I need some encouragement!

[Guest guest]

I have RA as well as many other health problems and am 24 years old.

My RA affects all of my joints. It is so hard being in pain everyday,

all day. Expecially when the people around you don't understand. What

do you do that helps minimize the pain? Physical and emotional?

[Guest guest]

Hi Rebekah

A few of the non-medication things that have helped me (in no particular

order): Hot water bottles, ice packs, a wool underlay and electric blanket

on my bed, sleeping with a thin pillow between my knees, ACE bandages for

swollen joints.

Distraction works for me too - a good book, a jigsaw, listening to music,

talking to friends, watching tv/dvds.

Medication wise, other than the usual DMARDS and anti-inflammatories, make

sure you are getting the pain relief you need. You might need to be very

assertive and vocal although rheumatologists are pretty good at

understanding our pain. Family doctors may be not so...If you find it hard

to speak up, take a family memeber with you to the dr, who can confirm that

you are in pain. When pain is overwhelming, a course of prednisone can

really help the joints to 'simmer down' too.

When I'm in a flare, I cannot get by without sleeping pills (e.g.

zopiclone), as pain disrupts sleep and you need your rest Don't be shy to

discuss this with your rheumatologist too.

Sending positive thoughts your way,

in NZ