Date: 03.02.2013
From: Cass
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Subject: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
Greetings to everyone. My name is Cass. I am 60 years old and I live in the south west UK. I have, as of two days ago, seen my GP after having had some blood tests and Xrays done and he tells me I have come up positive for the Rheumatoid Arthritis gene.
Bit of a shock really. I have always been pretty independent and active and this all came out of nowhere. Anyway, I wanted to introduce myself to you all and will update you on how things proceed with me from here on out if thats ok. My GP has placed me on prednisolone and has made an urgent referral for me to see the Rheumatologist. So I should see him/her within the next couple of weeks. I am so glad to have found this website. Its good to be able to share. Thank you for listening everyone. :)
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Date: 03.02.2013
From: Colin W
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Subject: Re: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
Hi Cass welcome to the forum , where in the South West are you ? , I am from Cornwall & we got good Rheumatologist here & very freindly Rheumatiod Department the link section at the top of the page has links to Arthritis Care , Arthritis Research UK & National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society , some have help lines if you need them + there is loads of information on thier pages hope you feel better soon
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Date: 03.02.2013
From: Cass
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Subject: Re: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
Hi there Colin. Good to meet you. I am located in Bristol. Apparently the rheumatology team at Southmead Hospital is good one from what I can gather. I guess I'll find out in a couple of weeks.
Meantime the Prednisolone is helping a little and the coCodamol give me amazing dreams! Hehe. Thank you for the Links...I am right now trying to be as positive as I can about it all. That may change and if it does its a help to know I can come here a post my woes..or my smiles. Thank you again for the welcome Colin. Take care.
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Date: 03.02.2013
From: Emm
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Subject: Re: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
Hi Cass, I'd like to welcome you too. This is a good place to moan, share opinions and fear and sometimes good results.
I too have RA, and have had for a lot of years.
I come to think of people on here who regularly answer my posts as friends.
I found that the same ones answer and although you never meet I feel I know them a little.
Family and local friends may not have the same understanding as fellow sufferers and thats a good reason to use this site.
In a way I am lucky as I have one long time friend at home with RA. We lost touch in our 20's and met again in our 40's. What a shock to discover we had both RA. I hope you get sorted at hospital. Regards Emm
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Date: 03.02.2013
From: Tara
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Subject: Re: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
hi there hun
well come my name is Tara i too have ra i am 41 and married with 6 lovely kids i live inthe west of ireland
i find this site great i look in every day ppl are very friendly and have great advice and tips
so come on any time and have a good moan or laugh
take care
Tara
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Date: 04.02.2013
From: Cass
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Subject: Re: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
Hi Tara and Emm. Good to meet you. Thank you for the greetings. Woke early stiff and painful hands, feet and shoulders this morning so I thought I might as well get up and start doing some homework about RA. Thank heavens for the internet!
Emm. I have a brother who is very supportive, but he lives in Canada. That means I am pretty much on my own which is a little scarey.So yes being here will be a huge help. :)
Tara..Wow six children. How do you manage? I am lucky, at least I only have me and a couple of cats to worry about. :)
Stay strong everyone.
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Date: 04.02.2013
From: Tara
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Subject: Re: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
Hi Cass
Some days are very hard I have to take it hour by hour
But I have a great hubby he takes over when he gets in and I can get some rest
Not great to day I have a lot of pain in my jaw joint I am finding it very hard to eat so soup for me to day
Tomorrow is a new day
Take care
Tara
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Date: 05.02.2013
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
Hi Cass, Welcome to the forum. I am on my own too and it is hard at times so support on here is great. It is a very frustrating disease and patience is a great help, if you have it! Not writing too much today as my shoulder is painful but post regularly on here so we will get to know each other in due course!
take care.
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Date: 05.02.2013
From: Cass
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Subject: Re: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
Hello bsk. Good to meet you. Sorry your shoulder is giving you a tough time.
My first appointment with the Rheumatologist arrived in the post this morning. 25th March is D Day. Something for me to focus on. :)
Take care one and all.
Cass x
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Date: 05.02.2013
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
Hi Cass, that's not very 'urgent' is it? I had the same but my GP managed to bring my appointment forward by several weeks. I was in so much pain that 3 weeks seemed like an eternity. Hopefully the steroids will keep you going until the appt.
take care xx
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Date: 06.02.2013
From: Emm
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Subject: Re: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
Hi again Cass, Got your apptmnt, thats good. I know they are never given as quickly as we would like. But as you say, something to focus on!
I am feeling extra stiff too. Wonder if it's this cold extra strong wind we have at present.
Wishing you well.
Emm x
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Date: 07.02.2013
From: Cass
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Subject: Re: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
Hi bsk and emm.
Well I had sort of hoped my appointment might be quicker yes. But..talking to a few other people especially on NRAS site, it seems this isnt as long a wait as many face. So I guess I can't complain. But I am seeing my GP next week and if he feels I need to be seen sooner I know he will sort it out for me.
Emm. I'm pretty sure the colder weather doesn't help too much. But oddly, sometimes when I am really sore its cold that seems to ease things. Go figure! hehe. Meantime I am, on the days Im in more pain, watching old episodes of French and Saunders and ABFAB as well Miranda. They make me laugh a lot and I feel better just laughing. ;)
Take care both.
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Date: 07.02.2013
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Hello Everyone, Newbie here.
No it's not bad Cass and glad you have a supportive gp. Helps enormously. Enjoy the reruns - is very good for the spirit to laugh !
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