I've been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) for 15 years now. Notice I don't say 'I suffer from RA' - although I do, and sometimes badly. The key to managing RA is not in a bottle of tablets or a tube of topical pain relief - it's in your head. You must adapt your thinking to deal with this unwanted visitor to your body. Like any unwelcome guest, if you can't get rid of it, you have to learn to live with it.
RA affects different people in different ways, but there are certain commonalities that apply to everyone. Your doctor will prescribe a disease modifier, which will slow down the progression of the disease, reducing the risk of deformity in the joints. This works better in some cases than others. I've been on disease modifiers since Day 1, and the joints in my hands and feet are only just starting to show signs of deformity.
My daughter-in-law, who was only diagnosed 5 years ago and has also been on disease modifiers from the start, has very badly distorted hand joints. That said, disease modifiers are probably your most important medication, as they take several weeks to build up in the system, so take them religiously. You should be sure to attend for scheduled blood tests, as this group of drugs can destroy white blood cells, although this is rare.
There are many types of pain medication, and your doctor will help you find the right one for you. I find that soluble Co-Codamol gets into the blood stream quicker than tablet form, so I always ask for this. I try not to take painkillers unless I need them, as otherwise they may lose their effectiveness over time. Some painkillers can have nasty side effects, so when you find one that suits you, treat it with respect.
As you become used to living with RA, you'll spot the signs that signal a flare up rather than just a bit of stiffness after inactivity. If the area around the pain is hot, and you feel tired, even if you've just awoken from a good night's sleep, it's likely that a flare up is starting. Don't try to be a hero and grin and bear the pain - hit the tablets now, and take them regularly until the flare up subsides. On the other hand, if it's just a bit of stiffness, some gentle stretches will often sort out the problem.
Don't try to fight RA, because it's a battle you just can't win. Know your limitations and work within them. That will reduce your pain levels and help you to feel more positive about yourself and your RA. Don't worry about what you can't do - focus on what you can do. I can't go for hikes in the hills any more, but I can manage the walk into our village, as long as I take my time and take advantages of strategically placed benches.
I can't go to the gym because of the strain on my joints, but I can go swimming, and I also go to belly dancing classes. This is low impact exercise, incorporating stretching and relaxation techniques, so it's ideal for people with RA. When I have a flare up, I take some painkillers and then do some relaxation exercises. If you can train yourself not to tense up against the pain, it helps to ride the flare ups, and the stretching helps to keep joints supple.
When a bad flare up strikes, rest your body but do something with your mind, so you are in control rather than just lying there waiting for the next spasm of pain to wash over you. Writing is my saviour. Because I'm concentrating on structuring an article or a poem, the pain does not occupy centre stage. It's there, but it's not stopping me doing things.
You might prefer to read or do puzzles or crosswords, but do something - don't allow yourself to focus on the pain.
Many areas offer RA management courses, and if you can find one, it will set you on the road to living with RA. The main tool for RA management, though, is your mind. You can live a full life with RA - you just need to think around the problem. I did it - so can you!
By Sandra Piddock -
I'm 57, married with a grown up family, and I divide my time between the Costa Blanca in Spain and Cornwall in England. I make a modest living as a freelance writer and website editor. I write on anything wh...
How to treat Rheumatoid?Arthritis?
I have pain around my knee when I put the wight on.
New target to battle rheumatoid arthritis identified
21 May 2012 at 1:24am London, May 21 : Researchers have uncovered the mechanism by which a cell signalling pathway contributes to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
20 May 2012 at 3:16pm Scientists have identified the mechanism by which a cell signaling pathway contributes to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Scientists Identify New Target to Battle Rheumatoid Arthritis
20 May 2012 at 12:26pm A new study led by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery identifies the mechanism by which a cell signaling pathway contributes to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
I've been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) for 15 years now. Notice I don't say 'I suffer from RA' - although I do, and sometimes badly. The key to managing RA is not in a bottle of tablets or a tube of topical pain relief - it's in your head. You must adapt your thinking to deal with this unwanted visitor to your body. Like any unwelcome guest, if you can't get rid of it, you have to learn to live with it.
