Emotional journey

Being told you have rheumatoid arthritis can feel overwhelming. It’s a serious condition that has an unpredictable course and you may be worried about what is going to happen to you. But help is at hand and there’s a lot you can do to keep your spirits up.

Talk about it

Try to share your feelings with a friend, partner or counsellor. Sometimes simply talking over your worries and fears with someone else can make you feel less alone with your condition.

But if you can't shake off your feelings of anxiety you may be suffering from depression. Speak to your doctor or practice nurse.

Relax

Finding ways to relax can make a big difference to how you cope with your condition. Here are some ideas you might want to try:

• Treat your body with respect by making a special effort to eat properly and get enough sleep. Doing some exercise can also make you feel better about yourself and give you a more positive outlook on life. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel tired or slightly unwell, don't overdo things.
• Try to cut back on stimulants like alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. These may provide short-term pleasure, but in the longer term they will make you feel even worse.
• Experiment with relaxation techniques – Many people find meditation and visualisation techniques extremely relaxing, and puts them in a positive frame of mind. A practical way to start is to buy a relaxation tape or CD. These are widely available from book or music shops. To a background of relaxing, unobtrusive music, you will be encouraged to slowly relax your body, and then focus on relaxing and positive thoughts.
• Indulge yourself now and then. Go for a massage or a pedicure. Being pampered by someone else can help you relax, release stored up tension and make you feel better about your life.
• Take time out to do things you enjoy, such as listening to music, sitting in the park or going to the cinema.

Sleep well

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, the chances are you’re in pain and it is keeping you awake at night. It can be really difficult to sleep because of pain, and if you’re not sleeping properly and you’re tired, your symptoms will feel even worse.

These secrets to a good night’s slumber should help you sleep a little easier:

• Avoid eating or drinking too much close to bedtime as this may make you want to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.
• Stay away from stimulants such as caffeine (including chocolate), alcohol and tobacco in the evening. These will stimulate your nervous system and make it hard for you to drop off.
• Check your non-prescription medicines as these may contain caffeine or pseudoephedrine, which will keep you awake.
• Get some exercise to ease stress and help you relax, so you don't lie there worrying about things when you should be asleep.
• Relaxation and breathing techniques can be beneficial, helping you to let go of anxieties that may prevent you from falling asleep.

If you still can't get to sleep, it may be worth talking to your doctor or practice nurse, as it could be a sign of another medical problem.

Practical help

If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis, you may face a number of physical difficulties as a result of your condition. But there’s lots of practical help available. For example, the NHS and Social Services can provide a number of services to make your life a little easier.

For example, there are many healthcare professionals who look after people with rheumatoid arthritis, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists. They can even visit you at home if you find it difficult to travel to hospital.

Telling your employer

Having rheumatoid arthritis may cause you to have time off work, either because of the condition itself, or for you to attend GP or hospital appointments and to receive treatment. Depending on the severity of your rheumatoid arthritis, treatment may take up a significant amount of time and/or require frequent appointments.

With some jobs it may be possible to work around your appointments. Most companies offer some degree of flexible working, and a convenient working arrangement can usually be reached by discussing your medical needs with your employer.

Arrangements may include:

• Working from home on days you have appointments
• Working longer hours on the days you do not have appointments
• Starting work later and finishing later

Your employer is legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your medical needs.

If your rheumatoid arthritis is severe, you may be physically prevented from undertaking some types of manual or skilled labour, but only the Armed Forces are legally allowed to not employ people if they have severe rheumatoid arthritis.

If you feel that you may have been discriminated against at work because of your rheumatoid arthritis, there are people that can help you. You can find information from your local Citizens Advice office or contact a solicitor.

Support groups & charities

There are a number of UK organisations which provide invaluable help, information and support to people experiencing health problems. They are also a useful source of information for those caring for others with long-term conditions or for friends and relatives. 

Contacting these organisations can help you to understand and manage your condition better. 

Here are the contact details of some organisations you may find useful.

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS)

Website: nras.org.uk
General Telephone Nos: 0845 458 3969/01628 823524
Freephone Helpline No: 0800 298 7650
Email: helpline@nras.org.uk

Arthritis Care

Website:  www.arthritiscare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 800 4050 – Mon – Fri, 12pm – 4pm  
Email: info@Arthritiscare.org.uk

Arthritis Care has a number of branches and groups across the UK.

Other organisations that could help you include:

Arthritis Research Campaign: www.arc.org.uk

Arthritis Research UK: www.arthritisresearchuk.org

NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk