NRAS Logo
Logged in as: pedro-pmc Search | Moderate | Active Topics | My Profile | Members | Logout

New Topic Post Reply
Emotional impact of RA Options
Previous Topic · Next Topic
gogs
#1 Posted : Saturday, December 15, 2012 6:49:20 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


Groups: Registered

Joined: 10/20/2012
Posts: 304
Location: Cheshire
I was newly diagnosed with RA-ILD in June 2012, and I suppose I'm still coming to grips with it.

I would be most grateful if anyone could explain the kind of emotional impact this condition can have on your life, I've read about the effects on the mood etc.
and I've noticed - like today, there are days when having got up I feel as if I have the deepest of depression, I'm overwhelmed with an all pervading
low mood.
I find it necessary to avoid people simply because I feel so sensitive to sharp or cross words and really take things very personally. As you can imagine this is
not a good position to be in surrounded by people, and leaves me feeling really bad and low.
Now, later in the day I feel OK again, and most probably tomorrow I'll be OK.

Any advice on this problem would be welcome.

Out of interest I'm on Azathioprine, Hydrochloroquine and steroids
Thanks, Gogs
Back to top
 Report Abusive | Report SPAM
anne_t
#2 Posted : Saturday, December 15, 2012 7:17:13 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered

Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 302
Location: Rainham Kent
Thank you for coming on the Forum and telling us how you feel. We have all been there or still in the middle
of it, especially in the early days and when yet another problem surfaces. You seem to have alot on your plate,
and now there is Christmas to cope with. I have been diagnosed for longer than I care to remember but am
fortunate to have a friend who "takes me as I am", not how she thinks I ought to be. She has learn't that
this RA is so confusing and affects more than our joints. Sometimes she sits and listens when I am disparing but
doesn't try to "chivvy " me up. I can't or wont talk to my family too much as they may think I am moaning for the sake of it.
I know I am so lucky to have her. With RA you need to take things hour by hour, rest if you can,and plan but be
prepared for all the tea in china to thwart you. Someone on here will be able to guide you to the Spoon Theory.
It makes absolute sense. However hard, try to listen to number 1. Thats you now. There is a lot of help
around. Take care Anne
Back to top
 Report Abusive | Report SPAM
Naomi1
#3 Posted : Sunday, December 16, 2012 1:58:31 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


Groups: Registered

Joined: 9/3/2011
Posts: 717
Location: Torbay
Gogs, you are still in the early days and what you're feeling is entirely normal. I've found that getting to grips with pacing myself has helped both with the physical and emorional effects of RA. That has included me going part time at work which was a very hard decision to make. Remember that steroids can do all sorts of funny things to our mood including making us feel manic, low or irrational. Everyone reacts differently to having RA and to the drugs so there is no right or wrong way to handle things. Getting support is tremendously important and joining the forum is a good step in this direction. If you think your emotions are getting overwhelming then seek help from your GP or nurse. I'm having some counselling to help me come to terms with RA and I'm 19 months into my diagnosis. Keep fighting, keep hoping and keep posting....I hope you feel better soon....oh, and here's a hug, XXX
Back to top
 Report Abusive | Report SPAM
sylviax
#4 Posted : Monday, December 17, 2012 12:30:15 AM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


Groups: Registered

Joined: 5/28/2012
Posts: 665
Location: Newton Abbot
Hi Gogs - hug from me too. It is tough with the pain and fatigue, and coming to terms with having RA for life needs a lot of time and probably quite a few tears too - hopefully it will get easier as you learn how to pace yourself and your meds will make a difference to the level of pain - there is light at the end of the tunnel. Naomi is totally right about talking to your GP for help with persistent low mood - we might not like taking even more pills, but they can help.

Other people can be a bit insensitive at times - even when they mean well, they can say and do stuff that feels bad. Try to let these things slide over you and if something upsets you, try to walk away and find a bit of peaceful space to calm you. I've always found that going to bed and having a sleep helps me to recharge my batteries, but you'll find what suits you best. Being sad or angry is OK, in fact I think it's necessary to go through that before you can really come to terms with the illness.

Take good care of yourself - best wishes - Sylvia
Be kinder than is necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle
Back to top
 Report Abusive | Report SPAM
Dorothy-W
#5 Posted : Monday, December 17, 2012 3:05:20 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


Groups: Registered

Joined: 9/13/2010
Posts: 786
Location: east anglia
hi,just to echo the others really, the pacing thing takes time,i even do the spoons thing and have a great friend who listens and nods in the right places,took me what felt like forever to master my feelings,i hated being moody/tired and the rest,i did keep a journal just for me ie dates/days of how i felt,how the meds make me feel etc,it was also helpful for the clinic to see how i was getting on,(when i let them see it),it is not an easy journey but we all survived,post on the site as often as poss,we have moods too remember so know what its like,if have a good day show it,take care,dorothy
Back to top
 Report Abusive | Report SPAM | Edit by user: Monday, December 17, 2012 3:06 PM | Reason: Not specified
Users browsing this topic
New Topic Post Reply
Forum Jump  
You can post new topics in this forum.
You can reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You can edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.

SoClean Theme By Jaben Cargman (Tiny Gecko)
Powered by YAF 1.9.3 | YAF © 2003-2009, Yet Another Forum.NET
This page was generated in 0.751 seconds.