Being diagnosed with any type of arthritis can be a scary and confusing time for people. You will most likely have many questions about your condition and how it will affect you. You may not be sure what you want, or more importantly need, to know about arthritis, or even feel ready to ask about these things.

There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia. Although many symptoms of arthritis are shared across the conditions, like pain, fatigue and inflammation, there are many unique to each disease too.

People of all ages are living with arthritis. While no arthritis cure exists at present, there are many medical and non-medical arthritis treatments available that can help you to control your arthritis symptoms.

“It's a little bit of a shock to be newly diagnosed, however the chances are that you will have been experiencing symptoms for some time and getting a diagnosis provides a degree of certainty. There is hope no matter what the diagnosis is.  You haven’t just developed the condition on the day of the diagnosis.  You have been living with it for a while.  So now the day of the diagnosis is the day you can move forward.” Prof Geraldine McCarthy

Things to remember

Being diagnosed with arthritis can be a very intimidating experience, especially if you don't know where to turn for help. Initial feelings of fear and anger are a completely normal first reaction but, by taking the right steps, a diagnosis of arthritis does not have to alter your quality of life.

Ring - If you are looking for confidential support and information from people who have experienced an arthritis diagnosis first hand you should contact the Arthritis Ireland helpline on 0818 252 846. 

Learn - Learning about your condition should help you to put your mind at ease, but take care that what you read comes from a reputable source. Arthritis Ireland's information on arthritis types can be a good place to start.

Partnership with health professionals - Once you have been diagnosed prompt action will help you to avoid further damage to your joints so it's important that you work in partnership with your doctor to put together a treatment plan that best suits you.

Self Management - Sign up to one of our Living Well with Arthritis self-management programmes where you will learn the simple steps that make a big difference to people with arthritis.

Talk: Chatting to friends and family, but also to other people who have arthritis, can be a big comfort. A great way to meet people with arthritis is the Arthritis Ireland branch in your area or by signing up for the Living Well with Arthritis course.

Help yourself - However arthritis affects you, there is always something that can be done. As well as your medical treatment, a healthy diet and regular exercise are an essential part of controlling arthritis symptoms.

Simple tips to help you get the most out of your GP visit:

Be prepared: Before your appointment, think of ways to describe your symptoms, write down your questions and any changes in your condition.

Be confident: Don't be afraid to ask questions. If something is confusing then repeat it back to the doctor and ask him/her to explain more clearly.

Two heads are better than one: Bringing a family member or friend will help you relax and remember to ask the right questions.

Newly diagnosed with arthritis - conversation series

The below videos from consultant rheumatologist, Professor Geraldine McCarthy, and clinical psychologist, Dr Jennifer Wilson O’Raghallaigh will address, amongst others, the following areas:

• What is arthritis?
• Who is involved in the treatment of arthritis?
• How is arthritis diagnosed?
• How is arthritis treated? and what are the treatment options?
• What are the differences between inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis and how they are treated?
• How long will it take for medication to work?
• What is a flare of symptoms in inflammatory arthritis?
• What complementary therapies can help manage arthritis symptoms?
• What lifestyle modifications will help someone newly diagnosed with arthritis?
• How important is physical activity and nutrition?
• What are some of the thoughts, feelings and emotions that a person newly diagnosed with arthritis might experience?
• Do I need support and help after diagnosis? If so, who should contact and when?

Download audio transcription here

“People can feel like a little bit out of control and frightened, which again is a very normal part of adjusting to this very new situation which is again having a chronic condition that they need to take care of. They can feel very alone, a lot of emotion around fear, anxiety, sadness, grief, those things can be very present.” Dr Jennifer Wilson O'Raghallaigh

 

Download audio transcription here

“The best advice I have for people,” says Dr Wilson O'Raghallaigh, “is around compassion and self-compassion. There’s research now around self-compassion, which is how we reflect on our own experiences and how we talk to ourselves about what we do and who we are. Working with being compassionate with ourselves has a huge impact on our experience of life.”

One of the most critical factors of a new diagnosis of arthritis, is coming to terms with its unpredictable nature. Dr Wilson O'Raghallaigh understands the complexity and fast-changing world of someone who is newly diagnosed.

“You can’t plan for it. You’ve got to think about the future in a different way and there’s a lot that happens in a shorter period of time. There’s an adjustment period that people go through.

“In the same way that we ourselves would be compassionate with somebody who was learning something new, we need to be compassionate with ourselves about learning around this.”

For more information check out our information on the various conditions and supports in your area or contact the Arthritis Ireland helpline on 0818 252 846 [email protected]

 

Supported by