Quality of Life | Arthritis Information

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I'm curious, what is the quality of life with RA?  I understand this can be vary, but I'm curious about the norm if there is one. I don't know what the norm is, but since finding the right medications I've not had any RA issues or problems in quite a while.   I think it varies - no 'normal' - depends on the person; their attitude; the severity of the arthritis (some get really hit hard, and those developing it when v. young have it tough); and also what meds they can access in their area and if their body has few side effects.  What works well for one person, does't for another.

I hope that you cope well, develop a sense of humour about it (most neccessary I found) and get meds that work well for you!
Lorraine
I like what I have read in this thread, good stuff. So, one question I have.  Right now my fingers are all sore, the RA pain, and even more my toes, but the worst is my ankles.  The question is:  am I doing damage if I walk with the pain, or is it better to avoid walking (until the symptoms get better).  Yes, there is swelling, and naturally if I had some other type of injury (like a sprained ankle) then it is best to rest.  But with the RA type of pain and swelling, will I do damage if I walk too much, or stretch my fingers too much?  Thanks!

Roland

I am very new to this, but I find when I move around, walking, training the dogs, cleaning the car etc the pain is much less for me.  I find not using and being sedentary doesn't help at all, I just feel stiffer.  So as long as I am able, I will always choose movement over not moving. I find that if I just give in and don't do much I feel worse.  I went four weeks without exercise at all and everything hurt all the time.  Last week I went back to yoga, and to my surprise I got through it.  I have going every couple days and now I am pain free.  I am also doing some alternative treatment and it seems to be working.  I also think that this disease is different for everyone[QUOTE=AgilityGirl]I find when I move around, walking, training the dogs, cleaning the car etc the pain is much less for me.  I find not using and being sedentary doesn't help at all, I just feel stiffer.  So as long as I am able, I will always choose movement over not moving. [/QUOTE]
 
[QUOTE=Ramen]So, one question I have.  Right now my fingers are all sore, the RA pain, and even more my toes, but the worst is my ankles.  The question is:  am I doing damage if I walk with the pain, or is it better to avoid walking (until the symptoms get better).  Yes, there is swelling, and naturally if I had some other type of injury (like a sprained ankle) then it is best to rest.  But with the RA type of pain and swelling, will I do damage if I walk too much, or stretch my fingers too much?  Thanks!

Roland

[/QUOTE]
never ever stop normal motion..you should put EVERY joint through a complete range of motion each and every day.  If you are in a flare avoid over or excessive use of the joint (no marathon running for example) but walking and other normal motions keep the joint functioning.  If you ever find yourself with a decreased range of motion for more than a couple of days get to your doctor..get to physical therapy do not just accept it as part of the disease.  You can stop lose of ROM when you catch it early
 
There is truth in the statement " Use it or Lose it"
Thanks so much everyone, I get the message and really appreciate the advice.  Still really worried about the ankles, because of the pain I started walking abnormally, and then some stretches while sitting or standing, only when the stretch direction didn't hurt.  But I am going to force my way through the pain, what everyone says makes great sense.

Roland
Today for example, I cut the lawn (I have a ride on), weed whacked, cleaned a very filthy car :-o inside and out and did the laundry.  Tonight I have agility training from 6 - 8.

My left hand is sore through the thumb and index finger and the front of my ankles and tops of my feet.

Now before I had RA, I could do all of this stuff in 1/2 a day, now it takes all day.  I rested between each chore for about a 1/2 hour and went on to the next chore. 

I hate that morning stiffness, it takes me a good 20 minutes to stretch and get out of bed, but once I'm moving I don't feel as sore!  I'm pushing to go to agility but I know I'll be fine once I get up and go.
Roland, we do have to keep moving but I'm concerned about your walking abnormally. When do you have a doctor's appointment?  Have you explored getting some ankle supports from a medical supply store until then?  Futuro makes a lot of stuff to help stabilize joints:

http://tinyurl.com/27cm72u


Thanks Tara,  very strange with the ankles.  The pain is deep inside, imagine the exact middle of the ankle.  I.e. it hurts just to stand when the weight is on them.  I go to the Dr. in 2 hours, should be able to see the xrays and full blood test results.  I have several pages of notes and questions I've been building up in the last few days.  Thanks for the link on ankle braces, that may be a good thing at thing point.  I can't fit in any of my old shoes, only wearing sandals the last 6 weeks.  It is getting weird, it feels like now the pains are also starting in my elbows and knees, but only first thing in the morning.

Roland

good luck Roland!
 
Quality of life... I have good quality of life now... I can do almost anything I wish but, like Agility Girl, it often takes me longer... though I am doing things better and faster than I was a year ago....  I have hope that I will have more improvement in that area yet!
 
 

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