In Her Own Words: Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Did you have to make any lifestyle or dietary changes in response to your illness?

Yes. I had to slow way down, which was difficult, because I’m a really active person. I need to get enough sleep, otherwise my symptoms are worse. I need to make sure I maintain regular exercise, which is hard because a lot of times you don’t feel like exercising because you’re in pain.

Before I got RA, I did a lot of running and in-line skating, but now the best exercises for me are nonimpact or low-impact, such as speed walking, swimming, and bike riding (depending on how my wrists feel). When I was on methotrexate, I had to take folic acid and not drink any alcohol. While on prednisone, I have to take calcium and vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis.

Did you seek any type of emotional support?

At the suggestion of my rheumatologist, I got involved in the Arthritis Foundation. They’re a great resource for information and I also got involved in their self-help class. I took the class and then a couple years later they actually asked me to teach it. The foundation has provided great emotional support.

Does your condition have any impact on your family?

I think the biggest impact is probably on my husband. It’s stressful for him to see me wake up in the morning and limp across the floor or complain that my hands hurt or that my foot is swollen. I think it’s really hard on him.

What advice would you give to anyone living with this disease?

Find out as much as you can about the disease, so that you’re in control of it. Be assertive with your doctor to make sure all your questions are answered. And I definitely recommend getting involved in the Arthritis Foundation.