Hi again Paul (and anyone reading),
I wanted to bump up this thread in the hope someone reading had more advice on managing RA and depression.
It is funny how when pain is managed and physical restrictions are reduced we forget so very quickly how deeply physical and mental health are tied together. Even in my last post I had forgotten how badly I fall apart when in severe pain.
Even on meds sometimes you hit a flare up (or meds stop working). Or new joints are affected. And just like that your mental health takes a dive.
That is where I am at. It has been a week of hell waiting until I could do my injection. Both knees are stuffed as usual but joyously both hands decided to join in too. So moving has been hard.
I wanted to suggest something I found this week...
Don't push through the pain.
Yes movement helps to losen up the joints and reduce some pain. But rest is also required to reduce the inflammation.
Let people see the worst.
This has been a huge error of mine this week. Hubby and I have been fighting like mad. I didn't realise he had no idea how much pain I have been in this week.
I carried on as normal. Helped paint the house. Moved furniture. Went to work gardening and cleaning. He would ask if I could help and I said yes because it had to be done. He would go to work and didn't see the effects. I said nothing and just hid the pain.
Don't rely on meds as a cure all.
That's where I am at. Injection day finally and I am clinging desperately to the hope that tomorrow I will be able to straighten my fingers. Or get out of bed without having to use my elbows.
It is ridiculous how much I am holding on to the hope that the meds will work. And if they don't? What then?
Does anyone have any ideas? I am kind of teary and so bloody sore.
Nat
