Keeping Your RA in Perspective

Some people with RA report being overwhelmed, stressed, and having feelings of depression.

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"A few years before I was officially diagnosed with RA in 2005, I went to the Emergency Room because my arm was so stiff that I could hardly move it. The ER doctor thought it was strange and wondered if I had arthritis. I thought, 'Yeah, me. Arthritis. Get real.' I thought I was OK until I went to see my doctor. I complained to her about aches and pains in my ankles, knees, and elbows. I just figured it was 'old man winter.' The doctor said, 'You could be right, but let me do a couple of tests.' Later that week, she called and told me, 'I think you may have RA. I want you to see a rheumatologist.'

"When I was first diagnosed with RA, I was shattered. There's a lot of fatigue. I was just so tired from fighting the disease. Sometimes, I needed to leave work early or work from home. The pain bothered me, and I was too tired to do the things I loved, like riding my motorcycle and attending the fundraising events that are part of my job. I thought, 'This is not who I am. I won't allow this disease to define me. I'm still active. I'm still vibrant.' Proactively working with my rheumatologist to manage my symptoms has helped me keep my perspective. I try to focus more on what I can do without worrying so much about what I can't.

"I've had to adjust my life with RA a little. When I'm feeling too achy to attend a fundraiser, I get one of my staff to go in my place. And instead of getting upset about not having the energy to go out with friends, I invite them over to watch a movie or go for a short walk. This shift in focus has really helped."

Keeping Your RA in Perspective

RA can impact your ability to work and how you live your life. Some people with RA report being overwhelmed, stressed, and having feelings of depression. Your daily routine and overall well-being may potentially suffer, but there are things you can do right now to make the disease more manageable.

Educate Yourself. Knowing more about RA is helpful, whether you are newly diagnosed or already being treated.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle. Stretching and strengthening your muscles can increase your ability to function. Talk with a health care professional about walking, resistance training, or riding a bike to help reduce RA joint pain and stiffness. Adequate rest, such as an afternoon nap, can be important to reduce the fatigue that people with RA experience.

Use Coping Strategies. Feelings of distress and pain due to your RA may negatively affect your social activities. Coping strategies such as relaxation techniques or writing in your journal about the stresses related to your disease can lead to a more positive perspective.