Scroll down Support for living with RA We provide information and support services for those affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their families, friends, carers and health professionals. Hayley was struggling with her RA symptoms until she found NRAS. “I couldn’t stand or walk for days, do any household chores, or sleep because of the excruciating pain at night from flare-ups.” Read Hayley's story What's happening? News, 28 Nov Who does NRAS reach? Take part in the NRAS Census Who does NRAS reach? That is the question we want to know the answer to! For our first ever NRAS Census we are reaching out to you, our community in as many ways as possible to ask a series of anonymous questions. It will help us to better understand who our audience is, whether we […] News, 11 Oct Help others like Hayley by supporting NRAS today “I couldn’t stand or walk for days, do any household chores or sleep because of the excruciating pain at night from flare-ups.” For thousands of people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the UK, this is their painful reality. At NRAS, we’re committed to providing much-needed support, information and advocacy for all those living with […] Article NRAS Christmas Cards & Gifts Take a look at this year’s wonderful collection of Christmas cards, gifts and so much more here. Choose from a variety of contemporary and traditional cards to send to your close ones this Christmas and simultaneously support the work of NRAS! Among our e-card collection this year, we’ve included a bespoke e-card that was designed […] Get all the latest news and events straight to your inbox with our regular email. Don't worry, we won’t send you spam! Sign up About Rheumatoid Arthritis All our information on rheumatoid arthritis, what it is, how it’s managed and living with the condition. What is RA? → Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease, meaning that the symptoms such as pain and inflammation are caused by the immune system attacking the joints. Symptoms of RA → RA is a systemic condition, meaning that it can affect the body all over. RA occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, and this can cause pain, swelling and stiffness. RA diagnosis and possible causes → RA is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, scans and examination of the joints. RA medication → RA is a very variable condition so, doctors do not start all patients in exactly the same way on the same drug regimen. RA healthcare → Read about the people involved in treating RA, best practice models for clinical practice and information on monitoring of RA. Search for resources Try searching our resource hub to find the articles, videos, tools and publications most helpful for you. I am… Employer Health Professional Someone with RASelect topic… About NRAS Apni Jung info for South Asian community COVID-19 Diagnosis and Monitoring Diet and Exercise Events Family Planning Healthcare professionals Other Conditions RA Stories Research Self-management Symptoms and Causes Treatment Work and BenefitsSelect resource type… Article Facebook Live NRAS Live Publication Video Clear All Article A Guide to Staying Active with Inflammatory Arthritis Working out with arthritis can be a daunting thought and many experience gym anxiety. This is totally understandable but there are strategies you can put into place to make it easier to immerse yourself into the world of exercise. NRAS Live NRAS Live: Pregnancy Guidelines in Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease Our NRAS National Patient Champions, Ailsa Bosworth, was joined by Guidelines Author Prof. Ian Giles, patient mum Katy Pieris, Kate Duhig from the University of Manchester who is conducting a clinical trial in pregnancy and Nurse Specialist Louise Moore who was also on the Guidelines working group. You may have noticed we lost one of […] Article 8 tips to have a stress-free Diwali when you live with RA Diwali is a time full of happiness and joy, but for someone like me who lives with RA, it can also feel overwhelming and fearful. Over the years, I have learnt ways to manage the stress and fear surrounding it which I would love to share with you. Article Reflections on my life with RA, this World Arthritis Day Reflections on my life with RA, this World Arthritis Day Blog by Ailsa Bosworth MBE, NRAS Founder and National Patient Champion The theme for this World Arthritis Day, 12th October, 2023 is ‘Living with a Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease at all stages of life’. At age 74 I’ve lived a long time and 43 years of that life […] Article 10 ways you can improve your mental well-being if you have a chronic illness 10 ways you can improve your mental well-being if you have a chronic illness Blog by Nadine Garland The World Health Organisation states that wellbeing is “a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” It is easy to focus on physical wellbeing when dealing with a chronic health condition such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and […] Load more ↓ Get Involved There are many ways in which you can get involved to support NRAS, from holding a tea party to becoming a Member. Help by volunteering Join our amazing team of volunteers and help us to raise the profile of RA. Help by joining Memberships tailored for you Don’t live this alone, join us today and be part of our RA Community, together we can help you build a brighter tomorrow View T&Cs for all memberships here Help by fundraising We need your help to continue our work and there’s lots of ways to do so! Help by donating Donate today to change the lives of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Your Stories You have to be proactive in managing your illness Written by Amanda I was diagnosed at the age of 37 in 2008, after 6 months of misdiagnosis by GPs and finally ending up not being able to get out of bed one morning and being taken to hospital as an emergency. Diagnosis changed my life – physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and socially. I received […] I feel like I’ve gained a lot of my life back We spoke to Léa, who was diagnosed with RA in February 2020. Léa gives us first hand experience of her initial RA journey, the different medicines she has been prescribed to treat her RA and advice on the condition itself. Want more RA stories, Facebook Lives and informative videos? