How do you cope?

Michelle91

I've had RA since December so just coming up for a year although wasn't treated until may due to hospital making a mistake on my diagnosis's, I'm on methotrexate which has reduced the pain a lot although not completely but that is bearable the thing I'm finding it hard with is that I'm constantly tired no matter how long I've slept for, I'm usually a bubbly active girl, I love socialising and being with my friends but for the last few months I can't even drag myself from my bed I feel like a hover has sucked the life out off me please tell me someone feels the same and this is normal? I don't feel I can talk to friends about this because I don't think they understand. Does anyone else feel the same or has anyone got any advice on how they coped with RA when you first found out?

Thank you Michelle91 x

stickywicket

Hello Michelle91. Well, the good/bad news is that this is perfectly normal for RA. The fatigue is part and parcel of the disease. I also find I can (though usually don't) have a day in which I'm very tired the day after I take my methotrexate. It's no fun and, yes, it can and does interfere with our social lives. I think we just have to accept it as a fact and try to factor it in ie by trying to rest before and after a big occasion and by always stopping while we feel we have a bit of mileage left in us. If you lack even the energy to get out of bed, though, it might be worth having a word with your rheumatologist.

There are two 'things' you can download which are a way of explaining the fatigue to others. Try googling 'The Spoon Theory' and also 'There's a Gorilla in My House'. However, don't expect friends to really understand. None of us understands other people's illnesses or diseases. We have no incentive until they affect us personally.

When I first got my diagnosis (And it's many, many years ago. I'm not a young person but I came here to answer you as it's weekend and things are quiet on the forums) I was 15. I coped mainly by trying to ignore it. It wasn't easy and there were times when I couldn't. I became inventive in working out how to support ankles, wrists etc and how to grip biros.

I think it's important, mentally, to keep socialising (though not burning the candle at both ends). Friends and laughter are important tools for fighting this disease. It can be tough but facing it alone is even tougher. Why not copy your thread to the Living With Arthritis forum? We do have several younger people on there and they are more likely to see it there.