write in Letters You’ve been busy writing to us, tweeting, and posting on our forum this month – here are some of your thoughts Thumbs up for tai chi As a member of the Tai Chi for Health Community in the UK, I was delighted to read your article in the Winter edition of Inspire about tai chi and how it helps arthritis, especially highlighting Dr Paul Lam’s contribution in this area. This depth of understanding arises not only from Dr Lam’s expertise in tai chi and training as a medical doctor, but also his personal experience of living with severe arthritis. I note that the Arthritis Care website lists Dr Lam’s excellent instructional DVD, Tai Chi for Arthritis, in its Exercise and Arthritis factsheet. The first lesson from the DVD can be seen on YouTube. As the title of the DVD implies, it is devised for people living with arthritis and takes into account their specific needs. It is an ideal programme for those new to tai chi, as well as people with experience of this wonderful health-enhancing practice. Tai chi is increasingly coming to public notice as more studies are proving its efficacy in many areas of health, and it is generally a safe activity. However, not only are there many styles of tai chi, but there are also very different approaches to teaching it, some of which may be less appropriate for people with joint and mobility issues. The Tai Chi for Health Community UK appreciates that Inspire is being instrumental in communicating information about the benefits of tai chi for those with arthritis to such a wide audience. Veronica Ashcroft, via email Brave move I would just like to say how brave George Ivil was for sharing his real life story. I found it fascinating to read as it mirrored my own arthritis experience in parts. I, too, was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 14-years-old, and it started with the swollen knee joint as George described. Luckily, I was treated fairly promptly with steroids and painkillers back then, and eventually it subsided. For years I was treated with NSAIDs and Salazopyrin as I also developed ankylosing spondylitis, until I had a massive flare-up in my feet at the age of 38 (I am now 47). I then started taking other drugs and injections. I began to feel exactly how George felt taking the Methotrexate. It was making me very sick and I didn’t want to go out, but having two sons aged one and seven, I had no choice. The drug also made me feel very anxious. Eventually, after being on a high dose, I managed to reduce it, and last year I came off Methotrexate totally. I now take the anti-TNF alone with the steroids and painkillers. I know how difficult this time was for me, so I can only imagine how hard it was for George. This was a very inspiring and uplifting story to read about someone so young, especially as he’d experienced the same sort of problems that I encountered. Well done George for sharing it. Stephanie Gerring, via email A good reAd Classic tai chi hand pose Well done and keep up the good work. Jane Young, via email Ed’s response: Thanks Janet, and your sock ball instructions have been sent to you. If any other readers would like the instructions, please just drop us a line at the address above. I was very interested in the letter from Ann Lloyd in the Spring 2016 magazine about her daughter’s inspired use of a sock ball to keep her mother’s fingers untangled during the night. I would be very pleased to receive instructions for making some for myself. I have been a member of Arthritis Care for many years now and really enjoy reading the magazine from front to back. I was diagnosed with RA 36 years ago and can empathise with many of your readers. The magazine does a really good job of explaining the various types of arthritis and treatments, and has helpful ideas, as well as a lot of encouragement to cope with a very nasty condition. Get in touch! Send your letters to: Inspire, CPL, 275 Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8JE or email inspire@ arthritiscare.org.uk