| Being diagnosed with any incurable disease is shocking, | | | | management is about finding the correct balance for |
| and rheumatoid arthritis is no different. If you have just | | | | you. |
| received your diagnosis then you need to take time to | | | | 3. Dealing with physical change. It is inevitable that your |
| process the situation and work out what happens | | | | body will go through changes with rheumatoid arthritis, |
| next. | | | | but no one can predict how and when these will |
| There is so much information on rheumatoid arthritis | | | | happen. Each physical change will need to be |
| that it is hard to know where to start. Below I have | | | | reviewed and the consequences understood. Living |
| details three points which I believe will help you to keep | | | | with rheumatoid arthritis is not about waiting for the |
| your focus and stay on track. | | | | next stage - this is the wrong mindset and an |
| 1. Every patient is different. There are no two people in | | | | important pitfall to avoid. |
| the world the same. The same it true for patients - | | | | Now is a good time to evaluate what is important - top |
| there are no two patients who will respond exactly the | | | | of your list should be quality of life. Happiness is one of |
| same way. However tempting it may be you must try | | | | the best treatments for anything. Rheumatoid arthritis |
| not to compare your treatment or progress against | | | | does not mean that you have to give up living. |
| others. | | | | You are not an island and you cannot stand alone. |
| 2. The Importance of understanding pain management. | | | | Take on board what other people say, but don't think |
| There are a lot of side affects to living with pain. There | | | | that you have to follow their advice. You should |
| are physical side affects such as stiffness and | | | | always feel comfortable with decisions about your |
| cramps as you try to compensate for the pain. | | | | treatments. Doubt and skepticism do not often lead to |
| However, there are also emotional side affects, you | | | | success. |
| may become more easily upset, or more aggressive | | | | Remember, there is no better way to stay positive |
| or even simply appear irrational at times. | | | | than you make sure that you spend as much time as |
| Although these are not life threatening side affects, | | | | possible with positive people. |
| they ill certainly affect your quality of life. Pain | | | | |