Talking about your arthritis and how you feel is a key part of managing the disease. Follow our tips for speaking to friends, colleagues and healthcare professionals Words: viCtoria Goldman ways to make yourself heard l oiving with arthritis can be an emotional rollercoaster, and managing your symptoms is often easier when youre open about them. Parents, relatives and friends can provide vital support, while doctors and other healthcare professionals can make sure youre getting the right treatment. But some people struggle to explain how arthritis affects them and their everyday life. So whats the best way to communicate with your GP, arthritis specialist, pharmacist, partner, friends and even boss? How can you make yourself heard? Expand my communication has Got Better as ive Got older talking to your gp Your GP might refer you to a consultant, physiotherapist or occupational therapist initially, but then will prescribe some or all of your medicines. You often only get a 10-minute appointment, so youll need to be organised to make sure you dont miss out anything. It may help if you take a friend or relative with you. Try to book the first appointment of the surgery, when your GP isnt already running late or the last appointment, when the GP wont be worrying about keeping the nextpatient waiting, advises GP DrSarah Jarvis. Keeping a diary of your symptoms may be more useful for your surgeon or specialist nurse, but it does give your GP an idea of when your symptoms are worst and what triggers them. talking to your consultant Consultations are a two-way process. They are not just a time for the consultant to examine you, but also an opportunity for you to ask questions or discuss any problems youre having. In May 2015, a Pfizer Global Survey found that people who discuss their concerns and fears with a healthcare professional find it easier to cope with their arthritis symptoms. Contacting hospital consultants isnt always easy though. People who are under the care of a hospital consultant can contact them via the clinic secretary, or via their GP, says Bharti Rajpara, from the Arthritis Care helpline. And they can contact the specialist clinic nurse for example, the specialist rheumatology nurse for medical and informal support between appointments talking to your local pharmacist Your pharmacist is an easily accessible source of advice about your medicines. They are available every day, including evenings and weekends, and you dont need to make an appointment. Dr Mahendra Patel, pharmacist and principal enterprise fellow at the University of Huddersfield, suggests you visit the same pharmacist each time, as this will help them to keep track of your medicines. Community pharmacist Sultan Sid Dajani says you can arrange an individual consultation, which will only take 10-15 minutes. The best times to visit a pharmacy are often late morning or early afternoon, when the pharmacist is less busy, he adds. talking to your partner Pain and tiredness may affect your moodand self-esteem, as well as yoursex life, and its important thatyou and your partner are open with one another. Good communication will ensure you get the help you need while also maintaining your independence. Sometimes when we try to talk to our partners, especially if were in pain and exhausted, it comes out wrong and both parties end up feeling hurt and frustrated, says Rajpara. Its important not to focus on what they arent doing, but to encourage them by explaining that the more they help, the better youre going to feel. talking to your friends Try not to get angry or frustrated if some friends just dont get it this may make your symptoms worse. Focus instead on the people who care about you and give you the support you need. John Knowles, of the Arthritis Care helpline, suggests joining the ArthritisCare forum (www.arthritiscare.org.uk/help-and-support/join-the-forum) to find a network of like-minded people. If social engagements are sapping your energy, one way to keep track of your energy levels is to use the spoon theory, first used in 2003 by Christine Miserandino, who has lupus. Each day, you start off with a specific number of spoons (for example, 12). Every activity you do uses up a certain number of spoons. If/when you run out of spoons for the day, youll need to recharge your energy levels, which may involve resting and cancelling arrangements. talking to your boss If youre struggling at work, you may worry about telling your employer about your arthritis. But a stressful or physically demanding job can affect your symptoms. You dont have to formally disclose your arthritis at work, though in the long term being open about having arthritis can lead to having a more supportive and sustainable working life, says Rajpara. Many employers dont know arthritis affects people of working age and are supportive when told about it by an employee before problems develop. They may be more cooperative once they understand your concerns and how easy and cheap many workplace adjustments can be. natalie wright, 29, from cheshire, has had arthritis for 25 years Having no secrets and being upfront about my abilities or limitations especially in work is really important, as i need to protect my health and body from further issues. im very direct with doctors because im living with arthritis and feel i know it better than most healthcare professionals. That said, i do respect decisions and information given to me. My communication has become better as ive got older because im more knowledgeable now about my condition and ive developed the confidence to convey what i need. My work colleagues all know about my arthritis. When i first started at work, i sent an email out to staff about my condition, how it impacts me, and what i cant do and need help with.