Then, after two days on the medicine,  I had a very bad reaction the mex.  My advice to you is to ready closely the symptoms that require you to call your doctor,  then follow them.  I did, and she took me off immediately.  While I was recovering from the effects of the drug, ( I only took three pills and developed a dry cough which quickly developed into a bronchitis/lung issue. Ok now after 2 weeks of antibiotic). I decided to approach this from a homeopathic way.  Changed my diet, added exercise every day, added supplements, vitamins, etc. This is really working for me and I decided not to take anything stronger than NSAIDs  - I just don't feel comfortable taking something that could cause something worse than RA.