Well.. here we go. Another blog about rheumatoid arthritis. I don't know exactly how this is going to turn out and what sort of things I want to write about but I read lots of RA blogs which I find funny, informative and heartbreaking so I want to add my own 2 cents in. I guess it doesn't all have to be about arthritis. I hope my life isn't only about that.

A bit of background info. I'm a 24 year old girl from Scotland. I've lived a busy, healthy life so far for which I am thankful. 5 months ago 2 fingers swelled up overnight and my world came crashing down.

I'm really new to this arthritis business and I guess this blog is going to be more for 'newbies'. A lot of the blogs out there are by people with lots of experience and I have absolutely none. I'm just trying to keep a positive attitude, and not go crazy. I figured writing about my life might help. Myself, and perhaps someone else going through the same ordeal.

I guess I'll end this first post on something positive - I'm going on holiday tomorrow. My first holiday AA - after arthritis. I'm going to Spain, and very much looking forward to getting away from this muggy island, especially since the volcano ash almost destroyed my plans.
I'm a little bit worried, as my hand is flaring just now and the ends of 3 of my fingers looks like sausages. I don't know what the change in weather/going on a plane/being in the heat (my hand feels like it's on fire right now. Soooooo pleasant.. :/ ) might do. I'm hoping a week off work will actually settle me down, as this is the worst I've been since it first started so I'm not a happy bunny.
I didn't think that first flare would ever end, but it did after about 4 weeks and I'm only 2 weeks into this one. So, I'm slightly more positive this time that it'll pass. I'll be spending a week in the sun, drinking cocktails, swimming in a lovely pool and reading my books. Lets hope I come back a changed woman ;)

Well.. that's all folks! See you in a week.