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. RA can be life-changing, but you can be the one to change your life Becoming a mother, retraining, going self-employed and setting up an NRAS group. How NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh did all this after her RA diagnosis. To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate inspirational women everywhere, women such as our very own amazing NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh. “I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of […] I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life I am 24 years old, and at aged 19, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of RA. Somehow I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life and everything about it! My name is Eleanor Farr – known as Ellie or Ell to my friends! I am 24 years […] Why Major Jake P Baker stays ‘faithful in adversity’ Major Jake P Baker discusses a life in the army, his diagnosis of RA and how his healthcare team, family and NRAS have helped him through his journey with RA. I retired from the Army on 30th April 2013 after nearly 42 years’ service – man and boy. I enlisted 6 days after my 15th birthday, taking […] A daughter’s letter to her father, who lives with RA Dear Dad, you took care of me within your strong arms until I could walk, then embraced me in hugs every day after, keeping our connection forever strong. You took care of me, and you still do, but I want to talk about the time where this case was inversed. To look back on when […] It all started with a pain in my right wrist My RA is still in remission and I am able to enjoy activities like cycling and walking. Last August we had a family holiday in Wales and I managed to climb Snowdon – a real sense of achievement. I do still get some pain and swelling in my joints, especially my wrists and hands, but compared to where I […] Click to close video modal Close Help support others Because of your generous donations, NRAS will continue to be there for everyone affected by rheumatoid arthritis. MonthlySinglePay in Funds £5£10£20Other £16.68£34.00£83.56Other £50£100£500Other Donate now! NRAS in 2022 0 Calls answered 0 Publications sent out 0 People reached
What's happening? News, 28 Nov Who does NRAS reach? Take part in the NRAS Census Who does NRAS reach? That is the question we want to know the answer to! For our first ever NRAS Census we are reaching out to you, our community in as many ways as possible to ask a series of anonymous questions. It will help us to better understand who our audience is, whether we […] News, 11 Oct Help others like Hayley by supporting NRAS today “I couldn’t stand or walk for days, do any household chores or sleep because of the excruciating pain at night from flare-ups.” For thousands of people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the UK, this is their painful reality. At NRAS, we’re committed to providing much-needed support, information and advocacy for all those living with […] Article NRAS Christmas Cards & Gifts Take a look at this year’s wonderful collection of Christmas cards, gifts and so much more here. Choose from a variety of contemporary and traditional cards to send to your close ones this Christmas and simultaneously support the work of NRAS! Among our e-card collection this year, we’ve included a bespoke e-card that was designed […] Get all the latest news and events straight to your inbox with our regular email. Don't worry, we won’t send you spam! Sign up
News, 28 Nov Who does NRAS reach? Take part in the NRAS Census Who does NRAS reach? That is the question we want to know the answer to! For our first ever NRAS Census we are reaching out to you, our community in as many ways as possible to ask a series of anonymous questions. It will help us to better understand who our audience is, whether we […]
News, 11 Oct Help others like Hayley by supporting NRAS today “I couldn’t stand or walk for days, do any household chores or sleep because of the excruciating pain at night from flare-ups.” For thousands of people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the UK, this is their painful reality. At NRAS, we’re committed to providing much-needed support, information and advocacy for all those living with […]
Article NRAS Christmas Cards & Gifts Take a look at this year’s wonderful collection of Christmas cards, gifts and so much more here. Choose from a variety of contemporary and traditional cards to send to your close ones this Christmas and simultaneously support the work of NRAS! Among our e-card collection this year, we’ve included a bespoke e-card that was designed […]
About Rheumatoid Arthritis All our information on rheumatoid arthritis, what it is, how it’s managed and living with the condition. What is RA? → Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease, meaning that the symptoms such as pain and inflammation are caused by the immune system attacking the joints. Symptoms of RA → RA is a systemic condition, meaning that it can affect the body all over. RA occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, and this can cause pain, swelling and stiffness. RA diagnosis and possible causes → RA is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, scans and examination of the joints. RA medication → RA is a very variable condition so, doctors do not start all patients in exactly the same way on the same drug regimen. RA healthcare → Read about the people involved in treating RA, best practice models for clinical practice and information on monitoring of RA.
