Living with rheumatoid arthritis is an ongoing battle filled with challenges and frustrations. Every day is a struggle to navigate through brain fog, extreme fatigue, loss of mobility, and the disruptive pain that accompanies this condition. Managing a chronic illness like rheumatoid arthritis often feels like a full-time job. When my plate is too full, I find that I’m more prone to making mistakes.
These mistakes can range from minor slip-ups to major blunders, leaving me mentally exhausted. Fatigue takes a toll on my cognitive abilities, making my mind feel muddled and overwhelmed. I become forgetful, sometimes slurring my words or struggling to find the right ones. The fog often distorts my understanding of written information, causing me to misinterpret or completely misunderstand what I’m reading.
The guilt associated with these mistakes can be intense, especially when I recognize their potential impact on my health. Cognitive impairment is rarely discussed during medical appointments and is often shrugged off as something we just need to get used to. As a result, I constantly strive to overcome these obstacles and navigate the complexities of daily life with rheumatoid arthritis.
Why I Make Mistakes with Rheumatoid Arthritis
There have been times when I was so fatigued and foggy that I made significant mistakes, like missing a flight or taking double the dose of medication. Once, I misread my return time as my departure time and missed a work flight, which was both embarrassing and costly. Mistakes like these not only have financial repercussions but also create a lot of guilt and can significantly affect my confidence.
Living with rheumatoid arthritis brings a lot of guilt for many reasons, but the mistakes I make can weigh heavily on me.
Mistakes as Warning Signs
Mistakes can serve as warning signs that something is wrong, signaling the need to rest and slow down. Recognizing and addressing the underlying issues that cause these mistakes is essential. When mistakes start piling up, it’s a cue for me to assess my overall well-being:
- Am I pushing myself too hard?
- Could there be an underlying infection or health issue?
- Am I overwhelmed with stress?
- Have I been getting enough restful sleep?
- Is it nearing the time for my infusion?
- Could I be extra foggy from my medications?
- Am I reacting to environmental changes like the weather?
These factors all contribute to my fatigue, mental fogginess, and increased likelihood of making errors. After physically demanding activities like traveling or attending a conference, it’s not uncommon for me to forget something due to the toll it takes on my body. I’ve learned the importance of pacing myself, which helps reduce the frequency of mistakes, though perfection remains elusive.
Communicating About Mistakes
I can’t hide from my mistakes — they’re bound to happen. But I can take responsibility for them and make every effort to rectify them if possible. It’s crucial to apologize sincerely and explain my actions. Not everyone understands the effects of brain fog or fatigue on judgment. True understanding often comes from those who have experienced living with a chronic disease.
- Ask for help: Getting a second opinion on something important can help prevent mistakes.
- Take responsibility: Own your mistakes without shame. Apologize sincerely and explain. Seek understanding from those who’ve experienced chronic illness.
- Apologize when necessary: If your mistake affected someone else, apologize sincerely. Most people understand that chronic illness can lead to slip-ups. Honesty and empathy go a long way.
- Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings. Sharing your experiences can alleviate guilt and provide perspective.
Coping with Chronic Illness Mistakes
Dealing with guilt related to chronic illness mistakes can be challenging, but these strategies can help:
- Understand brain fog and fatigue: Recognize that brain fog, a common symptom in chronic illnesses, impairs cognitive function. Experience forgetfulness and difficulty finding words as part of this fog, and remember—it’s not your fault; it’s a consequence of your condition.
- Practice self-compassion: Accept that everyone makes mistakes, especially when living with a chronic illness. Show kindness to yourself, and recognize that guilt won’t change the past.
- Learn from mistakes: Shift your focus from guilt to learning from your errors. Identify what you can do differently next time, and use mistakes as opportunities for growth.
- Write things down: Keep a journal or calendar to help prevent forgetting important tasks.
- Double or triple check important things: Use this tactic to reduce the likelihood of mistakes.
- Embrace mindfulness and acceptance: Practice mindfulness to stay present and accept your limitations. Understand that you’re doing your best given your circumstances.
- Pace yourself: Recognize that perfection isn’t achievable. Use pacing to reduce errors, and after physical activity, anticipate mental strain and prioritize self-care.
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can lead to cognitive impairments that increase the likelihood of making mistakes. Recognizing these mistakes, understanding their root causes, and implementing coping strategies are crucial for managing RA and maintaining overall well-being.
Remember, you’re not alone. Seek support from understanding friends and prioritize self-compassion.
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