Introducing Myself

[patella]

Hi everyone,
I've had PR for 19yrs, diagnosed by a rheumatologist after 9yrs. I had blood tests during the early years, always normal and my GP told me it was probably "just a bit of soft tissue rheumatism." It wasn't soft tissue; it affected my joints and at times the pain was unbearable. Unfortunately, like many of you, by the time I got an appointment to see my GP the pain had usually gone away! The last 10yrs have been much, much easier; I'm not on medication apart from an occasional ibuprofen and I hope maybe my story will give those of you newly diagnosed some hope that it can improve. My main problem now is OA (my thumbs are badly affected.) This website is brilliant. Until I found you I'd no idea anyone else had the same condition!

[katie]

Thanks and welcome Patella. I've got the OA in my thumbs, and have a knee replaced due to OA. I think that sometimes people underestimate what a problem OA can be. Glad you found our site.

[patella]

Thanks for the welcome Katie. I'm not sure I'll be able to contribute much about PR but I do understand the problems and pain you all have to cope with; my PR was at its worst when my youngest child was a baby. Anyway, I'll certainly keep looking in and join in where I can.

[Kanderson]

Hey Patella and welcome

[patella]

Hey Kanderson thanks for the welcome. Hope the snow's not too bad in your part of Scotland!

[Kanderson]

we have a fewe inches....but go down the hill 500yds and there is nothing!!