Affect on mental health.

[Granblue]

Hi all. Hope all good. Never thought how all the different medication would affect me mentally. In the last two years I have had such a change in my health. Having already being closely checked for enlarged Aorta which is under control. Started hydroxychloroquine Nov 2022. Then May 2023 went on Amlodipine. Had to stop Sulfasalazine after 3 months causing awful reflux and stomach burning to my hiatus Hernia. Started Methotrexate injection January this year. Wanted me to start Amgevita in October. I refused. Then I stopped my methotrexate 4 weeks ago. Had a call from gp saying my platlets were low and there are changes in my copd levels from chest xray. I felt like I hit a wall with anxiety. So much change in two years. Too much medication that I know nothing about. Total melt down. I went to rheumatology yesterday with a list of all my concerns. Unfortunately I'm having a flare up due to methotrexate leaving my system but I'm managing. Have encouraged me to start Amgevita and give it a go. I understand it's finding the right medication. They explained before the RA does cause serious effects.had the flu jab last week,no problem. Having the shingles jab tomorrow. And to top it going through the menopause with awful sweats 😓. Sorry for the long moan. 🫣

[Madmusiclover]

Aw seeetie. What a trial. I can highly recommend HRT! That is ‘solvable’.

[Spanelmad in reply to Madmusiclover]

The patch really helped me

[Brychni]

Not enough time to go into my problems but uf you can manage it : some exercise. If you can't walk, go for a swim. I can't exercise every day any more but I always sleep better when I do. That in turn seems to help everything else, even if just a little. I make myself do it, hate every second but it always helps.

And as others have said: HRT!

[LinaM]

so sorry to hear you’re suffering like this. It’s something I struggle with too . The fear of taking meds that are having horrid side effects vs the damage that the RA can do really messes with your head.The two things I find most helpful are HRT and exercise , if you can face it. Both these things helped me to find more mental clarity so I was able to make conscious choices about my own health. I wish you all the best and please know you’re not alone in this .

[Monkeysmum]

That is a lot to deal with in a short space of time Granblue, no wonder you are reeling from it. Have you tried calling the NRAS helpline to talk it through with them, they are very helpful. Can also recommend Tai Chi, I do a simple 20min routine for Beginners that I found on YouTube and I always feel calmer after doing it. Big hug 🤗

[wilbertjellyfish in reply to Monkeysmum]

How did you find the Tia chi I've been wanting to try it but wasn't sure how

[Monkeysmum in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

I’m not good with tech stuff so not sure how to link here, but try searching Don Fiore Daily Tai Chi for Beginners and Seniors on YouTube xx

[Boxerlady in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

Try Tai Chi for arthritis - brilliant 😉

[woodstar1]

When I was on methotrexate I suffered terribly with depression. I have never, luckily suffered with my mental health, however when I started this I felt absolutely awful. Obviously I spoke to my consultant who agreed it could cause some people issues and I was changed to another alternative med. Hopefully you will feel better soon. Take care.

[EJaneB]

Have also experienced extreme stress from caring for elderly parents during Covid time

Time can always be difficult but couple of Things that helped me included short pauses to do slow breathing (possible while boiling a kettle !)

And have found calming music works Again a chance to pause and give brain a rest Apparently Radio 3 have just begun new ‘series’ called Unwind You can access via BBC Sounds too Breathing and listening to music also good !

[Granblue]

Thank you all for your comments. It helps to know we're all on here to support each other. Speaking to my gp today. So hopefully will sort something out. Take care.🙂

[wilbertjellyfish]

I'd say we all understand. I've finally (after 7 years) decided I maybe do need an appointment with mental health nurse. I'm just not myself. I feel it's because of the pain. I'm still not on the right medication and really struggling with day to day tasks due to the pain. I also feel so low, I don't want to take tablets to feel normal and I can't understand why no one seems to think there is an issue with expecting someone to live like this.

Luckily I'm only juggling one condition. Hopefully the amgevita works for you.

[Deeb1764]

I had a melt down with all medications for heart, COPD , RA fibro and diabetes 2 and GP was good we walked thro what and why and managed to reduce some but also explained from his point of view better a medication than a hospital!

Then when I saw heart guy he understood too and actually took me off the heart medication as felt I was coping and other things ie weight loss and other medication would buffer it all.

So sometimes it’s worth asking to go thro the whys of been on things for a long time too. Just started a new RA med and crawling at the moment BUT got to keep on going for a better place 🥰

I also did another session with The Wren to get my mental space better and this week feel Calmer and more in control again.

Big hugs 🤗

[Happy5]

Awwww we know how you feel such a roller coaster in the early times. I got depression I couldn't shift with my usual methods, so used antidepressants for a few months which helped. I feel I went through a "grief" period , have to come to terms with no longer being the gal I was. I now focus on what I can do rather than what I no longer can. I get times when I manage things I enjoy, and accept will have times when I'm wiped out.

You've alot on your plate with the menopause included, regularly speak with RA team and GP for solutions. Do what you can little and often. Rest is ok, helps to recharge the body.

I use massage and reflexology to help rejuvenate my system.

All the best.

[Tired-fed-up]

it’s a lot. And it’s really hard. My mental health has also been affected massively and it’s still a daily struggle. Give yourself permission to feel rubbish, to slow down, to not do all the things you used to do, to not feel chirpy and capable every day, to cry, to mourn the old you, and to spend time doing things that take your mind off it - if that’s getting outside or watching tv or focusing on hobbies… take it day by day and celebrate small wins - I pruned half of a tree yesterday 🎉🥳😂