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Date: 28.11.2012
From: Verity Robinson

Subject: I'm 19 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hi all, i'm new to talking about my condition openly to everyone. I have had this awful disease for 2 years now but have only been diagnosed a year. Since i have been diagnosed, the arthritis has spread from both my elbows to my hip/groin, my left knee and the whole of my right foot and ankle. I find walking very difficult so i have to use a wheelchair when i am out shopping or just going somwhere that involves a lot of walking. It is also difficult to try and talk to people who havent got rheumatoid arthritis and to try and explain to people who think that you're making it up when you say how much pain you are in. I am currently taking 3 500mg tablets of sulfasalazine twice a day, i am also taking 1 200mg tablet of hydroxychloroquine twice a day and methotrexate 25mg every Wednesday....... i just thought i would share my story and see if i could talk to people who are in the same boat as me xx
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Date: 28.11.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: I'm 19 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hi Verity, welcome to the forum but I'm sorry you had to find us at such a young age. There's quite a few of us with RA on here.

You say you can't walk and have to use a wheelchair when you are out but you seem to be on quite a lot of meds. Does your rheumy think they are working? I'm just wondering why you're not on biologics or is it to do with your age? You must find it very difficult to manage. Do you have support at home?

I'm considerably older than you and have had RA for over three years now. I take Enbrel and small dose of steroids.
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Date: 28.11.2012
From: Verity

Subject: Re: I'm 19 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis

I am waiting to start the golimumab injection and should hear from them in the next couple of weeks. The meds that i am on at the moment dont seem to be doing their job properly so having the injections as well as the oral tablets might finally work. I can walk but i find it very difficult to stand or move for long periods so have to have my wheelchair at hand xx
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Date: 28.11.2012
From: rhona

Subject: Re: I'm 19 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hi Verity.

Welcome to the forum, i am so sorry that you have r/a at such a young age, life can be so cruel at times. I have had r/a for over 12 years now and started on the same drugs as you which i am still on along with rituximab infusions. There are a lot of new drugs now and sometimes it can take a wee while to find the right ones to suit you. Hopefully when you got sorted out you will feel a lot better and you may find you can manage without the wheelchair.

I do hope you feel better soon. x
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Date: 28.11.2012
From: Verity

Subject: Re: I'm 19 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thank you Rhona, i have my family who support me more than i could ask for. I just hope that talking to people in the same position as me might be able to make me feel a bit better about how i deal with my day to day life x
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Date: 28.11.2012
From: Emm

Subject: Re: I'm 19 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hi Verity, I got RA at the age of 24 and had a young child at the time, life was very difficult and I was not sent to see a specialist for 10 years.
Don't get too despondent as there are a lot of new drugs around now.
It may be trial and error to find the most suitable for you, but I do hope you can get to a stage when you can walk better than at present.
Biological drugs are pretty new and apparently stop a lot of joint damage.
I have the joint damage, but am a lot older, and have not had the same treatment early enough.
It is good you have a supportive family. I think we all on here relate to the fact that only people with the disease understand the terrible level of pain.
It is a horrible disease to live with, but keep your chin up.
Things can improve. Lot's of love to you. I hope you stabilise soon. Emm x
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Date: 28.11.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: I'm 19 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hi Verity, good to hear you are moving on to another option with your drugs. I find Enbrel very good, though have my difficulties still. Hope they kick in very quickly for you. It's very hard when you can't get about.
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Date: 28.11.2012
From: Colin

Subject: Re: I'm 19 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis

hi Verity ,
welcome to the forum , there is a lot of us here with RA , had it long time myself & much like Emm but the treatment now is so much bettter if they catch it early , pleased they are going to try one of the new biologics , they can work realy well sometimes & if you cant get on with one there is always another

hope you feel better soon
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Date: 28.11.2012
From: Verity

Subject: Re: I'm 19 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thank you everyone for your messages. It is so nice to know that even though you all are suffering with this, you find the strength and time to talk to me. its a bit overwhelming I must say to finally talk to people who understand. although I know I can talk to my family who try and understand as much as they can, its not the same as talking to people who are in my situation to xx
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Date: 02.12.2012
From: laura

Subject: Re: I'm 19 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis

hi sorry to hear you have been diagnosed so young if its any consellation i was diagnosed with early inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia and i was 23 when diagnosed. im on 500mg sulfadiazine and the drug is great my arthritis is in remission the only down side for me is that i was told i would get rheumatoid arthritis when im older but for now under control unfortunately cant say the same about my fibromyalgia. im waiting for an appointment to see a phychologist as phychologically it is very difficult when speciallists just diagnose and expect patients to just get on with it. i have found my arthritis easyer to cope with since i have been on the sulfadiazine its a really good drug once it gets in to your system. the only problem i have is i have fluid on my right knee caused by the arthritis which i did have drained but it came back apart from swelling it hasnt caused me any worries its only caused me trouble last week i have servere eczema flare on right knee and it was badly swollen it turned out to be cellulitis thankfully starting to heal although i may have to go up again to have it checked. i have also started hydrotherapy and would highly recommend it its fantastic they dont know yet if it will work on me but it is very good
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Date: 03.12.2012
From: Deborah

Subject: Re: I'm 19 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hi Verity,
Welcome to the forum sorry to hear you have developed this at such a young age and we all know how dreadful arthritis can be and it is really nice to talk to people who understand how you feel.
Just wanted to let you know that I have started Golimumab and they definately have helped a lot with my arthritis so hopefully will help you too.

I have Pa arthritis and took it at 33yrs my son also has arthritis he is 26yrs old he has had it for 3yrs now they are not sure which one he has but he Start's Humria shortly so hopefully will help him too.
So let us all know how you get on with Golimumab.
Yes mean't to tell you that so far I have had no side effect's and this is my third injection which is great.

Glad to hear that you have plenty of family support which we all need and Good luck with your new drug.
Look after yourself Deborah xx.
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Date: 03.12.2012
From: marlene

Subject: Re: I'm 19 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Welcome to the forum Verity, big hugs on its way to you. Take care sweetheart. xxxx
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