How do you cope ?

[DorisFlies]

My elderly mother is disabled with severe arthritis. I am following in her wake and am already finding the symptoms impact me. I know there are far worse degenerative conditions and life limiting diseases and am really trying not to have a pity party. However, I am struggling with what feels like a shadow over the future active retirement I had hoped and worked for. How do I shake out of this?

I didn't want to read and run, I can't imagine how tough this is on you.

Have you been able to discuss your worries about your future health with your GP? Perhaps looked into possible remedies?

I know my DM avoids lectins in her diet and she says this has helped her arthritis, but it definitely wasn't severe and could just be placebo!

There’s a lot you can do to help yourself. Depends on the type of arthritis too. I’ve been on quite a learning curve with mine from taking 12 tablets a day and being in pain - to losing weight, exercising, physio, orthotic insoles, no meds at all and feeling in bearable pain which isn’t constant. Website VERSUS ARTHRITIS has forums and huge amount of info. It’s all there waiting for you to start your journey… hth

I have recently been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and epilepsy within months of each other and honestly? I have no idea. I’m on some good anti-anxiety and anti-depressants atm and having weekly (private) therapy to see me through.

Also I’m a big fan of the pity party. It’s absolutely shit, and acknowledging that and embracing it has helped. I do have days where I think what is the point? But then I have good days as well which get me through it.

What are you finding the most difficult part at the moment? Is it thoughts of the future? Or the current pain and adjustment?

Thank you so much for the kind comments and suggestions. My hands and feet have taken a downhill turn in the past couple of weeks which makes it tricky at the gym. That has got me feeling down I think. Will certainly follow up the suggestions. I don't like to burden my family and definitely mask it from my Mother.