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THE EMOTIONAL CONSEQUENCES
The physical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are well documented. However, the emotional
impact of RA is also important as patients try to minimize its effects
on their daily lives. According to experts, patients with RA can feel
stress, depression, anger, and anxiety because of their condition. Even
as patients learn to cope with the physical aspects of their disease, they
may find that their fears, pain, and potential for disability can cause
them to feel helpless or to have less self-confidence.
Patients with RA may become less involved in their communities or
experience difficulties at school or work. Often, social problems are
increased by coworkers, employers, or friends and family who do not
understand that the symptoms of RA, such as fatigue or joint pain,
can affect a person's ability to participate in their normal life activities — even in people
who appear outwardly healthy.
A FINANCIAL BURDEN
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can have significant economic costs, which include a loss of
income caused by limitations at work or missing work altogether.
Researchers have found that arthritis of all kinds, including RA,
is the second leading reason for missed days of work — only
heart disease causes more missed days of work.
In addition, people with RA may be more likely than those without
this condition to stop working. For example, scientists conducting
a 5-year study found that approximately 30% of patients with RA
who were employed at the beginning of the study were no longer
working due to RA when it ended.
When people with RA are compared to those without RA who are the
same age and gender, people with RA have
- 2 times higher chance of being hospitalized
- 3 times the direct medical costs
- 10 times higher chance of going on work disability
Despite these discouraging statistics, there is good news for people with RA.
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Although rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a
chronic and painful condition, there are a number of ways to
help people remain active and productive at work. The following
suggestions can enhance the safety and well-being of all
employees, not just those with RA.
The 90° Work Environment
For employees who work in an office, the position of chairs,
desks, and other accessories, such as trays for computer keyboards,
is important. The "90° rule" can be applied. This means that a
seated person's hips, knees, and ankles should be kept at a 90°
angle. The elbows should be kept at an angle of 90° or lower.
The spine should be stable and supported by the chair. If needed,
a pillow or rolled up towel may be used to provide additional back
support. A footrest or computer keyboard tray also may be needed to
be sure that the body is properly positioned when seated.
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THE ROAD TO MORE NORMAL DAYS
Although rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and often painful condition, lifestyle
changes can help people with RA to retain their independence and
remain active. Key lifestyle adaptations include knowing when to
rest and exercise, implementing proper joint care, and reducing stress.
When talking about her experiences with RA, one patient from Alabama,
says that, "you have to cope with the stress, do things on a more
structured basis... I had to be more disciplined, when I was working,
it was during business hours only. And most of all I put my
family first." |
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"DAY TO DAY WITH RA"
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"REST AND EXERCISE"
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Scientists have found that people who have a strong support
network can improve their overall health. People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can
build their own
support networks to include family members,
close friends, coworkers, and health care providers. Having
a wide support group will help to ensure that people with
RA have the emotional, social, spiritual, and physical
support that they need to better manage their condition.
Here are a few examples of how to do this.