Am I destined to a life filled with pain? What should I do next?
How will a life filled with pain change my world?
Will I still be able to take care of myself or my family?
Can I still have an active sex life?
How do I remain positive?
How can I better understand my emotions?
Am I doing everything I can do to help myself?
What will happen now?
Once it has been determined that you have arthritis, the emotions seemingly go on a roller-coaster ride. As the patient gives in to their diagnosis, realizing they are now saddled with a chronic illness, they still fear the future, and stress over the impact it will have on the life they have carved out and the impact it will have on their family members. After the patient passes through stages of fear, anger, anxiety, and depression, they move into a pattern of either denial or acceptance.
The patient in denial doesn't believe that this is happening to them. They fight the idea that life will change and they fight their treatment plan. They try to live with arthritis by denying its existence. The patient who accepts their situation is the patient who will live successfully with their chronic illness.
- Emotional Aspects Of Arthritis
- Arthritis: Fearing the Future
- Solving Difficult Issues -Positive Coping Strategies
- Denial vs. Acceptance
- Conquering Depression
- Arthritis and Sex
- In Sickness and In Health: Arthritis and Marriage
Where can I find other people who have arthritis?
People who have shared experiences build a strong bond and camaraderie which is vital to maintaining a positive approach to dealing with chronic arthritis. It's mutual support - picking each other up and pointing each other in the right direction. Whether this is accomplished by listening, writing, sharing, or sharing personal experience - it is a unique understanding between people who have been there themselves, people who become a family linked by their commonality. Local support groups can link such people together, as can online support groups.
What resources can help me live with chronic arthritis?
The diagnosis is definite. The doctor has been found. The treatment plan has been decided upon. You are dealing with your emotions and have found support. Here are things to consider.
Is there anything that remains that can help you better live with chronic arthritis?
Can I continue to work?
How can I deal with the financial impact?
Is there anything you still need to know which can make it easier?
- Assistive Devices, Aids and Gadgets
- Better Daily Living and Activities
- Working and Disability Issues
- Insurance and Money Matters
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