A rheumatic disease diagnosis can change your life, but it doesn't have to define it. It's natural to feel a range of emotions due to uncertainty about the future and questions about treatment options. Let's explore what lies ahead and how you can adjust to your 'new normal' with grace and strength.
Understanding the Diagnosis
Rheumatic diseases are a diverse group of conditions that primarily affect the joints, muscles, and bones, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. They include conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma that are autoimmune in nature, meaning your immune system mistakenly attacks your body's tissues. Rheumatic diseases can affect individuals of all ages and vary in severity. According to the American College of Rheumatology, over 54 million Americans are affected by rheumatic diseases.1
Managing Symptoms
After a diagnosis, you may experience a variety of symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, and inflammation. A multidisciplinary healthcare team including rheumatologists, physical therapists, and other specialists can help you develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Exploring Treatment Options
Treatment for rheumatic diseases often involves a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and therapies tailored to your specific condition and needs. This may include anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic therapies, and complementary and alternative treatments.
Emotional Support
A chronic illness can take a toll on your emotional well-being. It's important to seek out support from friends, family, support groups, or mental health professionals who can provide encouragement, understanding, and guidance as you navigate the challenges of living with a rheumatic disease.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Living with a rheumatic disease may require adjustments to your lifestyle, including modifying your daily activities, incorporating regular exercise, practicing stress management techniques, and prioritizing self-care to help manage symptoms and maintain overall health.
Rheumatic disease diagnosis may present challenges, but it's important to remember that you are not alone. You can lead a fulfilling life by staying informed, proactive, and engaged in your healthcare journey. Take control of your condition and work towards achieving optimal health and well-being.
Specialists at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute can guide you through every step from evaluation and diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Our rheumatology experts will help you move better and live better!
About the Author
Teresa Sosenko, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained rheumatologist at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute specializing in the treatment of autoimmune disorders with a patient-centered approach to care.
