A parent who has RA may find the adventure of childrearing especially challenging. For one thing, children require structure and routine, and it’s hard to maintain consistency when you have a condition that fluctuates. On good days you may not need help from your kids, or you may be able to participate in activities with them. On bad days you may require their help and understanding. Despite the unpredictable nature of your arthritis, you must try to be consistent in your interactions with your children and your response to them.
For example, if one week you say, “Jimmy, I want you to clean up your room. I don’t feel well,” and a week later, when you’re feeling better, you say “Jimmy, why don’t you go watch cartoons while I clean up your room?” it’s not going to take too long for Jimmy to realize that he will have to do more when you are feeling bad and will be rewarded when you feel well. It’s far better to separate Jimmy’s responsibilities from your physical condition: “Jimmy, you’re six years old now, and we think you’re big enough to clean your room each week.”
Erase from your mind any feelings of guilt you may have for not doing everything for your children. Guilt provides no positive direction and only allows your children to manipulate you. Redirect your energy toward teaching lessons in responsibility and independence which will last your children a lifetime. A final note: there’s nothing to prevent you from rewarding children for taking on new responsibilities. This is another real-life lesson because we frequently are rewarded for a job well done.
A second caution to parents is to avoid making a promise such as ‘We’ll do this if I feel well.” When something’s coming up which is important to the child, develop a backup plan. This may entail something as simple as making it okay for the other parent and the child to participate in the activity without you. If you are a single parent, think about asking the parents of your child’s friend to help out if you are feeling ill. Do not wait until the day of the occasion to make alternate plans, as this may leave you feeling trapped. Again, the goal is not to link your child’s hopes too closely to your level of health on a given day.
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What are the elements of a good rehabilitation program? What should I look for?
First, the goals should be realistic. The rehab specialist should carefully explain exactly what the plan of action is and what should be accomplished with this plan. Your program should be based on you and you alone. Everybody is different. Second, the period to achieve these goals of rehabilitation should be realistic. If it is going to take two years, you need to know that. Third, the rehabilitation specialist should consult with your arthritis specialist to make sure your program will not cause you further pain and deterioration. Fourth, you should be able to report your progress accurately and not overdo it. The doctor and you have to come to some agreement on your progress.What is deconditioning?
Deconditioning is the effect that disuse has on your body. Often those affected with RA stop using affected body parts due to pain or depression. As a result, muscles become weaker and bones begin to deteriorate. Rehabilitation medicine is directed to prevent you from deconditioning.What kind of team is involved in my rehabilitation?
Your rehabilitation team will consist of a rehabilitation physician; your rheumatologist, of course; a rehabilitation nurse; an occupational therapist (ОТ) to help you with your activities of daily living; and a physical therapist (PT). A social worker, a psychologist, and even a speech therapist can be brought in if needed. All of these people may work with you to help improve your quality of life.What are some of the pain-relieving modalities that might be used?
Both heat and cold can decrease joint pain. Heat can be given by way of paraffin baths, application of moist hot packs, or even immersion in warm water. Cold therapy can be given via ice packs or immersion in cold water. This helps reduce swelling, raise the pain threshold, and decrease muscle spasm.
Topical creams and liniments can be applied to relieve pain. One example is a cream containing capsaicin (an extract of paprika), which is very helpful in relieving the pain of RA.
Electrical nerve stimulation is another method used to relieve pain. This method, called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), is good for bone pain and even nerve pain in certain sites. Electrodes that transmit mild electrical impulses are attached to the skin. These electrical impulses are thought to relieve pain by interrupting the pain pathway, by increasing the production of endorphins, or by increasing the blood supply to the affected area. Though this procedure is relatively painless, a mild tingling or massaging sensation is felt as the electrical impulses are emitted.Are there specific treatments for different parts of the body?
Absolutely. Rehabilitation therapy can strengthen each area with specific exercises and assist devices. One such device to aid function is the splint. There are resting splints, which basically immobilize a part of the body like the hand or the wrist, and functional splints, which are designed to support a limb during activities, such as the hands during exercises or the knees while walking.
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Ms RM, Northamptonshire, England. “I thought I would drop you a short note to say that my feet are much improved after taking [CMO], in spite of being unable to take the tablets without a very small amount-of food. Dry oatcakes, seem not to stimulate much reaction.”
Mrs MH, Cambridgeshire, England. “Thank you for your kind attention, we are absolutely amazed and delighted how [CMO] has worked for my husband. He is driving his car again without any pain. He can walk without his stick and go up and down the stairs no bother, our two sons can’t believe the difference in my husband.”
Mr EAC, Troon, Scotland. “I thought that you would like to know how pleased I have been with the results of my course of treatment using CMO capsules.”
“Due to injuries to both legs in the Second World War and as a result of having one leg one inch shorter than the other I contracted arthritis in both knees and one big toe. I have just completed the course 100 capsules and only a few days short of the two weeks following the completion. For three weeks now I have felt really good, relaxed, and energetic. My joints are loose and free from stiffness and pain, and particularly noticeable when I have been sitting for fairly long periods and get up to do anything at home.”
“My back and at the top of my spine which have given me trouble are now much better and this I regard as a great bonus. Many thanks for your help.”
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Tags: Arthritis
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