Guest guest Posted September 6, 2003 Report Share Posted September 6, 2003 Hi everyone. I just wanted to post some encouragement as we have a lot of new members with new diagnosis. Everyone is different and everyone responds differently but I wanted to share my experiences to perhaps give a ray of hope to those of you who are just getting started in the process. I am 28 and have been diagnosed since last December. My RA was diagnosed blessedly fast but until it was, I literally couldn't walk. I was stunned with the sudden onset severity and was positive that nothing would ever be the same. I was coaching gymnastics at the time and it was impossible. I kept thinking about how if this is how it was going to be, I was never going to be able to pursue any of my goals and dreams. I was put on methotrexate right away and it did take a couple months but I really do feel a HUGE difference. I still have soreness and I still have flare-ups and one day I'll want to look into the biologics but I am able to continue on with lots that I was doing before. I've choreographed floor routines and coached and am starting nursing school this fall. I think having something to look forward to has made a huge difference as well. I am fully aware that I will have to listen to my body and have alternatives to my goals but I'm learning it can be possible to regain almost all of where I was before. Now I'm certainly NOT dismissing that many have had to change drastically what they were doing and that everyone has different results but sometimes its good to hear that this is possible. As to the side effects?? Fatigue is my most common and I dealt with that as part of a continuing heart problem and associated meds for the past 6 years... I think I'm actually getting used to it. Ha ha... One thing I've noticed is that many who are writing in about new diagnosis also have had life changing events happen at the same time and I'm wondering if extreme emotion/grief could possibly be among the triggers for those already predisposed? Any thoughts on that? My brother passed away right around the time of my diagnosis and I'm noticing similar stories in many of you. Hang in there everyone... it can get definitely improve! Luck to all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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