Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be a challenge. Luckily, you don't have to do it alone. You can build a great team of professional health care providers who will help you. There are several key players you should turn to.
Your Rheumatologist
This is a medical doctor who specializes in arthritis and other joint and muscle diseases. They are the star of your RA treatment team. You’ll see them regularly. They'll keep your treatment on track and work with you to manage your condition and coordinate with other health care professionals who help with your RA.
You should tell your rheumatologist how you’re doing, including any activities that give you trouble or questions you have about your medicine or other parts of your treatment plan. They can also put you in touch with other pros you want on your team.
Your Regular Doctor
You may also see a primary care doctor, who will work with you on your overall health. You’ll see them for checkups. They can also give you referrals to other specialists. For instance, they may have referred you to your rheumatologist.
Your Physical Therapist
PTs help you get stronger. They can make an exercise plan for you. Remember, your joints will be healthier if you're active. Your PT will help make that happen.
Your Occupational Therapist
If rheumatoid arthritis starts to slow you down, or if daily tasks become hard, a visit with an occupational therapist will probably help. They have a playbook of "work-arounds" to let you continue to live your own way. They can also provide or recommend assistive devices that will smooth out the rough spots in your daily routine, like special gadgets to make cooking or computer work easier.
Your Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Social Worker
Like any chronic condition, RA can be stressful. Don’t hesitate to see a professional if it starts to get to you. Often, talking things through can help you find different approaches that will work better for you.
Social workers can help you navigate the health care system, counsel you during tough times, and help you find community or government resources to get more care and support.
Psychologists and psychiatrists provide counseling, psychotherapy, or stress management therapy. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, if needed.
Your Orthopedic Surgeon
You may never need surgery for your RA. Today’s medicines can stop or slow down the disease. But if there is a lot of joint damage that makes it harder for you to function, your rheumatologist may refer you for surgery such as joint replacement.
Tips to Work With Your Team
- Bring your medical record with you to your first appointment.
- Communicate. Make sure each team member knows about important changes, like recent surgeries, hospitalizations, or changes in what medications you take.
- Keep your appointments.
- Ask questions. You should be able to ask any of the people on your team about anything that’s on your mind.