Search for resources Try searching our resource hub to find the articles, videos, tools and publications most helpful for you. I am… Employer Health Professional Someone with RASelect topic… About NRAS Apni Jung info for South Asian community COVID-19 Diagnosis and Monitoring Diet and Exercise Events Family Planning Healthcare professionals Other Conditions RA Stories Research Self-management Symptoms and Causes Treatment Work and BenefitsSelect resource type… Article Facebook Live NRAS Live Publication Video Clear All Article A Guide to Staying Active with Inflammatory Arthritis Working out with arthritis can be a daunting thought and many experience gym anxiety. This is totally understandable but there are strategies you can put into place to make it easier to immerse yourself into the world of exercise. NRAS Live NRAS Live: Pregnancy Guidelines in Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease Our NRAS National Patient Champions, Ailsa Bosworth, was joined by Guidelines Author Prof. Ian Giles, patient mum Katy Pieris, Kate Duhig from the University of Manchester who is conducting a clinical trial in pregnancy and Nurse Specialist Louise Moore who was also on the Guidelines working group. You may have noticed we lost one of […] Article 8 tips to have a stress-free Diwali when you live with RA Diwali is a time full of happiness and joy, but for someone like me who lives with RA, it can also feel overwhelming and fearful. Over the years, I have learnt ways to manage the stress and fear surrounding it which I would love to share with you. Article Reflections on my life with RA, this World Arthritis Day Reflections on my life with RA, this World Arthritis Day Blog by Ailsa Bosworth MBE, NRAS Founder and National Patient Champion The theme for this World Arthritis Day, 12th October, 2023 is ‘Living with a Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease at all stages of life’. At age 74 I’ve lived a long time and 43 years of that life […] Article 10 ways you can improve your mental well-being if you have a chronic illness 10 ways you can improve your mental well-being if you have a chronic illness Blog by Nadine Garland The World Health Organisation states that wellbeing is “a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” It is easy to focus on physical wellbeing when dealing with a chronic health condition such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and […] Load more ↓
Article A Guide to Staying Active with Inflammatory Arthritis Working out with arthritis can be a daunting thought and many experience gym anxiety. This is totally understandable but there are strategies you can put into place to make it easier to immerse yourself into the world of exercise.
NRAS Live NRAS Live: Pregnancy Guidelines in Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease Our NRAS National Patient Champions, Ailsa Bosworth, was joined by Guidelines Author Prof. Ian Giles, patient mum Katy Pieris, Kate Duhig from the University of Manchester who is conducting a clinical trial in pregnancy and Nurse Specialist Louise Moore who was also on the Guidelines working group. You may have noticed we lost one of […]
Article 8 tips to have a stress-free Diwali when you live with RA Diwali is a time full of happiness and joy, but for someone like me who lives with RA, it can also feel overwhelming and fearful. Over the years, I have learnt ways to manage the stress and fear surrounding it which I would love to share with you.
