Rheumatoid arthritis - Living with rheumatoid arthritis

Self-management

Taking control of rheumatoid arthritis will help you cope with its impact on your lifestyle.

Arthritis Care offers self-management training courses to teach techniques for living positively with arthritis. Techniques include relaxation and breathing exercises to help pain control, goal-setting exercises and positive thinking to help give you some control over your condition.

A self-management programme specifically for people with rheumatoid arthritis has been developed by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). The course helps people learn more about their condition and provides practical tips on how to manage everyday life.

Want to know more?

Arthritis Care: Self-management
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): Self-management programme

Talk to others

Many people find it helpful to talk to others in a similar position, and you may find support from an individual or group of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Patient organisations have local support groups where you can meet others diagnosed with the same condition.

Call the NRAS helpline free on 0800 298 7650 to speak to a trained rheumatoid arthritis adviser. NRAS also has a team of medical advisers.

You can also call Arthritis Care's free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 4050 (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm).

Want to know more?

Arthritis Care: In your area
HealthUnlocked: Arthritis community
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): Help for you

Your feelings

It can be hard to deal with the unpredictable nature of rheumatoid arthritis. Some days, the pain and stiffness will be much worse than others, and there is no way of knowing when a flare-up will occur.

The difficult nature of rheumatoid arthritis can mean that some people develop depression or feelings of stress and anxiety. Sometimes, these feelings can be related to poorly controlled pain or fatigue. Living with any long-term condition makes you more likely to have a range of emotions such as frustration, fear, pain, anger and resentment.

Speak to your healthcare team if you are struggling to deal with your condition emotionally. They may be able to offer medication or psychological interventions to help.

Want to know more?

Arthritis Care: Understanding your feelings
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): Emotions, relationships and coping with rheumatoid arthritis

Starting and raising a family

If you are taking medicines for rheumatoid arthritis, let your healthcare team know if you want to start a family or if you are worried about becoming pregnant while on medication.

Some medications, such as methotrexate, leflunomide and biological treatments, should not be taken by men or women while they are trying for a baby. The doctors and nurses will work with you to ensure your rheumatoid arthritis is controlled while you are trying to get pregnant.

Babies and young children are physically and mentally demanding for any parent, but particularly so if you have rheumatoid arthritis. If you are struggling to cope, it may help to talk to other people in the same situation as you. You may also be able to get additional support from your health visitor or occupational therapist to help you manage your young family.

Want to know more?

Arthritis Care: Parenting with arthritis
Arthritis Research UK: Pregnancy and arthritis
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): Pregnancy and parenthood

Sex and relationships

Pain, discomfort and changes in the way you feel can affect your sex life. Your self-esteem or thoughts about how you look may affect your confidence.

Although many people find it difficult to talk about such private issues, there are resources that might help you. Talking to your partner or GP about the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on your sexuality and sexual relationships may help.

Want to know more?

Arthritis Research UK: Sex, relationships and arthritis
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): Emotions and relationships

Money and benefits

If you have to stop work or work part time because of your rheumatoid arthritis, you may find it hard to cope financially.

You may be entitled to one or more of the following types of financial support:

If you have a job, but cannot work because of your illness, you are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.
If you do not have a job and cannot work because of your illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance.
If you are aged 64 or under and need help with personal care or have walking difficulties, you may be eligible for a Personal Independence Payment.
If you are aged 65 or over, you may be able to get Attendance Allowance.
If you are caring for someone with rheumatoid arthritis, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.

You may also be eligible for other benefits if you have children living at home or if you have a low household income.

Paying for your medications

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you are likely to need repeat prescriptions of medication to keep your condition under control.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not listed as a medical condition that entitles a person to free prescriptions in England, although you may sometimes be able to get your medication for free if your condition falls under the category of: 'a continuing physical disability which means the person cannot go out without the help of another person'.

You are also entitled to free prescriptions if you are 60 or over, or if you receive Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

If you aren't entitled to free prescriptions, you may find it cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). This is effectively a prescription 'season ticket' that covers all your prescriptions over a three or 12 month period.

Read more about help with prescription costs to see if you are entitled to free prescriptions.

Want to know more?

Care and support
Arthritis Care: Working with arthritis
GOV.UK: Benefits
Money Advice Service
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): Work and benefits