About This Column
Here you'll find advice on how to take a more comprehensive approach toward managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Keep in mind, this column is intended to advise you on how to complement your treatment, not replace it. Please consult your doctor to determine what advice may be right for you.
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Problem Solving With an Unpredictable Disease
Sep 1, 2010
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can create uncertainty in your life. Often, when you wake up in the morning, you have no clue about how your body is going to feel that day. How stiff will you be? Will you be able to use your hands or walk? In short, will it be a good day or a bad day?
With so many unknowns, it can be difficult to make plans. And if you do plan ahead, many times you have to change your plans! This can be frustrating and tiring. But learning to be flexible and adjust to the changes in your life can help keep you from getting discouraged. This requires practicing problem-solving skills to help you cope with the unpredictable nature of your RA.
Below are some steps that can help you deal with these challenges:
Identify the problem. You must be clear on what the problem is before you can address it. For example, if you're having trouble sleeping is it because you are in pain? Or are you afraid you are going to be in pain? The problem could be physical or psychological. Knowing what it is can help you find a solution. Sometimes the problem is difficult to recognize. In that case, talking to your healthcare team can be very helpful.
Assess the problem. Gather information about how RA relates to the problem you're having. Consult with your rheumatologist to get the answers you need. And feel free to ask again if there are things you don't understand. Many people also seek information on the Internet and read books about RA. Your healthcare team can direct you to reliable resources.
Choose a problem-solving method:
Eliminate the problem. Make modifications in your home or workplace to get rid of the problem. For example, if you have trouble opening doorknobs, replace them with lever handles.
Work around the problem. Try changing your habits or schedule. For example, some people deal with morning stiffness by starting the workday later and making appointments later in the day.
Work with the problem. Talk with your loved ones, friends, and employers to let them know the situation. Together, you can decide what changes can be made to minimize the problem.
When you have practiced these problem-solving skills, you'll be more prepared when your RA acts up. Above all, give yourself permission to use your imagination and be creative when coming up with solutions.
In the next article, we will talk about setting realistic goals with RA.
Managing Pain and Stress