Article Reflections on my life with RA, this World Arthritis Day Reflections on my life with RA, this World Arthritis Day Blog by Ailsa Bosworth MBE, NRAS Founder and National Patient Champion The theme for this World Arthritis Day, 12th October, 2023 is ‘Living with a Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease at all stages of life’. At age 74 I’ve lived a long time and 43 years of that life […]
Article 10 ways you can improve your mental well-being if you have a chronic illness 10 ways you can improve your mental well-being if you have a chronic illness Blog by Nadine Garland The World Health Organisation states that wellbeing is “a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” It is easy to focus on physical wellbeing when dealing with a chronic health condition such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and […]
Get Involved There are many ways in which you can get involved to support NRAS, from holding a tea party to becoming a Member. Help by volunteering Join our amazing team of volunteers and help us to raise the profile of RA. Help by joining Memberships tailored for you Don’t live this alone, join us today and be part of our RA Community, together we can help you build a brighter tomorrow View T&Cs for all memberships here Help by fundraising We need your help to continue our work and there’s lots of ways to do so! Help by donating Donate today to change the lives of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Help by joining Memberships tailored for you Don’t live this alone, join us today and be part of our RA Community, together we can help you build a brighter tomorrow View T&Cs for all memberships here
Your Stories You have to be proactive in managing your illness Written by Amanda I was diagnosed at the age of 37 in 2008, after 6 months of misdiagnosis by GPs and finally ending up not being able to get out of bed one morning and being taken to hospital as an emergency. Diagnosis changed my life – physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and socially. I received […] I feel like I’ve gained a lot of my life back We spoke to Léa, who was diagnosed with RA in February 2020. Léa gives us first hand experience of her initial RA journey, the different medicines she has been prescribed to treat her RA and advice on the condition itself. Want more RA stories, Facebook Lives and informative videos? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. RA can be life-changing, but you can be the one to change your life Becoming a mother, retraining, going self-employed and setting up an NRAS group. How NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh did all this after her RA diagnosis. To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate inspirational women everywhere, women such as our very own amazing NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh. “I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of […] I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life I am 24 years old, and at aged 19, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of RA. Somehow I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life and everything about it! My name is Eleanor Farr – known as Ellie or Ell to my friends! I am 24 years […] Why Major Jake P Baker stays ‘faithful in adversity’ Major Jake P Baker discusses a life in the army, his diagnosis of RA and how his healthcare team, family and NRAS have helped him through his journey with RA. I retired from the Army on 30th April 2013 after nearly 42 years’ service – man and boy. I enlisted 6 days after my 15th birthday, taking […] A daughter’s letter to her father, who lives with RA Dear Dad, you took care of me within your strong arms until I could walk, then embraced me in hugs every day after, keeping our connection forever strong. You took care of me, and you still do, but I want to talk about the time where this case was inversed. To look back on when […] It all started with a pain in my right wrist My RA is still in remission and I am able to enjoy activities like cycling and walking. Last August we had a family holiday in Wales and I managed to climb Snowdon – a real sense of achievement. I do still get some pain and swelling in my joints, especially my wrists and hands, but compared to where I […]
You have to be proactive in managing your illness Written by Amanda I was diagnosed at the age of 37 in 2008, after 6 months of misdiagnosis by GPs and finally ending up not being able to get out of bed one morning and being taken to hospital as an emergency. Diagnosis changed my life – physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and socially. I received […]
I feel like I’ve gained a lot of my life back We spoke to Léa, who was diagnosed with RA in February 2020. Léa gives us first hand experience of her initial RA journey, the different medicines she has been prescribed to treat her RA and advice on the condition itself. Want more RA stories, Facebook Lives and informative videos? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
RA can be life-changing, but you can be the one to change your life Becoming a mother, retraining, going self-employed and setting up an NRAS group. How NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh did all this after her RA diagnosis. To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate inspirational women everywhere, women such as our very own amazing NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh. “I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of […]
I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life I am 24 years old, and at aged 19, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of RA. Somehow I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life and everything about it! My name is Eleanor Farr – known as Ellie or Ell to my friends! I am 24 years […]
Why Major Jake P Baker stays ‘faithful in adversity’ Major Jake P Baker discusses a life in the army, his diagnosis of RA and how his healthcare team, family and NRAS have helped him through his journey with RA. I retired from the Army on 30th April 2013 after nearly 42 years’ service – man and boy. I enlisted 6 days after my 15th birthday, taking […]
A daughter’s letter to her father, who lives with RA Dear Dad, you took care of me within your strong arms until I could walk, then embraced me in hugs every day after, keeping our connection forever strong. You took care of me, and you still do, but I want to talk about the time where this case was inversed. To look back on when […]
It all started with a pain in my right wrist My RA is still in remission and I am able to enjoy activities like cycling and walking. Last August we had a family holiday in Wales and I managed to climb Snowdon – a real sense of achievement. I do still get some pain and swelling in my joints, especially my wrists and hands, but compared to where I […]
Help support others Because of your generous donations, NRAS will continue to be there for everyone affected by rheumatoid arthritis. MonthlySinglePay in Funds £5£10£20Other £16.68£34.00£83.56Other £50£100£500Other Donate now!