I read an interesting article on the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society Web site about a study on rheumatoid arthritis and depression.
“When someone is depressed, they feel down most of the time and no longer look forward to events or enjoy things. It is also common for someone experiencing depression to turn away support from other people and feel bad about themselves for no apparent reason. In the worst scenario, depressed people feel that life is no longer worth living and may harm themselves.”
The study was done by the Rheumatology Unit at the Dudley Group of Hospitals and the School of Psychology at the University of Birmingham. According to the study, more than 10 percent of the people with RA reported high depression.
Depression can be a big problem for people dealing with RA. It can be hard to be upbeat when you have painful flare-ups or medications aren’t helping you. I know I had some down moments when I was first diagnosed and having the most problems with my RA. The article also offers some good advice for those suffering from depression:
“Depression is not something to be ashamed of. Asking for help is one of the first steps out of depression. There are many things that can help you when you feel depressed. Antidepressant medicines can lift the worst feelings but are not a permanent solution. Cognitive behavioural therapy (or CBT) is a psychological therapy that can help address the way you feel and how you think about the future when you are experiencing depression. Cognitive behavioural therapy usually involves around six to 10 weekly sessions that can be delivered to groups, one-on-one or even over the internet. It is now recommended that antidepressant medicines and cognitive behavioural therapy are combined to combat depression (as described in national guidelines detailed in the links section). If you feel you are depressed, then it is worth mentioning this to your general practitioner, your rheumatologist or your rheumatology nurses so they can help you overcome these feelings and enjoy your life. If you have been taking antidepressants for a while without any cognitive behavioural therapy and do not yet feel completely better then ask for an update. Some form of therapy may now be available for you locally. Exercise is also recommended (within your ability range). Regular exercise can improve your mood and strengthen your muscles, including the most important muscle, your heart.”
Until next time,
S.P.
I thought I would talk about something more personal in today’s post. As I mentioned in my earlier post about my diagnosis, I have had problems with my left middle finger since the very beginning. I lost movement in it about four months after being diagnosed with RA. I am now, four years later, looking at having surgery to fix the problem.
I went in about a week ago to a hand surgeon to see what my options were. From there I was sent to have an ultrasound done of my hand. (I know! An ultrasound of my hand! I didn’t even know they could do that.) The procedure took over an hour to do, but it was amazing everything it showed. (I am hoping I can get pictures of it to put up on the site. When I see the hand surgeon for my follow-up appointment, I’ll ask. I think you will find them very interesting.)
According to the ultrasound technician, my finger and hand showed signs of tenosynovitis, inflammation of the lining of the sheath that surrounds the tendons in my finger and hand.
The good news is that the tenosynovitis is not active and thus not causing erosion, and also the surgery to get rid of tenosynovitis is a lot less invasive than if I had a snapped tendon. If my tendon had been snapped or gone completely, they would have to take a tendon from my wrist to replace it, and then I’d have to have eight or so weeks of physical therapy. All in all, a lot of time and energy.
But, according to the surgeon, if it is tenosynovitis, they just go in and remove the inflammation, and I can be up and moving it in the same day! (Or practically the same day.) A lot less invasive, right?
I have to go back and see the surgeon to hear the final word on what kind of surgery will be done, but the results of the ultrasound were promising! I’ll keep you in the loop.
I also found it interesting to learn that there are other reasons a person can get tenosynovitis. One blog I found mention “texting” as a cause, which I found amusing.
Until next time,
S.P.
Another complication of RA I recently read about is Felty’s syndrome:
“Symptoms of Felty’s syndrome include severe rheumatoid arthritis that is present for at least ten years, enlarged spleen, low white blood cell count, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, eye burning and discharge, paleness, ulcers on legs, skin discoloration, anemia, vasculitis and a general feeling of discomfort.”
Complications of Felty’s syndrome include splenic rupture, life-threatening infection and liver involvement. Those with Felty’s syndrome also have an increased risk of developing cancer” (Informative Post).
It is a bit scary to have another thing to worry about on top of already having RA. I mean, a spleen rupture? That is just too much to take. Fortunately, it only affects less than one percent of those with RA and may be decreasing due to the better RA treatment currently available. Just another reason to see a rheumatologist and get on some good medications. I just thought it was an interesting topic. So take a look at is. Make sure to talk to a doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Until next time,
S.P.
