I have a question. Can fresh strawberries cause a flare up of osteo-arthritis?
Mar 05, 2010 Rating
What to do about the depression by: Susan
Hi Teresa, Depression does increase the pain in RA and in any health challenge.
Unfortunately there is always a period of depression with RA, not sure if it's the constant pain or being forced to make changes to our lives that we aren't wanting to make that causes this depression, maybe a bit of both.
I think for me it was seeing myself each day, feeling so feeble, and having to explain to my family that I just couldn't do things and always having to ask for help with the basic things.
Also I found that I was isolating myself away from others seeing me, I guess I was ashamed of how this disease had changed me.
Tony Robbins writes some excellent articles on how to deal with depression that have helped me greatly. As he explains things, we have to work at being depressed, so, why not convert that energy to doing something positive like being happy instead.
I wouldn't recommend medication for the depression as this doesn't help you learn to cope, just makes you more dependent on medication.
One of my favorite things is EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). It's a powerful system that you can do yourself and helps in all aspects of your health.
Mar 04, 2010 Rating
Coping by: Teresa
Hello - I am 46 and have had RA for a year. Until RA I was very active - camping, hiking, boating and raising 2 young boys (7 & 11) who loved going on bike rides, snow shoeing, etc. Then RA and the pain - yes - then depression. Well... after a few months of feeling like life had "jipped me" and crying. I got mad - how dare RA do this to me... I started reading and researching. I currently take Methotrexate and it is controlling the swelling.. I still have pain and but have come to realize that my stress level increases my pain dramatically... I also take fish oil and my daily vitamin and folic acid. "Use it or lose it" - that is what 2 different Rheumatalogists have advised and I have been using that. I have also changed my diet to include as many fruits and vegtables as possible. Well... after just 2 months of doing these simple things, faithfully taking my medicine, and MAINLY learning how to de-stress - I can say that some days I even forget I have RA. I also purchased an Elipical machine and exercise and stretch every day... all of this makes me live again... and my sons don't suffer! There is hope but don't give up. TERESA
Jan 06, 2010 Rating
I'll take this to your email for a more complete response. by: Susan
Hi Lori, I will email you privately and we can discuss the various things I did, which are all posted on the website, but I can give you a more condensed version and save you the trouble of reading every page of this website.
Susan
Jan 02, 2010 Rating
Thanks by: lori
Susan,
Thanks for repsonding to my letter. Something happen to my email address so I am posting my new.Please keep in touch. millardlori8@gmail.com.So Susan do you take any meds at this time? My problem is taking the meds. When I feel good I don't want to have to take them. Then I can see when the pain is and how much and what it is that I can change. My problem right now is the pain is over riding every throught and I can't get anything done.
I am a caregiver and it is becoming harder to get simple things done.I try to walk a least eight miles three times a week and that helps but I ussally can't do much more after that without having pain that sends me over the top.Tell me your story please and how you deal with everyday life with RA and what to expect.lori
Dec 21, 2009 Rating
Depression and pain by: Anonymous
Hi Lori,
I'm sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with RA and are suffering pain and depression because of it.
I think most of us with RA can understand and sympathize with what you are going through as depression is natural when we are suffering from a loss due to the pain of RA.
Yes, depression can increase the pain. Depression is a stress to the body and any stress causes extra pain and suffering.
I'd like to inspire you by noting here that, although I was suffering from a very severe case of RA I have been able to return to all of my activites, perhaps not to the level I once did, but certainly beyond what would be considered normal activity, and that's what this website is all about.
When we discover what the underlining cause of this disease is, rather than just attempt to mask the pain with meds, we have a much better chance of returning to our past life while living with this disease.
With what you wrote my concern is the numbness prior to the pain, and I hope others will comment on this.
I recall some numbness from nerve damage in my elbow AFTER the RA was advanced, but not in the beginning. Of course this could possibly be from inflammation but I would investigate this further with a doctor.
One thing that does come to mind is, Celiac disease could cause this type of numbness and you can be tested for Celiac disease. Of course there are many other causes as well.
Even if you test negative for Celiac Disease I would be tempted to remove gluten from your diet for 60 days to see what type of change this would bring you. (Best to remove gluten and dairy together since these two food intollerances often go together).
Also, you say you are very active. When we are active and sweat we need extra trace minerals, which are lost through sweating.
Of course, it's winter so I can't help but also encourage you to test your vitamin D levels. Recently it has been noted that Vitamin D deficiency is very common in people suffering RA.
