Patrick Carruth
Given the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, it can be a challenging task to make sure one stays safe while venturing out in public. While everyone is at risk, having an autoimmune disease such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can make an individual more vulnerable to catching the Coronavirus.
The Center For Disease Control website describes Rheumatoid Arthritis as, “An autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation in the affected parts of your body.”
“RA is a very debilitating disease even when you are not in pain. Fatigue, depression, anxiety all play a very important role in this disease and I suffer from all of them.” Elizabeth Mathews, a Southeast Texan that is diagnosed with RA states.
Most patients that have RA are on medications that suppress their immune systems, which can potentially make them more at risk to COVID-19 than the average individual. While it is important for people that suffer from RA to get the supplies and medications needed to manage their condition, they must be extra cautious when going out in public during this pandemic.
“I do find it very frightening and concerning to have to go out in public but it is a necessity. I do however practice very strict precautions before, during, and after my outings so I feel comfortable about it. I choose times when I’m pretty certain there won’t be that many people out and about, plus I wear my face mask and sanitize everything I touch after running my errands.” Mathews explains. Even though some patients are still out and about running errands, others do not feel confident in being out in public. In those cases, their families have stepped up to fulfill the task.
“I started staying at home around March 22nd. It has been hard because I am a person who likes to get out and do things. I do get outside and run where there are few people. My husband and kids have been doing the grocery shopping and taking care of all the errands. The positive part of staying at home is I have gotten several projects done that have been on hold for a while.” Sheri Carruth, an RA patient from Beaumont, Texas states.
While it is a great idea to practice these cautious behaviors in public, it is also a great idea to practice them at home.
“The COVID-19 has led me to be more aware. I have looked for as much information as I can. I have left with a mask every time I have left my home. Also, we have left our mail and packages outside for at least 24 hours before we open them.” according to Tara Thiess, an Inflammatory Arthritis patient that lives in Austin, Texas.
One of the only good things that has come from this pandemic is that it has allowed these patients to spend more time with their families and that means the world to them.
“I have dealt with the virus well. It can be boring being in the house all day at times, but I think that it’s best. We have gotten some takeout meals to ease the load on cooking. One good thing about the pandemic, if there can even be one, is that families as a whole are spending more time together.” Carruth says.
Published April 30, 2020 https://www.facebook.com/lutvnews/posts/10159754061320968
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