Living with Arachnoiditis. How to live with Arachnoiditis?

Can you be happy living with Arachnoiditis? What do you have to do to be happy with Arachnoiditis? Living with Arachnoiditis can be difficult, but you have to fight to try to be happy. Have a look at things that other people have done to be happy with Arachnoiditis

Living with Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord. It can cause severe pain, numbness, tingling, and other neurological symptoms. While living with arachnoiditis can be challenging, there are strategies and lifestyle adjustments that can help improve your quality of life.

1. Seek Medical Support

It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional who specializes in pain management or neurology. They can help develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms and provide appropriate medications. Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor are essential.

2. Pain Management Techniques

Managing pain is a key aspect of living with arachnoiditis. Some effective pain management techniques include:

Medications: Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or nerve pain medications to help alleviate symptoms.

Physical therapy: Working with a physical therapist can help improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain. They may recommend exercises, stretches, or other techniques tailored to your specific needs.

Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): TENS therapy involves using a device that delivers low-voltage electrical currents to the skin, which can help reduce pain signals.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

Adapting your lifestyle can make a significant difference in managing arachnoiditis:

Exercise: Engaging in low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or yoga can help improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain. However, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.

Stress management: Stress can exacerbate pain, so finding healthy ways to manage stress is crucial. Consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy.

Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall well-being and potentially reduce inflammation.

Supportive aids: Utilize assistive devices like ergonomic chairs, cushions, or braces to improve comfort and reduce strain on your body.

4. Emotional Support

Living with a chronic condition can be emotionally challenging. Seek support from friends, family, or join support groups where you can connect with others facing similar experiences. Sharing your feelings and experiences can provide comfort, understanding, and valuable coping strategies.

5. Educate Yourself

Stay informed about arachnoiditis by researching reputable sources and staying up-to-date with the latest medical advancements. Understanding your condition can empower you to make informed decisions about your treatment and advocate for yourself.

Remember, living with arachnoiditis requires patience, self-care, and a multidisciplinary approach. While there may be challenges, with the right support and management strategies, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life.

Diseasemaps

Living with AA is incredibly difficult but not impossible. Having a strong support network is key. Your significant other or caregiver needs to be well educated with AA as well as everyone you are in regular contact with. It's hard living with severe chronic pain and being an invisible disease people will accuse of being a drug seeker or a faker. This on top of the constant suffering is extremely hard to bare . AA effects every aspect of the victims life and with proper treatment i.e. Support groups iv ketamine pain management. Some quality of life is possible medical marijuana as well as kratom have also been successful with multiple patients
AA patients require more sleep and more downtime.

Posted Apr 5, 2017 by Josh 2600

You can be happy living with Arachnoiditis, but it all depends on you. Your lifestyle is DEFINITELY going to change. You won't be able to do many of the physical things you used to do, including housework, shopping, even personal care in some cases. You need to be aware of your limitations, don't overextend yourself, and ASK FOR HELP if you need it. You also need to find other activities you enjoy that are less taxing on the body, or find ways to do the activities that don't hurt you. For example, use a motorized cart or walker when shopping. Coach sports instead of playing them. If you enjoy travel, take shorter trips. Ask for assistance at the airport. Develop new, less strenuous hobbies and activities. If you want to work, try part-time or work from home. Get help with the housework or personal hygiene from family, friends, or agencies (there are many out there). Rest when you need to.

The main thing is, HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. You're just disabled, not dead. Don't have an eternal pity party. There are still people in this world who have it worse than you. Your life can still go on. It's just a new chapter.

Posted Apr 7, 2017 by Barbara 1000

The mind is a powerful thing and it helps me a lot not to think about it. I think of myself as a healthy person, not as a sick or injured person. I refuse to sit back and let life pass me by, so I do most of what I want to do until a day or several comes by that prevents it. I also am thankful for every good thing in my life and I focus on that rather than the negative.

Posted Apr 11, 2017 by Kelly 5450

Find support groups. Family, friends. Reach out to people when feeli g down. Stay as active as possible

Posted May 18, 2019 by nancy 2500

I have just recently got Arachnoiditis from having the wrong thing inserted into my spine. I am trying to have the best attitude but some days it just gets you down. Did any of you get breathing problems, short of breathe or blood clots with yours?

