Coping with the challenges of a chronic condition like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can be emotionally taxing and stressful. It’s no surprise that studies have shown that individuals with RA, especially those with active disease, are at a heightened risk of experiencing depression and anxiety.
Living with RA
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues within the joints. This triggers an inflammatory response, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain, particularly when the joint is in use. Arthritis encompasses various types, making it complex for doctors to accurately identify the specific kind.
In the early stages of the disease, joint tenderness and mild stiffness are typical. As RA advances, pain, severe stiffness, and swelling become more pronounced. As time goes on, ligaments, joints, and cartilage sustain further damage, resulting in deformities, unstable joints, and limited range of motion.
Diet
Managing your RA symptoms involves maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight places additional stress on weight-bearing joints like hips and knees, which might already be susceptible to damage from the RA-related processes. Excess weight has also been linked to challenges in achieving low disease activity during the early stages of RA. Effectively managing the disease is crucial to prevent or slow down joint damage that can lead to disability.
Sleep
Individuals with RA often experience sleep disorders, with sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome being common. Suggestions for better sleep include minimizing stimulation before bedtime, reserving the bed solely for sleep, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and snacks close to bedtime.
Asking Questions
As you work closely with your doctor to manage RA, it’s important to ask questions about your condition to gain clarity. Due to limited time during appointments, prioritize asking essential questions. Start by inquiring about recommended RA medications and the reasons behind those recommendations. Also, inquire about how you’ll be able to assess if the treatment is effective for you.
Self-Advocacy
Be assertive and courageous; understanding your condition can take time. Take charge of your healthcare by requesting tests and seeking referrals to specialists. You possess the most insight into your body and its condition.
Mental Health
An autoimmune disorder can impact both your body and mind. Living with a chronic condition affects your overall quality of life, which in turn affects your mental health. While your doctor can provide guidance on treatment and coping strategies, turning to those who blog about daily life with arthritis can offer valuable emotional support.
Kind Self-Treatment
Remind yourself that you’ll be alright, even in moments of unbearable pain or overwhelming stiffness. Be gentle with yourself. Loneliness can impact your mood, energy levels, and relationships. It’s important to acknowledge that the nature of RA brings an element of unpredictability to your life. Equip yourself with knowledge, and online resources like RheumatoidArthritis.net and CreakyJoints.org offer insight into the daily challenges of living with a chronic condition.
Sources:
– RheumatoidArthritis.net: Mental Health (https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/mental-health)
