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We don't have COVID-19. It has us!
May. 20th, 2020 09:20 amThe Arthritis Society used to use the slogan "We have arthritis. Arthritis doesn't have us." And I found it an apt enough slogan at the time. I've been lucky to live in a time when for many of us, rheumatoid arthritis is controllable and manageable with medication, regular blood tests, exercise and a diet high in anti-inflammatory foodstuffs. The reverse is true of Covid-19. Even those of us with no symptoms of the disease have had our everyday lives turned upside down.
The thing is, those of us living with chronic conditions are subject to periodic flare-ups. One thing that often triggers a flare-up is stress. Another thing is any deviation from normal routine - staying on an even keel is important for keeping painful and severe symptoms in check. Since the Covid-19 lockdown began, just about all of us are experiencing higher stress levels than usual. As for routines, the old ones have been thrown out the window although we've managed to adapt and adopt new ones too.
Since mid-March, I haven't been getting regular blood tests. So from a medical standpoint at least, my condition is not being monitored. I'm OK for meds for a few weeks, although it would be nice to be able to go back to getting a 3-month supply at a time. As it is, I'm torn between unilaterally reducing the dosage, using several pharmacies or ordering a new supply the moment it's allowed regardless of stock on hand, all with the goal of making my stash last longer and avoiding the rigamarole that's now involved in visiting a pharmacy! As far as exercise is concerned, we're still getting out for a daily walk although it certainly isn't the pleasure it once was. No strolling through the grounds of the bird care centre or Strathcona Park, no incidental walking to and from bus stops or wandering about museums and art galleries or through the Glebe or Byward Market or Vincent Massey Park. As to dietary considerations, we're certainly eating less fresh food now that our grocery expeditions are more involved and limited to every couple of weeks.
I haven't had a full-blown rheumatoid flare-up in the past couple of months but it remains a concern. My joints tend to seize up and get achy when I'm not getting as much regular and consistent exercise.
My sleep patterns have changed too. I usually manage to initially get to sleep fairly well but I'm more prone to waking up in the wee hours and not being able to get back to sleep. My next rheumatologist appointment would normally be in September but whether that's likely to go ahead (and what form it would take) is an open question.
The Walk to Fight Arthritis (which I last did in 2015) held its final walk in 2019 and the Arthritis Society has no plans to carry on with it even in 2021 or beyond. They are now embarking on other fundraising ventures, including studies of arthritis patients already taking some meds (including but not limited to hydroxychoroquine) which may prove beneficial in the fight against Covid-19. If I'm asked to participate I would certainly consider it; meanwhile I did donate to the venture.
The thing is, those of us living with chronic conditions are subject to periodic flare-ups. One thing that often triggers a flare-up is stress. Another thing is any deviation from normal routine - staying on an even keel is important for keeping painful and severe symptoms in check. Since the Covid-19 lockdown began, just about all of us are experiencing higher stress levels than usual. As for routines, the old ones have been thrown out the window although we've managed to adapt and adopt new ones too.
Since mid-March, I haven't been getting regular blood tests. So from a medical standpoint at least, my condition is not being monitored. I'm OK for meds for a few weeks, although it would be nice to be able to go back to getting a 3-month supply at a time. As it is, I'm torn between unilaterally reducing the dosage, using several pharmacies or ordering a new supply the moment it's allowed regardless of stock on hand, all with the goal of making my stash last longer and avoiding the rigamarole that's now involved in visiting a pharmacy! As far as exercise is concerned, we're still getting out for a daily walk although it certainly isn't the pleasure it once was. No strolling through the grounds of the bird care centre or Strathcona Park, no incidental walking to and from bus stops or wandering about museums and art galleries or through the Glebe or Byward Market or Vincent Massey Park. As to dietary considerations, we're certainly eating less fresh food now that our grocery expeditions are more involved and limited to every couple of weeks.
I haven't had a full-blown rheumatoid flare-up in the past couple of months but it remains a concern. My joints tend to seize up and get achy when I'm not getting as much regular and consistent exercise.
My sleep patterns have changed too. I usually manage to initially get to sleep fairly well but I'm more prone to waking up in the wee hours and not being able to get back to sleep. My next rheumatologist appointment would normally be in September but whether that's likely to go ahead (and what form it would take) is an open question.
The Walk to Fight Arthritis (which I last did in 2015) held its final walk in 2019 and the Arthritis Society has no plans to carry on with it even in 2021 or beyond. They are now embarking on other fundraising ventures, including studies of arthritis patients already taking some meds (including but not limited to hydroxychoroquine) which may prove beneficial in the fight against Covid-19. If I'm asked to participate I would certainly consider it; meanwhile I did donate to the venture.