Posted Oct 6, 2019 by CindySmall 100

This is difficult question
Each person is different but I would say that someone with this condition. Should have a great medical and mental health team to support them.
Find solutions that work for the person with the condition.

Posted Jan 5, 2020 by Jcrandall72 2500

Make sure you get a nice sturdy cane to help with your balance. Take up all the figs in your house to keep from tripping on them. If you travel stop frequently to stretch. Also keep your meds in a bag close to you so you can take when needed. Wear loose clothing because sometimes when you flare it hurts when the band of your pants touch your scar. Make sure your doctor is up to date on how to treat Arachnoiditis.

Posted Jan 5, 2020 by Deerut1963 2400

You can be happy living with Arachnoiditis, but it all depends on you. Your lifestyle is DEFINITELY going to change. You won't be able to do many of the physical things you used to do, including housework, shopping, even personal care in some cases. You need to be aware of your limitations, don't overextend yourself, and ASK FOR HELP if you need it. You also need to find other activities you enjoy that are less taxing on the body, or find ways to do the activities that don't hurt you. For example, use a motorized cart or walker when shopping. Coach sports instead of playing them. If you enjoy travel, take shorter trips. Ask for assistance at the airport. Develop new, less strenuous hobbies and activities. If you want to work, try part-time or work from home. Get help with the housework or personal hygiene from family, friends, or agencies (there are many out there). Rest when you need to.

The main thing is, HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. You're just disabled, not dead. Don't have an eternal pity party. There are still people in this world who have it worse than you. Your life can still go on. It's just a new chapter.

Posted Jan 7, 2020 by Staplehurst17 4050

It is important that you invite family members as well as yourself to Facebook groups so that they will understand the pain that you’re dealing with and what you can do to help yourself.

Posted Jan 8, 2020 by Rhonda 1600

Difficult to answer

Posted May 1, 2020 by KenNwv 500

The hardest is to accept the fact you will never be that person you once were. Happiness is difficult but not impossible. Share with those that don’t understand tell them it’s like MS and Motor Neuron Disease that the short-term lifespan most people understand those two conditions explain you have limitations and every day is a mystery but invite them to come along on your mystery tour could be fun

Posted Jul 9, 2020 by Derek 3000

Hard to be happy, when your healthcare system (the VA for me), refuses to discuss the issue...even though seven non-VA doctors have clearly diagnosed AA. I give much thanks to the Tennant Foundation, for their incredible research, and help in evaluating the facts of your case. My PCP told me today she doesn’t believe in the condition, and said my pain is just from wear and tear while in the military; that thought process, is much more dangerous than the actual disease. Luckily, I do have very supportive friends and family, to help on those days when I don’t think I’ll make it through at all.

Daniel

Posted Jan 5, 2021 by ARCingOUT 150

You just do. You find all the coping methods possible. You promise yourself you won’t become one of the many with this condition that take their own lives because they can’t cope with the amount of pain they’re in. I had a child, and now I will survive for him.

Posted Mar 20, 2021 by Anna 2300

It's not an easy life, had to change job, don't have a social life anymore.
Try to keep the neuroinflammation down with medrol or ketorolac.
Stress and overdoing things can lead to a flare.

Posted Jul 22, 2021 by Vincent 3420

Join a support group!
See us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ACMCRN/
www.acmcrn.org

Read the books!

Handbook to Live Well with Adhesive Arachnoiditis by Dr Forest Tennant

https://www.amazon.com/dp/195593407X/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_HB8NNMCTN1FYJGYYHZWC

Posted Nov 15, 2021 by ACMCRN 2200

I’m still learning and struggling. Find things to help occupy your mind so that you don’t stay focused on your pain. And a strong support system is a priority.

Posted Nov 16, 2021 by [email protected] 700

Pray for help, accept the answer. Do the best you can and accept help only when you need it. Try to focus on things you enjoy. I know this list is short because of the severe chronic pain. It is hard not to complain to all your friends, family, and associates, but the truth is no one likes to hear how bad you feel all the time. No one understands unless they life with it. And those who are living with struggles do not want to hear ours. Try your best to be positive around them when you can be, vent your negative emotions and energy when you are alone. We need social interaction. God designed us this way.

Posted Jan 7, 2022 by Machinetoolmkr 5550