QA Forum

Question & Answer

We are discussing The Self Management of Arthritis
With Graeme Rossiter, Elizabeth Scrivener and Sally Ranford

Question:
Arthritis is my main problem but I have other health problems that affect me as well and make life generally miserable. Some days I feel like just giving up! What can I do?

Answer:
Elizabeth - These days as people are living longer, chronic health problems become part of life too. Unlike acute conditions they can’t be permanently cured. Chronic conditions affect us physically and emotionally and there are lots of changes to adapt to. It’s easy to become depressed, helpless and feel like ‘giving up’!

The key to maintaining your quality of life is to learn the skills of ‘self-management’. This is something of a new concept to most people. It means that you are the most important person in determining how your health problems impact and how to manage the challenges. Your doctor is a partner in this process. In other words you are in charge of the daily decisions about what to do to help yourself. And there are lots of things you can do.

Firstly you need to understand your arthritis and other chronic condition/s, what causes the conditions and what options there are to manage them. You need to monitor how the conditions affect you and what the future course and impact is likely to be.

Secondly you need to develop skills that help you to deal with the conditions and their impact eg take medication as prescribed, manage fatigue, eat well and exercise regularly. You need to continue to do the things important to you such as work and social activities as well as deal with the emotional changes and relationship challenges that can arise.

Finally you need to work effectively with your health care professionals. This means monitoring changes in symptoms and reporting this information. It means participating in the decisions that are necessary, being informed about treatments and discussing any concerns.

Try a Self-Management course. These courses are designed to help you develop your abilities and confidence in managing problems associated with arthritis and other chronic conditions. You will learn from others and gain a new perspective on life! Call your local Arthritis Office for details of when the next course is available. http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au/

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