Avoid wasting energy. We waste a lot of energy during the course of a day, so part of effective energy conservation involves asking questions such as, “Is there an easier way to accomplish this?” Simple changes, such as taking the elevator instead of walking the stairs, can save energy. Using carts to carry equipment or utensils even for small distances saves energy and wear and tear on hand and wrist joints. Sitting down to do activities that you usually perform standing can reduce knee and hip fatigue. Consider this: Do you really need to stand to wash dishes or shave or fix your hair? Break habits! Get a high stool, sit, and relax while you perform these necessary tasks.
You can also avoid wasting energy by establishing a step-by-step routine for tasks you undertake regularly. With proper planning, you can reduce the steps in some tasks and combine the steps in other tasks, and perhaps you can even eliminate some steps. Make each task as simple as possible.
Pace yourself. Pacing involves developing guidelines for energy expenditure. The amount of activity that precipitates fatigue among different people is extremely variable, so you are the only one who can set guidelines for yourself. As a general rule, however, it’s a good idea to alternate energy-intensive activities with more relaxing ones throughout the day. This kind of balance added to your routine can prevent excessive fatigue. Almost everyone with RA tries to “catch up” on days when they feel well, but using good days to their maximum has its drawbacks. Try not to over-utilize those days since doing so may result in a flare-up of your arthritis.
Divide and conquer. Do not try to do everything by yourself. Instead, divide chores among several people to help lighten the workload. If you live with a partner or children, your job may be easier. If your children are old enough, set up schedules and jobs. It is simple to provide incentives to convince your children to help you since there is always some small reward that they can earn. Helping with household chore is a great lesson in responsibility as well.
If you live alone, the challenge is greater, although not impossible. Meeting the challenge involves asking family or friends or neighbors who might be willing help you. If you can think of something that you can do for them in return, you won’t be so reluctant to ask for assistance. For example, many young couples have difficulty finding affordable baby sitters whom they can depend on and trust. When presented with the opportunity for a free Saturday night, they will probably view your request that they mow your lawn or vacuum your carpets as a great bargain. Your imagination sets the limits, and everyone wins! If you have special skills, use them in exchange for help. Obviously, many people will be happy to help you for nothing in return. The important thing is for you to feel good about asking for help.
Get in shape. Being out of condition will almost always result in fatigue, and having RA means that it will be more difficult to stay in top condition. When your arthritis flares up, you have to rest your joints and muscles. This in turn leaves your body out of condition.
With appropriate medical therapy, the inflammation in your joints will eventually decrease. At this point you will need to get more involved in an exercise program.
Make use of medical therapy. Medications are useful in the long-term control of fatigue. As disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) begin working to control your RA, fatigue will also lessen. Anemia will also improve with the control of arthritis. Use the skills above to cope with fatigue until your arthritis is brought under control. Then continue using them to make your life easier, more convenient, and more fun.
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RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA): WAYS TO COPE WITH FATIGUE Avoid wasting energy. We waste a lot of energy during the course of a day, so part of effective energy conservation involves asking questions such as, “Is there an easier way to accomplish this?” Simple changes, such as taking the elevator instead of walking the stairs, can save energy. Using carts to carry equipment or utensils even for small distances saves energy and wear and tear on hand and wrist joints. Sitting down to do activities that you usually perform standing can reduce knee and hip fatigue. Consider this: Do you really need to stand to wash dishes or shave or fix your hair? Break habits! Get a high stool, sit, and relax while you perform these necessary tasks.You can also avoid wasting energy by establishing a step-by-step routine for tasks you undertake regularly. With proper planning, you can reduce the steps in some tasks and combine the steps in other tasks, and perhaps you can even eliminate some steps. Make each task as simple as possible.Pace yourself. Pacing involves developing guidelines for energy expenditure. The amount of activity that precipitates fatigue among different people is extremely variable, so you are the only one who can set guidelines for yourself. As a general rule, however, it’s a good idea to alternate energy-intensive activities with more relaxing ones throughout the day. This kind of balance added to your routine can prevent excessive fatigue. Almost everyone with RA tries to “catch up” on days when they feel well, but using good days to their maximum has its drawbacks. Try not to over-utilize those days since doing so may result in a flare-up of your arthritis.Divide and conquer. Do not try to do everything by yourself. Instead, divide chores among several people to help lighten the workload. If you live with a partner or children, your job may be easier. If your children are old enough, set up schedules and jobs. It is simple to provide incentives to convince your children to help you since there is always some small reward that they can earn. Helping with household chore is a great lesson in responsibility as well.If you live alone, the challenge is greater, although not impossible. Meeting the challenge involves asking family or friends or neighbors who might be willing help you. If you can think of something that you can do for them in return, you won’t be so reluctant to ask for assistance. For example, many young couples have difficulty finding affordable baby sitters whom they can depend on and trust. When presented with the opportunity for a free Saturday night, they will probably view your request that they mow your lawn or vacuum your carpets as a great bargain. Your imagination sets the limits, and everyone wins! If you have special skills, use them in exchange for help. Obviously, many people will be happy to help you for nothing in return. The important thing is for you to feel good about asking for help.Get in shape. Being out of condition will almost always result in fatigue, and having RA means that it will be more difficult to stay in top condition. When your arthritis flares up, you have to rest your joints and muscles. This in turn leaves your body out of condition.With appropriate medical therapy, the inflammation in your joints will eventually decrease. At this point you will need to get more involved in an exercise program.Make use of medical therapy. Medications are useful in the long-term control of fatigue. As disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) begin working to control your RA, fatigue will also lessen. Anemia will also improve with the control of arthritis. Use the skills above to cope with fatigue until your arthritis is brought under control. Then continue using them to make your life easier, more convenient, and more fun.*51/209/5*
