Fitting Arthritis in Your Life
Arthritis does not just affect your joints and tissues -- it affects every aspect of your life. People with arthritis are at higher risk for serious conditions such as premature death, heart disease, obesity, depression and anxiety. Work with your health-care team, family and friends to find ways to deal with arthritis in key areas of your life such as:
Pregnancy: Arthritis is an additional factor to consider when starting a family, but many -- in fact the majority of --women with arthritis have entirely healthy pregnancies in spite of their condition. Women with arthritis may notice changes in their disease during pregnancy. For instance, women with RA often have some improvement in their arthritis during pregnancy, but the arthritis may worsen (flare) after the baby is born. Work closely with your rheumatologist and obstetrician to review all medications taken during pregnancy and to monitor changes in your arthritis as your pregnancy progresses. Learn more about arthritis and pregnancy.
Relationships: Joint pain, stiffness or disease activity may make intimacy difficult for a woman with arthritis. Remember that open, up-front communication is the best policy in any relationship. Work with your partner to discover new ways to express your feelings for each other, and take advantage of the times when you are feeling well. Learn more about intimacy and arthritis.
Attitude and self-image: The medications sometimes prescribed for arthritis can lead to side effects such as nausea, skin rashes, weight gain or other complications. In addition, arthritis itself can contribute to joint deformity, other physical changes or profound fatigue. Living with a chronic condition is not easy, and can lead to depression or anxiety about things ranging from how to pay for medical care to how to find enough energy to cook dinner. No matter how bad the picture may seem, you do have a choice about how to deal with it. Surround yourself with excellent health-care providers and supportive family and friends. Decide every day that you will have the best attitude possible, and rely on your family and friends to help you keep that attitude.
Hear from some women who live every day with arthritis.
Gail Pizzigati
I am 51 and have RA, fibromyalgia and CFS. I have had RA for 32 years. When I was diagnosed I was a dancer, an athlete and a 19 year-old college student with dreams. I was told that I had to stop dancing and I would never be a wide receiver on a co-ed football team again. I had no energy and when the doctor said that I would probably be wheelchair bound by 40 I felt my life was over, but...Learn more.
Kelly Clayton
In December 2001, approximately three months after my first son was born, I was officially diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I¹ve had bone and joint problems my entire life and have had ten surgeries since the age of six, but after my son was born, I literally could not lift my arms, or him. Learn more.
Meredith Boyd
Meredith's journey with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) began at age 15 as a sophomore at Brookwood High School in Snellville, Georgia. She excelled in academics and had a passion for music, especially marching in the band playing her clarinet. Meredith considers herself one of the lucky ones, having received a diagnosis of JRA in only six months. Learn more.
