Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others

Hi all -- I'm new here so thought I would introduce myself. I live in Australia and was diagnosed with RA (and fibro) in 2016. It took a long time for me to get a diagnosis as I am sero-negative, and I apparently didn't 'fit' the classic picture. I do have joint pain in my hands and feet but have always more battled awful fatigue and muscle pain as my main symptoms. I was eventually referred to a sympathetic rheumatologist who shook her head a bit and said she thought it was 'obvious' I have RA (by then I was pretty fed up with being told "there's nothing wrong with you" so I wanted to hug her! :). Most of all I was happy to finally get a diagnosis and some treatment. I'm currently taking Methotrexate, Plaquenil, Mobic, Prednisolone and Simponi for the RA and Clonazepam and Zaldiar for the fibro-related pain. For now the drugs seem to be working and I still manage to work 4 days a week although at times I'd like nothing more than to spend the day in bed! I've found keeping moving, doing yoga, and learning mindfulness-based meditation has helped me keep active. I'd love to hear what everyone else is doing to try and stay active.

Hello! I am Jill and I was diagnosed with RA about 2 years ago. I struggle the most with hip pain and fatigue. I also have primary biliary cholangitis. I look forward to being part of this group!

@peach....just an opinion here. Considering the fact that you have held off so long from using opioids...1. Low doses will work for you. 2. Participation in life will increase, due to physical comfort. That participation will increase your activity level, actually improve relationships 3. Decrease depression while increasing inner joy and satisfaction with life. That's the upside.

Downside, you may have to deal with a few of the side effects. Ummm...constipation, which can be controlled with plenty of fluids, fiber, increase in activity. Plenty help available over the counter. Your doctor will go over pros and cons. Personally, I am limited on types of pain relief available to me, due to various issues. Opioids help me, but I always have to keep low dose, to avoid complications from use. If I had a natural alternative close in pain relief, I'd do it. But, as of now, I choose living to my fullest.

6 kids, 14 grandkids. Can't participate in family with the issues I deal with daily, that is, I can't without help. With help, I enjoy my life. Again, this is my opinion. Opioids are not the devil. Abuse is. At 81, can't see you doing that. There is a point where we are allowed, under doctors care, to enjoy some comfort. I am far from pain free at the dose I take, but take the edge off and I can move. Pick up babies. Attend activities. Bake and cook for family celebrations.

@ ph1 41414 page I have been on opiates Tramadol since I fractured my back in 05 it relieves the pain at I don't have any side effects that I'm aware of I'm down to just one at night if I need it during the day I can take one if necessary you deserve some peace and away from pain I fractured my back in 05 and have been on opiates since then Tramadol shohei go for it

@ ph1 41414 page I have been on opiates Tramadol since I fractured my back in 05 it relieves the pain at I don't have any side effects that I'm aware of I'm down to just one at night if I need it during the day I can take one if necessary you deserve some peace and away from pain I fractured my back in 05 and have been on opiates since then Tramadol shohei go for it