Managing RA Symptoms
Life sure has a way of throwing us curveballs, doesn't it? I vividly remember the day I woke up at 22 with unbeaarable pain in my hands, making even the simplest tasks a horrible feat. Little did I know, that was just the beginning of my journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
When the doctors dropped the bombshell diagnosis, I couldn't help but scoff—I mean, arthritis at 22? It felt like a cruel joke. But as I soon discovered, RA doesn't discriminate based on age. In fact, it's more common than many people realize to be diagnosed in your 20s.
So there I was, grappling with the reality of my new normal and learning to navigate a world of treatments, flare-ups, and endless doctor's appointments.
Let's break it down: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is not your typical arthritis—it's an autoimmune disease, which means it's a whole different ball game from the other types of arthritis out there.
Here's the lowdown: RA occurs when your immune system goes rogue and starts attacking the lining of your joints, leading to inflammation and pain that can seriously hamper your mobility. While it commonly targets joints in the hands, ankles, and knees, it can wreak havoc on other areas of the body too.
RA isn't something you can diagnose on your own—it takes a skilled rheumatologist to pinpoint the problem and come up with a game plan for managing it. Even then the disease can mimic a few other ailments out there, so sometimes it takes a while. They danced around with Lupus and Lime's disease before finally settling on RA for me.
And here's the kicker: autoimmune diseases like RA are on the rise, affecting a staggering 1 in 5 individuals in the US, with a whopping 75% of those affected being female. Crazy, right?
As for what triggers these conditions, well, that's still a bit of a mystery. But one thing's for sure: living with RA can take a toll on both your physical and mental well-being. It's a daily battle—one that requires strength, resilience, and plenty of support.
While RA may not have a cure, there are things that can be done to manage the condition and achieve symptom relief. I am not a medical professional, these are things I have done.
Work with your Rheumatologist. Depending on the severity of your condition there will be a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and symptoms. Medications play a major role in managing RA, from anti-inflammatories to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics. These are meant to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and slow down disease progression.
Consistent Exercise. It’s important to keep active, this helps lubricate the joints and can lessen the ramifications. When I first got diagnosed this was a huge part of my self-treatment plan. If I didn’t workout first thing in the morning, I could barely walk later.
Take it Easy. RA fatigue is no joke. When your body is inflamed it's working overtime to fight off the RA flare up, which can leave you feeling drained and depleted. Proper rest not only reduces inflammation, but it also replenishes your energy reserves.
Maintain a balanced diet. This is definitely the hardest for me, I’m a fast-food chicky. However, what you eat greatly impacts your health and wellness. Ideally you would cut out gluten, sugar, alcohol and processed foods. I personally am not doing that, but try to eat anti-inflammatory meals often. Injecting fatty fish, fruits, veggies and whole grains can give your body the fuel it needs to keep you going.
Add supplements. Do your research! There are several supplements that have been touted to have beneficial properties that can reduce inflammation. Turmeric, Vitamin D and Omega-3 are common one’s that are often named. Always consult a medical professional before adding supplements to your routine.
Heat up and Cool down. Ice is best to reduce swelling and offers some quick relief. Following up with a compression glove/sleeve and relaxing can do some good. Heat works best to soothe stiff joints and tired muscles
Reduce Stress. Mental health and physical health are deeply intertwined, especially when it comes to managing conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Stress can be a major trigger for RA flare-ups and can exacerbate symptoms, so it's crucial to prioritize your mental well-being.
Whether it's through mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga, seeking support from a therapist or counselor, or simply carving out time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, finding healthy coping mechanisms can make a world of difference.
Explore Additional Methods. I’ve created a team of professionals to help manage my symptoms. Massages can help ease stiffness and aid in relaxation. Acupuncture can be used to relieve pain. Chiropractic adjustments have shown to help with pain and inflammation. If you’re feeling really adventurous try Reiki. Reiki is considered a bioenergy therapy method that is based on the use of body energy to address pain and fatigue.
Get Support. Don’t go through it alone. Stay connected with friends and family. RA is a disease that can ravage your physical and mental health. It’s important to maintain positivity and surround yourself with people that can boost your mood and take time to do the things you enjoy.
So while living with RA may present its challenges, there's hope on the horizon. By arming yourself with the right tools, treatments, and support, you can take control of your condition and live your best life—symptom remission and all. Here's to finding relief, resilience, and a whole lot of strength along the way!
Citations: American Autoimmune , related diseases; https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/rheumatoid-arthritis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830722000799
