Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Last updated Wednesday, September 14, 2005
CopingStrategies for coping People with RA may find it difficult to cope. Because the disease
may be unpredictable, is often characterized by chronic pain, and can
affect so many joints, emotional stress
and depression may occur. While depression or other emotional problems
do not cause rheumatoid arthritis, they can make it more difficult for
a person to successfully cope with the disease.
It's important for people with RA and their families
to learn all they can about the disease and to talk about it with each
other, with their physicians, and with other health professionals
involved in their care. Counseling from mental health professionals on
how to develop coping skills and social support mechanisms may be of
help. Many people are helped by arthritis support groups.
In some people with RA, special medications may be needed to relieve
depression. The knowledge that you are not alone and that others
understand something about the challenges you are coping with can be
your best emotional support.
Since rheumatoid arthritis often is long lasting, the improved
treatments or even cures that may be found in the years ahead offer
great hope for those who are now in early stages of the disease.
Above all, it's important not to give up in the fight against this disease. With the proper use of medications, good health practices, appropriate amounts of rest and exercise,
and the ability to cope with emotional stress, people with rheumatoid
arthritis can make sure that everything is being done to control their
illness. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis will lead productive,
fulfilling lives despite their disease. Climate Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in all parts of the world, so climate
cannot prevent or cure rheumatoid arthritis. Many people with RA do
notice that abrupt changes in the weather or barometric pressure tend
to aggravate symptoms of their arthritis. For most individuals, moving
to a different climate does not make a big enough difference in their
arthritis for this to be the only reason to make such a move.
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