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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffThe unpredictability of Behcet's disease can make it particularly frustrating. Taking good care of yourself may help you better cope with the ups and downs of Behcet's disease. Your approach to caring for yourself will depend on what signs and symptoms you're feeling on a particular day. In general, try to:
- Rest during flares. When certain signs and symptoms such as mouth sores and joint pain appear, take time for yourself. Be flexible and adjust your schedule when possible so that you can rest when you need it. It's also a good idea to keep stress to a minimum, because stress can aggravate your symptoms.
- Be active when you have the energy. Moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, can make you feel better between Behcet's disease flares. Exercise strengthens your body, helps keep your joints flexible and can improve your mood.
- Connect with others. Because Behcet's is a rare disorder, it may be difficult to find others with the disease nearby. However, ask your doctor about support groups in your area. If it's not possible to connect with someone close, the American Behcet's Disease Association offers message boards and chat rooms where you can connect with other people who have Behcet's.
References
- Saadoun D, et al. Behcet's disease. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2012;7:1.
- Questions and answers about Behcet's disease. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Behcets_Disease/default.asp. Accessed Nov. 15, 2012.
- Mendes D, et al. Behcet's disease — A contemporary review. Journal of Autoimmunity. 2009;32:178.
- Ambrose NL, et al. Differential diagnosis and management of Behcet syndrome. Nature Reviews Rheumatology. In press. Accessed Jan. 13, 2013.
- Okada AA, et al. Multicenter study of infliximab for refractory uveoretinitis in Behcet disease. Archives of Ophthalmology. 2012;130:592.
- Arida A, et al. Anti-TNF agents for Behcet's disease: Analysis of published data on 369 patients. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2011;41:61.
- Benitah NR, et al. The use of biologic agents in the treatment of ocular manifestations of Behcet's disease. Seminars in Ophthalmology. 2011;26:295.
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