Living With Arthritis

Although I am relatively young, I suffer from chronic pain caused by arthritis. The joints most affected are my right hip and knee, although other joints occasionally ache. There are many different types of arthritis. I suffer from a form of osteoarthritis. Specifically, my arthritis is caused by a lack or break down of cartilage in the joints.

Some days, I hurt so bad I don't want to get out of bed. Pain and stiffness are worse in the mornings. If the weather is bad, I can usually feel it before I even get up. So far, Tylenol can usually numb the pain back to a bearable level, but I worry that the day will come when my arthritis pain can no longer be dulled by OTC medicine. If my arthritis continues to worsen, I may have to look to other treatment options, including possible joint replacement.

Stress is a common trigger for arthritis pain. I have noticed my symptoms worsen when I'm under additional stress beyond normal day to day stress. Normally, I am a cheerful and positive person, but on days when my arthritis pain flares I find it difficult to maintain my positive attitude.

I connect with others who have chronic pain diseases for support and advice. While not all of these friends have arthritis, they do know how difficult and discouraging it can be to suffer from chronic pain. Talking about our symptoms provides an emotional release from the pain. I know that depression can easily affect those of us with arthritis, and connecting with these friends helps keep me balanced.

My children are affected by my arthritis too. I have trouble actively playing with them during more severe flare ups. I tend to be more cautious to avoid additional stress to the affected joints. I have trouble carrying my kids when I really hurt.

One of the main concerns for me now is watching my weight. My arthritis in my knee and hip will only get worse if my weight increases, and taking that weight back off will be more difficult due to the pain involved in exercise. My doctor did tell me keeping my weight down will prevent my arthritis from affecting me as much, and may even prevent more damage to my joints.