Anyone else get depressed and a feeling of uselessness with arthritis??

[Thomsk]

Hi new to this site as well as new to having arthritis even tho ive had it for years

[Mmrr]

welcome

have you been diagnosed with arthritis ?

[sylvi]

I think you can say we all do darling. Hugs.xxx

[oldtimer]

After many years of coping with this, I still feel guilty telling people that I can't do something. It's worse after they have told me how well I look when I have a flush from the steroids!

And I thank people too much when they do something for me - day before yesterday, someone said "Yes, you have already said that!"

[Thomsk]

They tested me for gaot and nothing so now im waiting to see rheumatologist it's the only thing left and to be brutally honest with-everything else thats going on im ready to just throw the towel in but thank you for the replies nice one

[Hidden]

Hello there

Yes I have suffered terribly with depression; particularly in the beginning when I was in so much pain, and didn't feel listened to. I think inflammation itself can cause mood issues. Hard not to be depressed when one feels do awful, and life has changed as a result.

On a positive note. I felt a lot better when I was actually diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Feeling believed helped. It also helped knowing what I was dealing with. The right medication can make a huge difference.

Are you on any medication? Some medications can make some people very depressed. Sulfasalazine and methotrexate made me feel suicidal. They did nothing for my arthritis either which further compounded the depression.

I'm on a biological drug now. No awful side effects! Also feel a bit better, which has alleviated the low mood. I have also learned new ways of dealing with depression. I walk at least 2 hours a day. If i can't walk I sit on a park bench. Also cold showers every morning kick me out of the early morning glums. Cold showers really are good for depression (if you can stand it!). Also talking to someone every day...even if it's just an hello. It helps.

I don't drink alcohol (It's a depressive) and try to keep my blood sugar level

Hope this helps.

[Hidden]

Oh yes. Keep a positive head and try to distract yourself works for me as too many other things have to take preference in my life. The RA must wait

[Hidden]

Oh yes Thomsk, even many years down the line from diagnosis. Nowadays I try not to dwell on what I can and can’t d or what might have been, easier said than done sometimes. I’ve only recently found this forum but wish I had done years ago. There’s lots of people here who have been through the same or similar and it’s been quite a help to know there’s people out there who will listen to you and try to help. I know no one who has RA so a group like this is invaluable.

I hope you get some answers at your rheumy appointment but don’t give up if you don’t, go back to your gp until you do.

Sending you gentle hugs. Keep talking to us.

[tristin]

Hi Thomsk

I am 1 year into RA and thanks to Rheumies drugs don't suffer to much. Before diagnosis I thought all was lost. The kindness of people around me helped enormously plus my need to minimise negative affects on family and others. It made me stick my head up above the gloom. There are periods of inevitable gloom and negative thoughts are regular. I try and turn that feeling into energising my effort to be as positive as possible. If that makes any sense. One thing that has developed is a greater sense of humour. I hope it is not gallows humour! I am determined that making merry when possible is far better for all than the gloom. I am lucky to have regular sms correspondence with a few trusted friends who i can work the humour with. All unfit for public reading but they are fun. Hope this is of some assistance if not just disregard.

[Hidden]

I think we all must do that. I am feeling like it today. We came back from a lovely holiday this week but I am suffering so much from pain in my arms, shoulders, back and knee that I feel I can't do anything and feel completely useless. I just long to be able to do things, even getting myself dressed is a problem. This morning, I thought I would try to get myself dressed and not bother my husband to help, but putting on my bra was impossible even though I have a front fastening one and the tears were rolling down my face in pain. I am on morphine, tramadol, methotrexate, hydroxy, steroids and more and wonder what is going to happen to me in the future. I had better stop now before I am crying again. Good luck to you Thomsk and I hope you get some relief from everything you are going through soon.