RETHINK YOUR RA
TREATMENT GOALS
WHAT COULD BETTER LOOK LIKE?
Before visiting your doctor, take some time to think about things you would like to do and achieve without the limitations of RA. These can be day-to-day or more long-term goals, or an activity or state of mind you have missed since you were diagnosed. Try to define specific, actionable goals like "I would like to be able to participate in a 5k run" rathe than things like "I want to feel less pain".
Focus on these goals in your conversation rather than just the symptoms of RA, so your doctor can be aware of exactly the kind of result you're seeking.
REMISSION
WHAT COULD BETTER LOOK LIKE?
There's more to RA treatment that just managing your symptoms. Do you know it may be possible to slow or stop the progression of the disease?
Remission looks different to everyone, but the simplest explanation is that when your symptoms are under control and you feel better, you may feel like most of your symptoms have gone away. At this point in joint degeneration associated with your condition may also slow down, which contributes to the overall health of your joints and how you feel.
You probably recognize that you doctor can assess the progression of your RA with clinical methods like blood tests, and by assessing your day-to-day function, pain, and other symptoms specific to you.
TALKING CANDIDLY ABOUT RA
WHAT COULD BETTER LOOK LIKE?
Speaking openly and honestly about your experiences with RA will help your physician to form a comprehensive picture of your disease and help you get closer to achieving your goals. If you speak up about discomfort or issues you are currently facing, your doctor can think about options and strategies that will help you work towards these goals.
It's at least worth a conversation!
SYMPTOM TRACKING
WHAT COULD BETTER LOOK LIKE?
Track your daily RA symptoms and their impact over a period of time so you can discuss your findings with your doctor. This approach may prove more effective than just discussion the symptoms you have on the day of your visit.
Measure symptoms with metrics (severity, frequency of flares) and identify your affected activities with concrete examples (e.g. missing work, not being able to play with children or grandchildren). Also, note how you are feeling emotionally (e.g. concerned, insecure, frustrated).
IF I DO NOTHING
One thing's for sure: improvement rareky happens if you don't speak up. Your voice, and yours alone, can be a powerful force in finding a better way to address your treatment goals.
Don't assume your doctor knows exactly how you are feeling. You know your situatuon and symtoms best, so just be candid with your doctor and they'll better understand what are experiencing.
You have the power to affect change in your life by talking about your experiences, your aspirations, and your options. All you have to do is start the conversation.
DOWNLOAD THE DISCUSSION GUIDE HERE, TO HELP YOUR CONVERSATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR
