Youre not giving in, youre moving on Rina Pattani is the lead volunteer for the newly created Arthritis Care support group in Harrow. Here, she explains what drives her desire to help others Words: Claire lavelle i wanted to let other people with arthritis know they are not alone. When I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 2009, I had no-one to talk to. Instead, I Googled RA and found terrifying images of people twisted into wheelchairs. It was the worst thing I could have done, but there wasnt much alternative. its the little things that make the biggest difference. I like to theme our meetings, if I can so we might talk about how to travel safely, and that travel insurance costs more because you have a condition. But something that could make the most difference might be a gadget that helps you get the lids off jars, for instance. Information like that makes everyday tasks doable again. my ra was initially diagnosed as achilles tendonitis. I was told to stop doing extreme sports, which made me laugh the only extreme sport I do is shoe shopping! Then my ankle started to hurt. I was on holiday at the time, and it became so swollen during the flight home that I had to go to hospital as soon as I landed. I was worried that the doctors would have to cut my shoe off. I kept saying, please save the shoe, please save the shoe! arthritis can affect anyone. My family and friends were shocked by my diagnosis they thought arthritis was something that only happened to old people. I started physiotherapy and medication, but my condition deteriorated and I couldnt walk for seven months. I couldnt lift the kettle or even get out of bed. That informs the volunteer work I do now. I might spend an hour chatting with someone about the best way to make a hot cup of tea. The rheumatology team at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, where I am treated, help me with my support group work. a condition such as ra doesnt just affect your joints. It affects mood, confidence, energy levels I remember crying in hospital because I felt so miserable. But once I accepted that life had to change, things started to get better. I tell people that all the time. Youre not giving in, youre moving on. Life moves at a slower pace now and Im OK with that. even group leaders have down days. Sometimes I havent got the energy to explain that Im not feeling well, or why. But, ultimately, Im a woman on a mission. I want to support others with arthritis and make it a condition that is better understood. That wont happen if I dont get out of bed. if you are interested in setting up an arthritis Care support group in your area, or want to find out more about what this entails, please contact arthritis Care on volunteering@arthritiscare.org.uk or call 020 7380 6500