Creaky Coping Mechanisms

People often don't realise the extent of the challenges RA, Fibro, OA and deafness can pose to people who have this diseases. I get the usual comments of "you look well", "you're not old enough to have arthritis", "I've got a touch of that, you should take....."


I like to think of myself as a positive person but don't get me wrong, I have those days when I just hurt too much, I'm too stiff, I'm unstable so lock myself away in the house and people don't see me for days. Everyone has their own coping mechanisms to cope with the pain, the frustrations and the practicalities of having a super stiff and wonky body. Here are just a few of mine:


I have a wonderful hubby, kids and a select circle of friends that I can rely on to cheer me up, remind me that other people have a worse time, help me out, bring emergency care packages, take me out for a coffee and cake so I get out the house (thanks Steph :-) ) The day to day grind of living with any form of arthritis or fibromyalgia throws so many challenges from getting up and dressed to going to bed in the evening.


Just getting out of bed is a challenge. I have to grab the headboard to lift myself up a bit and hubby then helps with the manoeuvring out of bed. I take long deep breaths when the pain burns or smarts. of course I take my pain medication daily and my DMARDS (Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs) but sometimes that pain breaks through like someone wielding a baseball bat that it takes your breath away, you panic, feel sick, cry.....by controlling my breathing I can try and control the pain.


Hot water bottles and wheat bags! ...these are my very best friends on unbearable days. They help with the pain and the swelling. I have a paraffin wax bath for my hands and feet.....its fab! My physio  recommended I invested in one so it was my Christmas present to my self last year. The warm wax coats your hands (or feet) the warmth penetrates deep into the joints easing pain and stiffness.


Jars, tins, bottles etc .....imaging your hands being so stiff and painful you can't even hold a fork or toothbrush, let alone open a tin or bottle. I hate this because I feel so damned useless. There have been many times I have dropped something, not been about to grip something. Usually it end up with me being so frustrated it reduces me to tears. These are simple tasks that my 34 year old hands should be able to do. SO! we have a battery operated tin opener. It clips on the top, press the large button and it opens the tin....how cool is that??! I know...you're reading this and think "you're mad" but just having a gadget that makes things just a tad easier is like getting a birthday present.


I wear clothing that has a pocket in it so I can carry my mobile phone with me even in the home. My mobile has a T setting and is compatible with my hearing aids. This proved to be worth its weight in gold when I took a flying lesson down the stairs a few weeks ago. The flying bit wasn't a problem and Grendel my Owl would probably be proud of my efforts considering I don't have wings and my arms and shoulders are riddled with arthritis. However, I certainly haven't mastered the art of landing. Once I had stopped crying (sort of) from the shock and pain and I realised that I couldn't actually move off the cold tiled floor, I phoned the school reception and asked if they could get a message to Paul to come and help me. Paul was home within 10 mins, did a quick assessment which involved me screaming and using a few words which can't be published here. Ambulance is phoned and it takes them over half an hour to get to me. I'm gently put on a spinal board and strapped in. The paramedic has a wicked sense of humour thankfully but the prospects of possibly having a fractured spine is a sobering thought. Luckily I was just badly bruised and have a number of herniated discs. Another coping mechanism is humour.....the paramedic put me at ease, his sense of humour was similar to  mine. I like to laugh and find the funny side of things. I laugh at myself because its easier than people laughing at me. I have a freedom pass (my creaky pass) and a blue badge....it has been know to be called my cripple badge lol!


Being positive and seeing the positive in a challenging situation helps me to cope with the life I am living. And I am living it. I refuse to give up. I need to keep going because my kids need me to keep going. I write this blog as a coping mechanism. I helps me get things off my chest and understand my situation. If my situation can help just one person know that they aren't alone then I have done well. I have a page on Facebook called The Invisible Challenge. Its about breaking down barriers and misconceptions. It posts links, help links and positive posts to uplift people. Here is the link if you want to have a look, like and share! https://www.facebook.com/TheInvisibleChallenge I also do videos to raise awareness. here is a few links to look at and watch:


The alternative spoon theory https://www.facebook.com/TheInvisibleChallenge/videos
Invisible Diseases Vlog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g5lFfE2CAc
Spread The Word, Be a Pain Killer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BryN1jIPPg


Keep smiling and use your spoons wisely xxx