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Date: 23.08.2012
From: Joan

Subject: Juz diagnosed with RA and need help...

Hi, I've juz been diagnosed with RA and due to see a specialist on Sep 26. Hv been reading up on RA on the internet and can't help feeling scared about having deformed joints and losing mobility. Know I need to be positive (trying to). Can someone with RA still continue working & living as usual or will it be a matter of months before we lose our mobility? Need some advice. Thank You.
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Date: 23.08.2012
From: willis

Subject: Re: Juz diagnosed with RA and need help...

Hi Joan, I was diagnosed with RA about 2 years ago. The medication has helped alot. I still work full time or part time when i need to. my joints aren't deformed but maybe in the future they will be. I have down days and tire out more easily now and can't do what i use to but adjustment is ongoing as each of us gets use to our condition. speak to the specialist when you see them and hopefully you'll have a Rhuemy nurse too who you can talk to
the good part is if you are in pain etc now when you see the specialist they will help.
let us know how you get on and welcome to the forum, lots of lovely people on here who will always be there for you when you need advice or just a moan or a cuddle :)
keep well x
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Date: 23.08.2012
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Juz diagnosed with RA and need help...

Hi Joan , sorry about hearing you have RA

I have had it a long time since 1995 but things have change a lot since then + the new drugs have changed lifes for people suffering from RA

only small % get defomites & used to be around 10% with another 20% having problems but drugs like Methotrexate & the new anti-tnf have changed this & the doctors can control a lot better

it may take some time for the doctors to get yours under control , partly because everyone different and some dont need the disease modifying drugs and others need to be fast tracked onto anti-tnf but have to qualify first

be careful what you read online , trust good sites like arthritis care & national rheumatoid arthritis society , the later has a phone help line if you need it http://www.nras.org.uk/ + loads of information about RA & drugs to control it

hope you feel better soon
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Date: 23.08.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Juz diagnosed with RA and need help...

Hi Joan, everyone with RA is different as Colin says but the drugs are there to prevent deformities and help with mobility. Lots of people work and some can't. The main thing is to allow yourself time to get the right treatment.
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Date: 23.08.2012
From: Two hip replacements and still going!

Subject: Re: Juz diagnosed with RA and need help...

Hi Joan, I've had RA for 17 years. Since starting the anti-tnf treatments in 2008 my life has been changed. I work full time as a reception teacher, I use the cross trainer a few times a week and cycle as well. There is hope as the drugs now are really good. I have had both my hips replaced, but not due to the RA itself but from being on a high dose of steroids for over 10 years. The anti-tnf drugs allowed me to come off the steroids and anti-inflammatorys. Good luck with your treatments and try to keep positive. Ruth
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