In this week’s episode of Inflammatory with Debbie andKaty, the hosts open up about one of the most difficult and often invisible aspects of living with inflammatory arthritis: pain. From describing what the pain actually feels like, to coping mechanisms that work (and don’t work), they share their personal journeys with honesty, humour, and resilience.

This conversation covers everything from the daily frustrations of flare-ups, to how pain affects mood, fatigue, relationships, and even simple tasks like cooking dinner or holding hands. Debbie and Katy also discuss practical tools like wrist supports, heat/cold packs, breathing exercises, and distraction techniques that help them push through the tough days.

Key Topics in This Episode

• Why pain is so difficult to describe and how doctors don’talways “get it”.
• The difference between constant dull pain and sharp flare pain.Coping strategies: from ice packs and warm baths to breathing and distraction.

• The impact of pain on mood, patience, and social life.
• How fatigue and pain often feed into each other.

• Gadgets, occupational health, and supports that makedaily life easier.
• Building resilience and finding community through shared experiences.
• Learning not to take everyday activities (like typing or making dinner) for granted

 Takeaways

• Pain is highly individual — no two people feel or describe it the same way.
• Distraction, relaxation, and pacing yourself can be as important as medication.
• Support systems matter, but sometimes solitude and self-care are what’s needed.
• Living with IA means constant balancing acts between movement, rest, and resilience.

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