Message to others with rheumatoid arthritis

People offered many different kinds of advice to others with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), based on their experiences at different stages of their illness. People are all different and what works for one person may not work for someone else. Here are their suggestions:

Your illness:

• Get a diagnosis and start treatment as quickly as possible

It is important to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis as early as possible and to get it treated quickly.

• Take your medication regularly
• Remember that the pain killer paracetamol can be taken on an empty stomach, ie. first thing in the morning, without it harming your stomach (see 'Talking about - Painkillers')
• If you are in pain your doctor may be able to refer you to a pain clinic
• Find out as much as possible about RA, medication and services available (see 'Talking about - Finding information about RA')
• Pace yourself, listen to your body and accept that some days you can't do certain things (see 'Talking about - Self-management')
• Keep moving, lead as active a life as possible, and do your exercises
• Exercise in water, where you don't put too much stress on your joints (see 'Talking about - Exercise' and 'Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy')
• Try complementary therapies but be aware that they may not work for you and you may waste your money (see 'Talking about - Complementary and alternative approaches')
• Eat healthily and sleep well

Dealing with professionals

• Approach health professionals positively
• Build a relationship with your GP
• Find a consultant you like and trust and who knows about the latest treatments
• Work with your consultant, have a partnership
• Change consultant if you do not feel you are compatible with them
• Plan your consultations carefully, make the most of the time you have, build a rapport with the consultant and remember to ask questions

Ask questions and get all the information you need at the time of the consultation.

Practicalities

• Adapt your lifestyle to accommodate your illness - don't let it take over your life
• Accept help when it is offered and ask for help when you need it

There are times when you can remain independent, but at other times you need to accept some help.

• Adapt the home and buy equipment and gadgets to make life easier (see 'Talking about - Impact on home and personal life')
• Try things out in the shop before you buy them, e.g. holding cups

Approach to life

• Try to keep a positive attitude
• Try to come to terms with the illness and accept it
• Don't get depressed
• Don't moan and groan
• Don't isolate yourself, join a club
• Try yoga or start a new hobby, something you enjoy and make time to do it
• Talk to others with RA and join a support group such as Arthritis Care
• Keep flowers in the house, they will lift your spirits
• Trust in God

Message to other partners of those with RA

We interviewed 4 partners who gave the following messages to others in their situation:

• Don't panic about what the future holds - none of us know what will happen tomorrow
• Take one day at a time
• Make the most of your partner's good days/periods
• Look for things you can do together rather than regret the things you can't
• Be aware of, and sensitive to, your partner's needs and be prepared to help when necessary
• Be optimistic, with a positive attitude and don't let it rule your life
• The problems can be overcome and there is support available
• It is a gradual change and adjustments happen over time but it is important to recognise your partners restrictions
• Seek information about RA
• Persevere when seeking a diagnosis/treatments
• Don't be afraid to ask health professionals questions.