Welcome to #fuckitland (you’ll need to listen to the episode to have any idea what we mean by this!).

Debbie and Katy come out of their comfort zones and dive into an often-overlooked topic: relationships and sex while living with inflammatory arthritis and sex.

They take a deep dive to explore the challenges of relationships and intimacy for those living with inflammatory arthritis. Discuss the physical limitations that affect sex, such as pain, stiffness, fatigue, and medication side effects, and emphasise the importance of open communication and setting boundaries with partners.

They also highlight the emotional impact of the condition, including self-confidence struggles and fears of being a burden. Debbie shares her experiences navigating relationships with arthritis, while also reflecting on how societal attitudes have changed over time.

They also speak openly about their experiences with the condition and emphasize that those affected are not alone. Katy shares her recent hand therapy session, where she learned about pain management and the importance of mobility, strength, and control. Debbie, on the other hand, talks about a difficult weekend due to an arthritis flare-up that even disrupted her plans with her husband. She also discusses the challenges of parenting, especially during her children's stressful exam period, and her new role as a trustee for an art therapy charity.

The key takeaway is that people with inflammatory arthritis can still have fulfilling relationships and sex lives by embracing self-confidence, being clear about their needs, and surrounding themselves with supportive partners.

Resources & Links:

• Visit inflammatoryarthritis.org for more information and resources.
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Blue Sky, and LinkedIn for updates and community support.

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🎧 Listen now and let’s keep the conversation going!

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Trigger warning - this episode contains discussions about suicidal thoughts

In this episode, Debbie and Katy open up about the often-overlooked mental health challenges of living with inflammatory arthritis.

Firstly, Katy shares that she is in a better mood, helped by her netball team's rare win and the pain in her wrist didn’t turn into an IA flare. Along with the excitement of her son losing his first tooth and the going rate of Tooth Fairies.

They go on to share their personal experiences with anxiety, depression, and the emotional toll of chronic illness. From the overwhelming fear of their futures made worse by internet searches after diagnosis to the daily struggles of managing pain. They discuss coping strategies, especially in the dark moments including suicidal thoughts, and emphasise small daily victories.

They also explore the importance of acknowledging mental health alongside physical health, and the role of support systems including loved ones and pets, and strength through connection with others facing similar struggles in finding hope.

The conversation highlights the need for better mental health resources, reassuring listeners that they are not alone and it is ok to talk about mental health and to seek help.

Key Topics Covered:

• How inflammatory arthritis affects mental health
• Anxiety, depression, and the fear of the unknown after diagnosis
• Personal experiences with dark moments and the struggle to stay positive

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In this week’s episode, brought to you by Inflammatory Arthritis UK, Debbie and Katy handed the episode over to you, as it is the first Inflammatory! question and answer session.

Firstly, they cover the impact hormones has on their inflammatory arthritis, whether they flare during their period and what research is that out there or to come.

They answer questions in more detail on the mental health of side inflammatory arthritis, how they both try to cope and how they differentiate the emotional side of IA to normal day to day living. Cover what JIA is more detail, and how it can be diagnosis for life.

They discuss openly whether they have tried alternative medicines, to answer a question that came through as a voice note via the website. Does it make a difference, and the importance of taking medication as it can lead to further joint damage, and for scleritis can lead to blindness.

They also cover what they do to relax, how Katy is not good at it, what Debbie’s go to TV show is and answer whether they would prefer a bellybutton for a nose or a nose for a bellybutton!

Also sign up to our newsletter so you are the first to know about upcoming episodes, research opportunities, any events and IA news.

https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please do follow the series. And please do leave us a rating or a review, if you have a few minutes to do so, it really does help us, thank you.

Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.

For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/

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