Subject: Re: Advice.
You are by no means alone and there is a very emotional side to being in chronic pain. Do you get much support from your family (rather than you looking after them)? It can be really difficult asking for help though I find that often the anticipation is far worse than the reality. It took me so long struggling to make the massive decision to go part time at work, especially as I'm on my own but, once I made the decision I wished I'd done it sooner. I still struggle but it helps. As for housework, it's a huge issue for me and really strsses me out. I need help, to get a cleaner but I've been putting it off and putting it off and things are just getting worse. Have they suggested the type of arthritis? Eg inflammatory or osteo (though there are many types) and have you sounded them out about a referral to a specialist or maybe a pain clinic, physio, occupational health etc...? I find talking therapy is fantastic, it's my space to talk about what I want, rant if I want, cry if I need to etc... and I've found it very therapeutic and my therapist has helped with with lots of little things which add to my stress and even my pain. Sometimes if you don't ask you don't get so could you at least start the ball rolling by asking about options, if you haven't already? Maybe trial things? Share out jobs if you can, prune your workload at home in priority, get a routine going which could make things easier to manage, plan ahead for contingency if you can so you have some space to just be when you can. Make time for you and take it easy on yourself. I do need to take my own advice haha, but it's not always easy and pain can be overwhelming, let alone everything that goes with it. I really hope you get some relief soon. It can be miserable but there are always people around on here to listen x
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