Rheumatology diseases are caused by immune system disorders. Patients suffer from long-term pain, which affects daily life and mood. However, there is no radical cure in the medical field. Generally, drugs can only relieve pain.
Scleroderma is one of the rheumatological diseases. Some patients have resisted the disease for nearly ten years. They have also experienced high and low emotions. They also used self-taught ink painting to get out of depression, and used paintings to send messages to patients to face their lives positively.
The Hong Kong Rheumatism Foundation and the patient organization organize self-care courses to encourage patients to learn more about pathology and how to deal with symptoms.
Ms. Zhou Xiaoqi, a patient with scleroderma (first from left), has been troubled by pain for nearly ten years. She has benefited a lot from participating in the "Rheumatism·Myself" course last year. She was present to share her personal experience and thoughts.
(Photo by Li Qianting)
Heal the soul with ink painting and get out of the gloom of depression
Zhou Xiaoqi (Xiaoqi) was diagnosed with scleroderma in 2013. In fact, she discovered that her fingers were discolored in 2011. She didn't care about it at first. Later, she was diagnosed with severe symptoms such as morning stiffness, muscle weakness and joint pain. Scleroderma, one of rheumatism.
Scleroderma has a lot of impact on her life and work, such as joint pain when walking the stairs, unable to lift heavy objects and small objects, and eventually her physical condition prevents her from working anymore.
Xiaoqi said that the biggest impact of the illness is actually emotional problems. Because of chronic pain, her mood is easily irritable, and her relationship with her family often deteriorates due to trivial disputes. She described that she was depressed at the time and would want to "bury herself." ".
During the recurring illness, by chance, Xiaoqi saw a group of children holding an exhibition near the hospital, so she had the idea of drawing and creating. Then she picked up the brush and started to learn ink painting by herself. She felt that in the world of ink painting She was cured. Although the disease sometimes made her unable to even hold the paintbrush, "the pen fell and I picked it up!" She sometimes used a warm pack to relieve the coldness and stiffness of her hands, and she would take a break when she felt tired. , Overcome all kinds of difficulties and continue to hone his painting skills.
Zhou Xiaoqi will exhibit three ink paintings at the "Experienced. For Yourself" Community Exhibition on Rheumatism" held in September.
(Photo by Li Qianting)
The painting "Rejoice" encourages patients to persevere and face their illness actively
The Hong Kong Rheumatism Foundation and the Sick People’s Organization will hold the "Experienced. In-person Rheumatism Community Exhibition" in September. Xiaoqi will have three ink paintings on display at the exhibition hall on the ground floor of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Interested Citizens can come to support the appreciation from September 1st to 4th.
Xiaoqi used a picture of "Suxi" to say to some rheumatism patients in the same situation, "The flowers bloom and the flowers are not sad", which means that everything has its own laws. Don't be too sad or persistent. Try to find something that can fill your soul. Interest, encourage patients to persevere and actively face their illness.
Self-care course teaches exercise to relieve pain and strengthen self-emotion management
Last year, Xiaoqi participated in the "Joints·I Take Care of Myself" course organized by the Hong Kong Rheumatology Foundation to learn to do exercises and stretch muscles, thus improving joint pain and stiffness.
At the same time, she plans to develop exercise habits, develop plans and goals, and learn to relax before going to bed to improve insomnia caused by pain.
The course has successfully inspired a group of patients in rheumatology. Nearly 9 adults have continued to exercise moderate to high frequency. In addition to exercise, the questionnaire survey also reflects that many participants have a better knowledge of disease management and thus have more confidence in fighting pain.
In view of this, the foundation will cooperate with the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation Community Network to organize the "Joints·I Care" of "Rheumatism·I Care". The course will also grant participants knowledge of pathology, pain management methods, and emotional management.
Xiaoqi said that the plan is led by the patient group leader, and he doesn't mind sharing it as a "comer".
Zhou Xiaoqi (left) used a piece of "Suxi" to say to some rheumatism patients in the same situation, "The flowers bloom with joy, and the flowers are not sad."
(Photo by Li Qianting)
Rheumatism can cause permanent joint deformation
Dr. Ma Jiyao, Chairman of the Health Education Committee of the Hong Kong Rheumatism Foundation, said that rheumatism is caused by immune system disorders and cannot be cured. Some serious cases can cause permanent structural changes in the joints. People are urged not to despise seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Treatment can relieve the symptoms of patients. Long-term pain can also easily cause emotional problems, so patient self-management is also very important.
In addition to adjusting daily habits, patients should also pay attention to keeping a cheerful mood and exercise regularly. It is recommended that patients can participate in a series of activities launched by the foundation.
The symptoms of scleroderma are similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Delayed treatment can be complicated by pulmonary fibrosis. Fatal rheumatic heart disease. There is no preventive method. Patients who are pregnant should have a health check.
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