Unpredictable ARTHUR

freesia

I know it happens.... BUT WHY....??

One day you seem to 'sail' through relatively ok (with some meds) then the next day BAM....!!!

PAIN PAIN PAIN - depression - anxiety & tears....!! and not knowing what to do for the best...??

Being relatively new to arthur, Do these symptoms last forever now...??
Cause I'm at my wits end...

Sorry to moan.. on & on... But guess I'm having a bad day, and can see no light at the end of the tunnel....

Someone please shine some light.... :?

stickywicket

That's a tough question, freesia. I think, given that I'm having to think of an answer, the answer has to be no, it doesn't last not as you're experiencing it right now.

There's always pain. I know there are some who believe painkillers live up to their name but I'm not one of them. If I take enough to kill the pain I'm also killing my ability to function properly and therefore my quality of life. But mostly I've been able to come to 'an agreement' between me, my RA and my meds. It doesn't always work out but, on the whole, I can live with it.

Persistent, relentless pain can be very depressing, especially when you're only just getting used to it. For my worst days I've never tried to fight it. I just accept that this is going to be one of those days and treat myself to whatever I can. Cricket always brings me out of myself, some music, books or even computer games can take my mind off it. Anything that demands concentration so that I can't concentrate on the pain.

I think it will get better to some extent and you will get more used to it and how best to deal with it. Meanwhile come here and have a natter with us.

jillyb1

I'm with Sticky on this one ; I keep myself busy to avoid thinking about the pains . I do crosswords and jigsaws on the laptop and find I " get lost " in concentrating on that and push everything else to the back of my mind . Jillyb

valval

there has been many a night where i have nattered to friends wandered the halls of night owls and played endless games all to ocupy my mind so pain does not take over. you learn to distract your self some times even how to avoid triggers but from time to time it does hit but you will never be alone and with good meds life is well worth living hang in there val

bubbadog

I try and keep myself busy by cheaking emails, coming on here and reaading the posts and adding my two penny's worth!! And also watching tv that I've sky + or catch up tv on my computer or even a film out of my collection (usually Twilight movies have all of them!) I also read and enjoy playing The sims!!!! So that's how I keep the pain and depression at bay!

dibdab

Hello Freesia,
Sorry you're having a tough time- it is hard to get to grips with all the nonsense that this disease brings, but as your medicines balance out and you find ways round the impossible bits it does get more bearable. For me the hardest bit was learning to ask for help when I need it, and stop relying on myself all the time.
Like the others said, it helps if you can find some coping and distraction activities- I love my kindle ereader-love getting lost in a good story and I don't have to hold a book and turn the pages when my hands are painful. Family and friends are a great blessing if you can be honest with them about how you feel and what you struggle with- and they are there to enjoy the good days too.
Hope you start to feel brighter soon, let the lovely caring folk on here support you too when the day is dark.
Deb

dreamdaisy

I think arthritis is completely predictable inasmuch as it always turns up when it's least needed or wanted, it 'punishes' us for the temerity to do things it doesn't like us to tackle and also for the better days we might have. I overdid things on Sunday and have been paying the price ever since but so what? Things will ease eventually (they always do) and I have been pacing myself in accordance with what I can manage. It's frustrating, annoying and irksome in the extreme but it's what I have to do and that's that. It has, however, taken me a goood long while to reach that conclusion.

Pain never truly leaves us, it's always there twanging away in the background and distraction is the best way to divert your attention from it. Like everyone else I read, do puzzles, watch telly or come on here, the night is harder to deal with as things seem 'fiercer' somehow but taking pain relief can help one get through the night. Arthritis is debilitating, tiring and wearing and we do have to adjust our lives to suit its demands but not all the time: arthritis has to learn to live with me, not me with it. You will develop your personal coping strategies, I am sure of that, and I wish you well. DD

Folara

Ah Freesia that's the million pound question.

I wish I knew the answer but I think DD hit it on the head pretty well.

Fols x