Rheumatoid arthritis

Living-with

Self-management

Taking control of rheumatoid arthritis will help you cope with its impact on your lifestyle.

Arthritis Care offers self-management training courses to teach techniques for living positively with arthritis. Techniques include:

relaxation and breathing exercises to help pain control
goal-setting exercises
positive thinking

A self-management programme specifically for people with rheumatoid arthritis has been developed by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). The course helps people learn more about their condition and provides practical tips on how to manage everyday life.

Want to know more?

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): Self-management programme

Talk to others

Many people find it helpful to talk to others in a similar position. You may find support from an individual or group of people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Patient organisations have local support groups where you can meet others diagnosed with the same condition.

Call theNRAS helpline freeon0800 298 7650 to speak to a trained rheumatoid arthritis adviser. NRAS also has a team of medical advisers.

You can also call Arthritis Care's free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 4050 (Monday-Friday,10am-4pm).

Want to know more?

Arthritis Care: In your area
HealthUnlocked: Arthritis community
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): Help for you

Your feelings

It can be hard to deal with the unpredictable nature of rheumatoid arthritis. Some days, the pain and stiffness will be much worse than others, and there's no way of knowing when a flare-up will occur.

The difficult nature of rheumatoid arthritis can mean some people develop Depression or feelings of stress and anxiety. Sometimes, these feelings can be related to poorly controlled pain or fatigue.

Living with any long-term condition makes you more likely to have a range of emotions such as frustration, fear, pain, anger and resentment.

Speak to your healthcare team if you're struggling to deal with your condition emotionally. They may be able to offer medication or psychological interventions to help.

Want to know more?

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): Emotions, relationships and coping with rheumatoid arthritis

Starting and raising a family

If you're taking medicines for rheumatoid arthritis, let your healthcare team know if you want to start a family or ifyou're worried about becoming pregnant while on medication.

Some medications, such as methotrexate, leflunomide and biological treatments, shouldn't be taken by men or women while they're trying for a baby. The doctors and nurses will work with you to ensure your rheumatoid arthritis is controlled while you're trying to get pregnant.

Babies and young children are physically and mentally demanding for any parent, but particularly so if you have rheumatoid arthritis. If you're struggling to cope, it may help to talk to other people in the same situation as you.

You may also be able to get additional support from your health visitor or occupational therapist to help you manage your young family.

Want to know more?

Arthritis Research UK: Pregnancy and arthritis
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): Pregnancy and parenthood

Sex and relationships

Pain, discomfort and changes in the way you feel can affect your sex life. Your self-esteem or thoughts about how you look may affect your confidence.

Although many people find it difficult to talk about such private issues, there are resources that might help you.

Talking to your partner or GP about the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on your sexuality and sexual relationships may help.

Want to know more?

Arthritis Research UK: Sex, relationships and arthritis
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): Emotions and relationships

Money and benefits

If you have to stop work or work part time because of your rheumatoid arthritis, you may find it hard to cope financially.

You may be entitled to one or more of the following types of financial support:

If you have a job, but can't work because of your illness, you're entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.
If you don't have a job and can't work because of your illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance .
If you're aged 64 or under and need help with personal care or have walking difficulties, you may be eligible for a Personal Independence Payment .
If you're aged 65 or over, you may be able to get Attendance Allowance .
If you're caring for someone with rheumatoid arthritis, you may be entitled to Carer's Allowance .

You may also be eligible for other benefits if you have children living at home or if you have a low household income.

Paying for your medications

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you're likely to need repeat prescriptions of medicationto keep your condition under control.

Rheumatoid arthritis isn't listed as a medical condition that entitles a person to free prescriptions in England, although you may be able to get your medication for free if your condition falls under the category of "a continuing physical disability which means the person can't go out without the help of another person".

You're also entitled to free prescriptions ifyou're 60 or over, or if youreceive either:

Income Support
income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

If you aren't entitled to free prescriptions, you may find it cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) . This iseffectively a prescription "season ticket" that coversall your prescriptions over a three or 12 month period.

to see if you're entitled to free prescriptions.