Living Well with a Rheumatic Disease |
If you were recently diagnosed with arthritis or one of the other rheumatic
diseases, you may be feeling anxious, even a little overwhelmed. This
is a natural response to an unexpected bend in the road.
But how do you handle your very real concerns? By knowing the facts.
First, the reality. With proper treatment, you can manage this condition
and still have a good and productive life. There is an arsenal of proven
effective medications and expert health professionals who will help.
However, you also have to take control of the situation. That means making
sure you get adequate exercise, ample rest and good nutrition. It also
means learning about this disease and taking steps to address your own
needs.
In fact, it is the knowledge you acquire, the persistence you show in
learning how your body best responds, and the positive approach you take
to your new life style that will spell the difference between just coping
with rheumatic disease and living well, despite your diagnosis.
Fast Facts
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You are not alone. An estimated 43 million people in
the United States of all ages and genders have arthritis or other
rheumatic conditions.
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Many rheumatic diseases are chronic conditions.
They are unlikely to go away.
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There may not be
a cure for your condition, but effective management is
available for most.
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Many people with rheumatic disease
lead happy, satisfying lives year after year.
What rheumatic disease is
Arthritis and rheumatic disease are really a family of illnesses that
can cause inflammation (redness, swelling and pain), degeneration of joints
and surrounding structure and pain. They also may make it difficult to
do daily activities. In fact, there are more than 100 different rheumatic
conditions including but not limited to osteoporosis, rheumatoid
arthritis,
gout, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, systemic
lupus erythematosus, and
scleroderma.
While the symptoms may vary, as a rule, these conditions target the musculoskeletal
system including the bones, joints, muscles, and tendons that contribute
to function. Some people can also have internal organ involvement or even
more than one of these conditions at the same time.
Therefore, it may take time for your family doctor and/or rheumatologist
to determine your particular diagnosis and the best treatment approach
for you. Your participation in this effort—and your patience—will make
a substantial contribution to a successful diagnosis and your comfort
levels.
What can you do?
Make your medical visit count!
Plan ahead for your consultations and, above all, communicate.
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Arrive with a list of your specific concerns.
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Consider
bringing someone with you who can serve as an additional set of “ears” and
take notes as appropriate.
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Respond to the medical
professional's queries honestly and directly.
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Talk
about your emotions, stress or discomfort if they are
interfering with your lifestyle.
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Ask for a clearer explanation
if you don't you understand any recommended treatment including
benefits, instructions and duration
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Ask about where to
find reliable source of information to learn more about your condition
and about community resources
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Feel free to ask questions
about the cost and side effects of medications, treatments,
or other points discussed.
Seek information
Make a concerted effort to learn more about your condition and how best
to cope with it. Augment the information health care professionals provide
with the wealth of additional resources available including:
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The Arthritis
Foundation. The national office and many local
chapters offer classes, books, videos and free informational brochures
on self-management, water and exercise programs, and other important
topics.
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Other rheumatic disease organizations such
as the ones listed
here.
Find help and resources
Identify the team of medical professionals who will be of the most benefit
to you. Initially, your rheumatologist, who has special training in the
diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases, will probably work closely
with your primary care provider. Once you are diagnosed, a number of other
medical care providers are available to help you manage your condition
including:
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Nurses
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Physical therapists
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Occupational therapists
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Pharmacists
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Health educators
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Social workers
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Psychologists
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Orthopedic Surgeons
Get Involved
 |
Make a point to learn more about your medications. |
Rather than giving rheumatic condition control over your life, get involved.
Take an active role in planning your care. Ask questions. Work with your
rheumatologist and medical team to decide the treatments that work best
for you. Make a point to learn more about:
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Your medications
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Exercise programs
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Relaxation and pain management
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Joint protection
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Balancing rest and activity
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Nutrition and weight control
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Managing stress
Talk to others
For personal reinforcement, find support groups where you can talk, share
and interact others. Check with your doctor or health professional about
community volunteer groups in your area that can provide additional input
and assistance.
Then make a difference on a national level. Join the Advocates
for Arthritis Program organized by the American College of Rheumatology,
a network of members and patients who are apprised of important votes
taking place in Congress which affect patient care, the practice of
rheumatology, and federal funding of rheumatology research. You can
help generate support for research and lobbying efforts that enhance
the quality of life for patients just like you.
Maintain a positive attitude
Believe it or not, your attitude will make a difference. Meeting your
treatment and your new situation half way redirects your energies into
success.
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Be flexible and open to treatment choices
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Find new
ways to continue enjoying your favorite activities
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Be
positive
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Communicate openly and encourage others
to do the same
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Remember it's okay to ask
for help
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Keep your sense of humor
Remain active
Not interested in exercising? Think again. Exercising can help decrease
pain, reduce disease symptoms and make a substantial contribution to your
overall flexibility. Plus it will improve your mental outlook!
Pick a group of exercises that contribute to improved fitness and strengthening
from walking and water aerobics to bicycling and dancing. Join friends,
take along a book on tape or just get going. The trick is getting started
and developing a routine. If the exercise path you are taking is strenuous,
check with your physician first.
Don't give up
Give yourself the time you need to get better. Don't feel guilty about
asking your family, friends, and colleagues for the support you need to
get your rest, exercise, and medical care. Learn to say no to outside
commitments when you need to, so that you can focus on getting well. Many
people with chronic illness feel low, discouraged, or even overwhelmed
at times. Make sure you get the support you need through your friends,
family, church, and/or counselors to cope with the illness.
Above all, don't give up! Yes, this is a chronic condition and, no, it
may not go away. But many, many patients with rheumatic diseases lead
happy, fulfilling lives by learning, communicating, sharing, and taking
a positive approach to coping with change
Why not be one of those individuals? Take control over
how you live with rheumatic disease.
To find a rheumatologist
For a listing of rheumatologists in your area, click
here .
Learn more about rheumatologists and rheumatology
health professionals.
Updated January 2005
This information was prepared by the Association
of Rheumatology Health Professionals, a Division of the American College of Rheumatology. It
is a professional membership society composed of individuals from a variety
of disciplines who share an interest in rheumatology-related issues of
practice, education and research.
