Hello!

Are there any other mums out there who have been diagnosed with an auto-immune inflammatory arthritis? I have had this for quite a few years now, but life seems to be getting harder. I am no longer on any medication, because they were all ineffective. The pain is there everyday, some days better than others and I have learnt to cope with that to an extent (sometimes it gets too much and I break down a bit – but always get up stronger), it is the constant fatigue I am not coping with. I have a 4yr old son; a supportive husband and I also work (we can’t afford for me not too). How do others cope?


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  • Bless you and all other mums out there struggling to cope with a disabling disease, pain and every day challenges ! Besides professional support of neurologist and maybe other therapists I would certainly seek contact with support groups. Success and don’t give up


  • Oh you poor thing, I can totally relate, although I don’t work and don’t have small children. I understand the wanting to give up, the breakdowns and getting back up again, stronger then before. But it’s so hard, pain all day every day, even my sleep (once my only relief) is no comfort


  • I’m the same as you, I’ve just learnt to live with it. Some days the pain is worse then others. I have only one kidney so am limited to what pain relief I can use, and most I can’t use long term. I’ve recently visited a physio who recommended tai chi. I’m a long time yoga active, but have been giving tai chi a go. It takes a bit to get the movements flowing properly, I’m still learning. Hope this may help you


  • Sorry I have not but wanted to say anyone who has illness and still does life is amazing. Keep up the hard but amazing work you have been doing


  • I advise you to join some yoga classes around, this will give a good relief , by parents are following it. hope it helps you


  • I have fibromyalgia, my children are grown now but I think I had this illness for many years and was told it was arthritis. My adult children agree, they remember me needing naps and not always being able to be as physically active as other mothers. I have been medicated since my mid 30’s I am now in my mid 60’s. the past six years have been really so much worse. Having a diagnosis, has actually helped with gaining access to therapies and trying treatments, and medications, on line support groups and just recently, there has been a lady in my town expressing interest in a support group getting together. I was very fortunate to have a G P who was working with the local university and a local group of physiotherapists to set up individual aqua exercise program’s for people with auto immune arthritic conditions. I also have regulars chiropractic care, and this referral was from my G.P. mi have not been “fobbed off” as so many others have been from the medical teams one seeks help from.
    For yo being a mother of young children, I suggest you keep searching for a good team of medical supports and perhaps you will qualify for disability support and can have home helpers, where help comes in to do the home duties that are just too much for you, then you can have more energy for your children. HACC in your local,telephone directory or local council can assist you gaining access to what agencies are offering services to help. I also worked and I do not know how I actually managed to do so. I have a young friend who is struggling, she has an amazing husband and very supportive in laws, the children are small still and she is no longer able to work. She is amazing in her coping skills, she has craft hobbies that bring pleasure to her life and self esteem. Go to the fibromyalgia support pages and you will be accepted, understood and encouraged. .


  • I don’t have this illness but I do have a condition called calcification tendinitis in both my shoulders I live with pain everyday and like you it’s starting to not work as well as it did, I’ve had this for the last 6 years.
    Hope you find something to help you out soon.


  • I’m guessing you’ve probably tried everything but it might be worth looking into diet. check out http://www.fedup.net.au Some people have found relief from removing salicylates, sulphur or gluten. In the meantime I’d just suggest to be kind to yourself and do what you need to do to get through each day.


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