What is a Dynamic Disability
A dynamic disability refers to a condition or impairment that fluctuates in severity and impact over time. Unlike a static disability, such as amputation or paralysis, which remains constant, a dynamic disability may have periods of remission or exacerbation. This can make it challenging for individuals with dynamic disabilities to predict and manage their symptoms, as the level of impairment can change unexpectedly.
Consider this the next time you see someone with a mobility aid one day and then without it another time. They are not faking their disability, it just fluctuates. The same goes for someone with an invisible disability and their ability to do something one day and then struggle to do it the next.
Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis as a Dynamic Disability
Autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis perfectly fit into the concept of dynamic disability, though the concept is confusing to many, even myself, though I live with multiple forms of arthritis. One moment I can be on a roll, getting stuff done, feeling alright, then boom, I need to lay down and I’m down for days. In simpler terms, I have good days, bad days and days sort of in between.
Dynamic disabilities can vary in severity and the extent to which they impact daily life. This unpredictability can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals with autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis, as it can affect their ability to perform tasks, participate in activities, and maintain independence. My triggers can be simple things like weather changes, physical exertion, or emotional stress, which can exacerbate how I am feeling, leading to increased disability at any given moment. I can also predict flares due to medication changes, big events like holidays or traveling, or changes in my routine.
Infections Can Have a Dynamic Impact on Our Health
While there are many forms of arthritis, autoimmune and autoinflammatory forms can put us at a greater risk for infections and often come with slower healing times than someone without an autoimmune disease. A simple cold can put me out for weeks, on top of what it does to my inflammatory arthritis. Infections are one of the main causes of our diseases flaring, our medications failing us, and even a main cause of death for some with autoimmune arthritis.
The Dynamics of Our Disability is Beyond Joint Pain. The Pain of Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis is Not Just Physical
The pain of autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis is not just physical. These conditions can also have a significant impact on mental and emotional health. Living with a dynamic disability like autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis can lead to frustration, anxiety, and depression, especially when the symptoms worsen or limit participation in meaningful activities. Because dynamic disabilities like autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis can vary in severity from day to day or even throughout the day, this variability can make it challenging for individuals living with these conditions to plan and anticipate their needs accurately. I find myself having to cancel, postpone, or change plans all the time because of my arthritis, which can cause extreme feelings of guilt and impact my confidence. This has had an impact on my mental health and my social life. Loneliness and isolation can be very common for those living with a dynamic disability, leading to poorer outcomes.
Dynamic Disabilities Are Hard to Understand and Even Harder to Live With
What is even more difficult for someone to understand and at times show compassion for us if they do not live with a fluctuating condition themselves. Add in the often invisible nature of autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis and the misconceptions that it is only the elderly who are impacted, add more to the confusion of the impact of arthritis on someone at any given moment.
The unpredictable nature of dynamic disabilities can make them challenging to manage. Individuals with dynamic disabilities often face unique daily obstacles in terms of planning, accessibility, and adapting to changing needs. Arthritis sufferers may need to modify their daily routines, use assistive devices, or seek medical interventions during periods of increased disability. This highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, occupational therapists, and support networks to provide comprehensive care and support.
Why It’s Important to Understand and Show Support for Dynamic Disabilities
Public awareness about autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis and their dynamic nature can help reduce stigma, plus promote understanding and empathy towards individuals living with these conditions. We can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for those living with these conditions by understanding the dynamic nature of autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis, which allows for better management and support for individuals living with these diseases. Not only that, addressing the unique challenges associated with dynamic disabilities, we can empower those with autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis to lead fulfilling lives while managing their condition effectively.
