Taking An Active Role In The Management Of Your Rheumatoid Arthritis: What Does It Mean To Take An Active Role In The Management Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

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What does it mean to take an active role in the management of rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is going to be big part of your life, perhaps for years—perhaps for the rest of your life. If you become involved in the day-to-day management of your health, you stand a better chance of maintaining the activities that fill your life. If you take on this job the same way you would take on a new career position, knowing it will require daily learning and practicing and that there will be setbacks as well as successes, you are on your way to managing your rheumatoid arthritis.

• Knowing what you will physically be able to do tomorrow, next year, and beyond, starts with learning what rheumatoid arthritis is and what is happening inside your body.
• The next step is learning what you can do and what your limits are.
• The third step is forming and following a self-management plan for your life.

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Last updated:	August 23, 2006
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Terrina Vail