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.
Featured Article
Tracking Your RA
Nov 21, 2007
Keeping track of your RA can be helpful to both you and your healthcare providers. I know that sometimes pain can seem overwhelming, and remembering details about changes in how you feel may escape your memory and be lost forever. But what seems like the slightest detail may, in fact, be critical to you and your rheumatologist—even when you're feeling great! Keeping a record of these details can help you decide how best to treat your RA, how well your current treatment is working, and what activities may be impacting how you feel. You only have limited time during an office visit, so let's utilize it as best you can.
Here is a partial list of what you may want to record. (I'm sure you can think of more, and your rheumatologist may have a list for you as well):
Flares (when you experience sudden pain and inflammation)
Migrating pain (pain that moves around to different parts of the body)
How you feel after exercise
Foods that may affect inflammation
If you're a woman, any changes you notice during your menstrual cycle (hormone levels and fluid shifts may impact the intensity of inflammation and increase swelling in joints)
Psychological changes
Potential side effects from medicines (prescription and over-the-counter)
Taking nontraditional medicines, including herbs, food supplements, and vitamins
Receiving any complementary or alternative therapies
Changes to your medical conditions (other than RA)
Any and all body changes, including infections (virus, bacterial, and fungus) and even the slightest pain or fatigue
Activities (eg, vacation, volunteer work, occupation, interaction with family and friends)
DON'T FORGET: it's just as important to record the good days!
Keeping a record of all these details may seem a bit daunting, but it's easier to record in the moment (or as close to it as possible) so that you preserve the highest level of detail. These details may prove to be invaluable in discussions with your rheumatologist.
You should also consider being creative when it comes to recording events. Here is a short list of suggestions:
Journal (keep one by your bed or in your purse, briefcase, or jacket)
Computer
Electronic planner
Calendar (try using different stickers for different events)
Tape recorder
Remember, the important thing is to keep track of how you feel, no matter how you choose to record it. This can help you and your rheumatologist evaluate your current lifestyle and treatment so that you can improve the way they impact your life with RA.
Managing Pain and Stress
