Difficult time adjusting to emotional impact of arthritis? What should you do?

Question: Difficult time adjusting to emotional impact of arthritis? What should you do?

As a rheumatologist who has seen many patients, what do you recommend to patients having a hard time adjusting to the emotional impact of having chronic arthritis? Disease management and pain management are surely vital to healthy emotions, but what about dealing with anger, denial, fear, guilt etc. which result from the permanent limitations imposed by chronic arthritis? What steps can they take towards emotional wellness?

Answer: Having to deal with a chronic disease in which there is no cure, like arthritis, can bring out many different emotions in patients. Some go through denial. Denial can be dangerous in that patients do not take advantage of available treatments which may help them in the long run and prevent worsening of their disease.

Anger may be apparent at home, workplace or even in the doctors office. In the latter situation, the patient may be confrontational to the doctor on a routine basis. Anger, if it exists, is very important to address.

Fear is very prevalent among newly diagnosed patients with arthritis. They do not know what to expect and do not know how the arthritis will change their life. Reassurance and education can often mitigate fear. Some patients may feel responsible for their arthritis because of some past action, although the cause of these conditions are unknown.

While these emotions may be a normal response to illness early, additional evaluation should be considered if they persist.

Talk to your doctor about how you feel!!

If possible, ask a family member to come to your appointment.

This is especially helpful if you feel that your family does not understand or accept your limitations.

Your physician can help with this communication and direct you and your family to resources to help deal with these issues including support groups, literature and referral to other health professionals.

Answer provided by Scott J. Zashin, M.D., clinical assistant professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Division of Rheumatology, in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Zashin is also an attending physician at Presbyterian Hospitals of Dallas and Plano. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology and a member of the American Medical Association. Dr. Zashin is author of Arthritis Without Pain - The Miracle Of Anti-TNF Blockers. The book is a must-have for anyone on one of the biologic drugs (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira) or considering the biologic drugs. Read my review of the book.

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