Arthritis Mom

Since the early days of my diagnosis I have been aware of the need for an odd balance: staying active but not over doing it. Being sedentary is a problem for rheumatoid arthritis patients - stiffness is worst in the mornings after we've been mostly inactive all night long, stiffness improves when you wake up and start moving around. Being active during the day helps but anyone with rheumatoid arthritis knows what happens when you are too active. Doing too much can lead to more pain, a day or two of worsened symptoms or an all out flare. So it's important to stay active, exercise daily and avoid all day shopping excursions.

Being busy is also a good motivator. I once asked my mom how she made it all those years with untreated RA and she thought it's because she had to get up each morning and get to work no matter what. Staying in bed, not going to work, not getting my sister and me to school, was simply not an option for her. That's how it goes - there are days you just do what you have to do because you have no choice. You might wish you had a lift to help you get out of bed, but if not you will wrangle yourself out on your own eventually. You might curse your shoes for being too tight that day, but then you shove your feet in and go.

It's also important to stay mentally active. When I have lots to do it keeps my mind off the pain. Especially when it's something you want to be doing. The other day my husband asked me if my feet hurt - I stopped and asked him what had he said? He asked again and I said "oh yes, they do." I was so focused on what I was doing that I wasn't even aware I was limping around.

There is no doubt all of us have busy days that are made harder by rheumatoid arthritis. But it might help to realize that having those busy days can be a blessing too.