Struggling to cope

Bee2

New in here today, and hoping to get support as I have non around me.

Shell_H

Hi @Bee2 - welcome to the online community!

I see you're here to get support as you're feeling isolated. Having a chronic condition can really isolate us from those around us who don't have that experience.

Everyone here has some experience of arthritis - all us moderators have as well as our community members. We all have that understanding and common experience to share. I've personally found it really nice to have a place I can come to and know that others here get where I'm coming from.

In addition to that, Versus Arthritis offer a lot of support themselves. If you want someone to talk to verbally, Versus Arthritis have a helpline which is for any kind of support you need - whether it be talking about what bothers you or for a specific question. Versus Arthritis also have a lot of information on mental health and well being which may be of use to you - do have a look at this booklet on Emotional Wellbeing.

If you have something specific you wish to talk about - even if you think it's a moan or venting - this is the right place to be. We all understand that not everyone in our lives gets where we are, and sometimes the best thing to do is to share where you're at and what's happening with others who do get it. Do feel welcome to start a discussion on anything which you need. This is a good place to be, and you're not alone here.

Lovely to meet you!

Shell

Bee2

Thank you for your reply.. I did ring your helpline today, who put me into this forum, the lady was very lovely and patient with my overflowing. I do get very tearful with coping with this. I’m sure a lot of people do. I’m worried about a future, and how I’ll cope if this gets much worse...

frogmorton

Hey @Bee2

I did the same when I first got this malarkey I rang them and bawled.....whoever it was had to listen to me bawling and sniffing before I could spill it all out.

Things is things have been ok for me since - yes of course things have got worse, but not as quickly or as badly as I had feared. I am still standing 15 years later (or thereabouts) and life has so far been good. Different, some adjustments here and there, but good

((())) for you

Take care

Toni xx

Bee2

Hi Toni, aww bless you too! Yes that’s exactly what I did when I phoned the helpline, something I wouldn’t normally do, but I just HAD to speak. I too found I was bawling my eyes out and sniffling for the first few mins beyond me saying hello!

I’ve had severe OA diagnosed for 2 yrs now, Its getting worse and very quick.

I am so scared what I’ll do if I have to be in a wheelchair one day, as I have literally no support around me. So I really did appreciate speaking with the VA helpline.

Exhausted by the end of my call, but felt a lot better for talking to someone. Wishing us all well, and keep posting.

Woofy

Hi bee2. I have recently been diagnosed with OA and early onset of RA. I am at the moment taking Naproxen and am 5 weeks in taking Hydroxychloroquine. I have been told by the Rheumatology nurse, that my new meds might take 12 weeks to start working. I am having trouble sleeping. At best a couple of hours every night. The pain is worse then, and first thing in the morning. I can’t kneel anymore, or reach cupboards.without it being really painful. Have you got any good tips to share?

Bee2

Hello woofy 👋🏻

it is quite debilitating especially when you can’t get your needed rest at the end of the day. I did try CBD oil for a time, sadly funds can’t stretch to that right now, but I did find it helped me sleep a good deal. (Only from a reputable seller of course, I wouldn’t recommend Holland’s & Barrett for instance). CBD One was the best place I found. Their FB page often do talks about OA, one of the brothers is a respected osteopath based in Garstang, UK. They are open to any questions you might have, I found them very friendly and no way are ‘pushy’ to get your to purchase.

(So I hope this is ok to mention moderators). But CBD is becoming very popular I believe as a more holistic way forward in dealing with pain and sleeping. something to look into for you perhaps.

I too really struggle with pain and simply getting about my place doing simple tasks, SO frustrating, but acceptance and rest when necessary. That’s when I do find meditation and online hypnotherapy can help keep the ‘reigns on the brains’ if I’m struggling badly. I try and keep the depression wolf from my door, as the struggle often gets too much.

Wishing us all well. 🙂