An arthritis diagnosis can be the start of a positive new journey. Take your first step with our handpicked selection of articles, advice and apps
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with arthritis you can be reassured that, with modern treatments, there’s every chance that your condition will be managed well and your symptoms minimised. Regardless, more than ever before, it’s likely that your arthritis will be in check before any long-term, painful damage is done to your joints. Compared to even 10 years ago, you are less likely to need surgery and more likely to have a full and active life. In short, there is no need to panic, Captain Mannering! This is not the end of the world, trust us.
You might, however, feel overwhelmed right now. The chances are a lot of information has come your way and this can easily feel exhausting and confusing. If this is how you feel, don’t worry. Firstly, be assured that it’s OK to ask your doctor to repeat information several times until you feel certain you understand it, in fact your doctor will expect you to.
We’ve also created this Newly Diagnosed Wellness Kit to simplify your experience on Arthursplace.co.uk, and help keep those overwhelmed feelings at bay. We’ve selected only the most relevant articles to you, so that you’re not bamboozled with too much info, too soon, and we’ve selected just three apps from the hundreds out there, to help you understand your own symptoms better. You only need to pick one, and take it from there. There are more in our handpicked apps hub, when you’re ready.
Finally, we really recommend that you join Arthur’s Place Social, our supportive and private Facebook group, where you’ll find lots of other young adults, aged 18-35, willing to share their experiences with you. You’re not alone, and trust us, it WILL get easier.
Recommended articles
All of the articles on ArthursPlace.co.uk will be helpful to you, but these are the ones we’d recommend you start with. We know it can feel overwhelming to read too much at once.
About arthritis and its treatment
What is arthritis?
You’ve been told you have arthritis. But what is it? Most people think it’s an “old person’s disease”, but that’s not true, as you’re now finding out.
A guide to arthritis treatments
The right treatment can get you back to your old self again. Here are the most common treatments
Meet the A-Team
There’s a team of arthritis professionals ready to swoop to your aid. Yay!
Coping with your feelings
How to cope with post-diagnosis blues
Clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Stokes suggests ways to stay upbeat in that tricky post-diagnosis period
Introduction to Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Find out about this talking therapy which is helping people kickstart life despite their symptoms
Helpful advice
Could you be entitled to benefits and discounts?
A simple guide to which benefits and discounts you might be entitled to and how to get them
Work Survival Guide
From how to handle interviews to knowing your rights and where to find more help, here’s the info you need to thrive at work
The benefits of physiotherapy
Discover what physiotherapy offers, what to expect at a session and how to get it
The benefits of Occupational Therapy
From career advice to home aids, occupational therapy can help in lots of ways
“Actually, I do have some questions…”
Newly diagnosed? Here are eight crucial questions to set you on a positive path
The truth about arthritis and smoking
Is it really the evil weed? Read on to discover the truth about smoking and arthritis
Arthritis and alcohol
Fancy a drink but not sure about mixing arthritis and alcohol? Here’s what you need to know
Think exercise with arthritis is out? Think again!
It’s not true that you can’t exercise with arthritis. In fact, it’s a very good idea! Here’s why
A dietitian answers the big arthritis questions
Your questions about “arthritis diets”, trigger foods, supplements and more, answered by expert Martin Lau
Real Life Stories
Matt, Emma and Anna were diagnosed with arthritis as adults. Here they talk about their experience since diagnosis, including their top tip for those recently diagnosed
Emma’s story: “Don’t let this define who you are”
Emma Walker, 37, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis two years ago. Here she shares her story.
Anna’s story: “I was diagnosed six months after giving birth”
Despite early struggles, Anna’s message to other mums-to-be is don’t be afraid
Mat’s story: “Just take one day at a time”
Mat Wilkie, 25, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis aged 20. A PhD student, he lives in a flatshare with a friend and three plants. This is his story
Apps
Apps can be a great help, especially for recording symptoms, in words and photos, and helping you share this information with your rheumatology team. The sheer number of apps out there can be overwhelming, so we’ve chosen just three to take a look at before the rest…
ArthritisID
This is a very handy arthritis app – it’s comprehensive and free, which is always good. It features the most current, evidence-based arthritis information to help detect, treat and manage the condition.
Know Your DAS
This app from NRAS lets you calculate you DAS28, keep a health diary and even has a “capture your joint” feature using the camera on your phone. It will also allow you to email the results to your health care professional.
Get the app for iPhone or iPad (Free)
Get the app for Android (Free)
My Pain Diary
This is an award-winning app which helps anyone with chronic pain. You can record details about your pain and symptoms and try to work out stuff like whether your medication is working, whether the temperature is affecting your pain, and whether something you’ve eaten or drunk has affected your condition.
Get the app for iPhone or iPad (£3.99)
Get the app for Android (£2.98)
NHS BMI healthy weight calculator
This is the official NHS app for measuring body mass index (BMI). It works for adults and children using the Department of Health’s official measurement system. You can also use it to set weight loss goals and get tips and advice.
Get the app for iPhone (Free)
Smoke Free
Offers you 20 different, evidence-based, techniques to help you become – and stay – smoke free. You can log your cravings, get tips on dealing with them and use the map to see patterns in where you smoke.
Get the app for iPhone or iPad (Free with in-app purchases)
Get the app for Android (Free with in-app purchases)
One You Drinks Tracker
This app lets you easily keep track of how much you are drinking over the week and beyond. It has a Drinks Manager to help you spot when you are overdoing it, gives practical tips on cutting down and shows you how much you are spending each week.
Get the app for iPhone or iPad (Free)
Get the app for Android (Free)
Facebook Group
Arthur’s Place hosts its community group on Facebook; we call it Arthur’s Place Social.
It’s likely that you haven’t met anyone under 35 with arthritis before, and right now you could be feeling alone. Well, you don’t need to feel that way, because at Arthur’s Place Social there’s always somebody around to say hello.
All of our members were once newly diagnosed, will know how it feels for you right now, and will give their support where they can.
Come to Arthur’s Place Social, we’re looking forward to meeting you!
