Real-Life Tips for Dealing with a Bad Rheumatoid Arthritis Day
Living with a chronic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis is fraught with ups and downs. Try these suggestions to help you get through the bad days.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful, swollen joint condition caused by inflammation. Furthermore, one day you may feel great, and the next your joints may be tender, achy, and swollen, with barely enough energy to get out of bed.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to help you get through the tough times. Start with these nine coping skills from real RA patients to help you get through even the worst days.
1. Practice saying "Om." "Try Reverse the diagnosis." When times are tough, you turn to yoga, movement, self-massage with therapy balls, and meditation. It's also critical to have something you enjoy doing in your life, whether it's a job or a hobby, as well as goals to strive for.
Yoga, which combines stretches and poses with breathing techniques and meditation, can help people with RA: "Be more active; improve joint pain and stiffness; increase flexibility; reduce stress and anxiety; and promote better sleep."
Because stress is a major trigger for RA, look for classes that emphasize both strength and mobility, and relaxation. Find an instructor who is comfortable recommending changes if necessary [and] has experience.
collaborating with other RA students If at all possible, schedule a few private sessions before enrolling in a group class.If yoga isn't your thing, follow Angharad's lead. To assist, perform breathing exercises in a steam room.
2. Get moving - Get up and walk every half hour, especially if you work at a desk. People who exercise regularly have less pain, more energy, and sleep better. Try a low-intensity, weight-bearing activity like walking.
3. Be grateful. Gratitude can have an impact. "Don't just be thankful when things are going well." "Make gratitude a regular part of your day so that when a bad day with RA strikes, you're already in a grateful frame of mind and looking for the best in any situation."
4. Make use of assistive devices - "People wasted years not asking for help or tools that could make your life a little easier and help you cope with the pain of RA."
"Like often buy dresses with big buttons or zippers so you’re not struggling to do these things with swollen hands,
For example, instead of squeezing a curling iron, use hot rollers.
Foot swelling can be reduced by wearing socks that allow your feet to breathe while also keeping them warm.
5. Change things up - After you've been diagnosed. You learn a lot about how to deal with bad days.
Hot and cold packs, hot showers, compression, distraction, and deep breathing are all effective ways to manage a RA flare. "To distract yourself, you might watch a movie, talk to friends, or listen to country music.
"Many RA flares are short in duration, and managing them can be as simple as applying a cold or hot pack to the tender joints, which also helps to relax the muscles, "Using a warm compress two or three times a day and taking a warm bath or shower can also help."
6. Seek assistance. "rely on friends who have RA" The help can come from friends or family, a local or online support group, or a professional.
7. Don't be afraid to experiment. Working long hours, especially 12- to 14-hour shifts, can be dangerous; reduce your working hours or take a break. The most important aspect of your work schedule is flexible.
8. Get ready for doctor's appointments. Always go prepared to doctor appointments so you can say, 'I think this is what's going on because of A, B, and C,“ keep notes on your smartphone to share at each visit. This data is more than just a snapshot; it can help doctors make important changes to your RA treatment plan.
9. Be honest - "Some RA patients are so used to downplaying things that even when we think we're communicating how severe a symptom or medication side effect is, we're not." Make sure your doctor hears you by spelling it out clearly.
