There is a large degree of difference in "living with rheumatoid arthritis" and living "well" with rheumatoid arthritis. Living well with rheumatoid arthritis involves making important lifestyle adjustments. Learning to pace yourself, making sure you get adequate rest and exercise and being wary of overextending yourself are important skills to learn when living with rheumatoid arthritis.

For each person living with rheumatoid arthritis, the circumstances will be different because the disease affects each person differently. Living with rheumatoid arthritis is a challenge and an education, but people living with rheumatoid arthritis can meet this challenge with the right set of tools. With close attention and care, most people living with rheumatoid arthritis can maintain a relatively normal life.

These are several tips to help even out the ups and downs of living with rheumatoid arthritis:
_ Focus on eating properly at all times, which includes eliminating processed flours and sugars and adding nutritional supplements.
_ Stay in close contact with your doctor.
_ Determining a healthy weight and work toward reaching that weight goal.
_ Maintain normal daily activities as best you can.
_ Stay connected with friends and family. Do not isolate yourself from the
world.
_ Become well-educated about rheumatoid arthritis.
_ Emotionally prepare for the up-and down nature of living with rheumatoid arthritis.
_ Exercise regularly to improve strength and energy levels and decrease anxiety, depression and stress.
_ Allow time for extra rest.
_ Develop priorities and break down long-term projects into small, manageable jobs.
_ Find positive ways to address negative emotions. Resolve stress, depression, pain and anger.
You may have a mild or a more serious form, but no matter how severe your rheumatoid arthritis is, you will need close medical supervision. You may also need to make lifestyle changes to keep your disease under control and feel as well as possible. At the beginning, you may feel some of these emotions:
_ Anger or depression over the loss of your former good health.
_ Uncertainty about what to tell family, friends, or coworkers.
_ Guilt for having rheumatoid arthritis and the burden it may cause your family.
_ Fear that you may lose your job if you can no longer work regularly.

These are all normal feelings, and you are not alone in having them. You should give yourself time to adjust to your illness. This may or may not be easy for you. Discuss your feelings and concerns with your doctor and nurse and with your family and friends. Sometimes, talking with other people who have rheumatoid arthritis is helpful. If you are having a hard time adjusting to your diagnosis, consider seeking the help of a counselor.

Many physical and emotional issues confront people with rheumatoid arthritis, both in the beginning and throughout the course of their disease. The most common issues include the following.
_ Fatigue: Fatigue is a chronic problem that is usually accompanied by joint pain and stiffness. It can affect many aspects of your daily life.
_ Changes in Physical Ability: Many people living with rheumatoid arthritis feel isolated because their fatigue and need to rest keep them from maintaining normal work and social schedules. There will be times when you may feel it is easier to stay home than to make plans and later cancel them because you are too tired or not feeling well.
_ Depression: You may feel sad or depressed at times in your struggle living with rheumatoid arthritis or because of the medications you take. Good communication with your doctor and health care team, as well as with your family and friends, is important in helping you cope with these feelings.
_ Concern for the Future: Because the future and course of your disease are unknown, planning for your job, your family, and life in general can be difficult at times when living with rheumatoid arthritis.
_ Family Concerns: Like you, your family can be overwhelmed about your diagnosis and may have a difficult time understanding and adapting to your disease. They may feel confused, helpless, and afraid. Because of your physical limitations, traditional roles and responsibilities within the family may need to change. It is important that everyone talk openly and honestly with each other. It is also important that your family learns about your disease so they can better understand your physical and emotional condition and the changes in your family that may result.

Living with rheumatoid arthritis: Caring For Yourself
_ Learn as much about rheumatoid arthritis as possible.
_ Understand that you will experience a variety of emotions, particularly when you are first diagnosed and adjusting to the fact that you are living with rheumatoid arthritis.
_ Adopt a positive attitude.
_ Evaluate your personal strengths and resources, such as family, friends, coworkers, and community ties.
_ Determine what your needs are, then make a plan to address them.
_ Don't be afraid to set goals for yourself, but be flexible.
_ Learn how to manage the physical aspects of your disease and the effects they have on other areas of your life.
_ Learn to deal with stressful situations, because stress and anxiety can make rheumatoid arthritis symptoms worse.
_ Learn to talk with your health care team, family, friends, and coworkers about rheumatoid arthritis and the effect it has on your life.
_ Don't be afraid to seek help for yourself or your family.

Remember: Living well with rheumatoid arthritis is possible. It is important that you take control of your illness and not allow it to take control of you. Adopting a positive attitude and striving to be happy can make a big difference in the quality of your life and that of your family and friends.



 

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