Real life Speaking to other people is so important Dont be a slave to your emotions heres how to keep the negative feelings at bay and help boost your inner happy words: louiSe ramSay your mum, dad and grandmother have arthritis, and you have suspicions you may, too. whats the one thing people should know about arthritis? In my experience, people arent aware of how painful arthritis can be. If you happen to knock your ankle, knee or wherever your arthritis is, itsexcruciating. I can see that through my dad. I dont think people realise the severity of that pain and how much it limits what you can do. The pain is also exhausting it really takes it out of people. are there things your parents have had to give up or change as a result of their arthritis? Mobility is really hard for both of them. Simple things, such as when they want to go to the shops or out for the day. They have to consider how much walking there will be; whether they will be able to park nearby; whether theyll have to sit down when they are there. Its just constantly looking for crutches and considering how difficult the whole situation might be it affects them on a daily basis. describe what a normal day is like for them Dad has had arthritis since I was a child, and my mum was diagnosed in the past five years or so. Mum has had multiple operations on her joints and, on a bad day, shell be confined to the house, which she hates. She was always a really active, go-getting kind of person, so for her to be stuck in a chair and not be able to go out really annoys her. It affects your mood, emotions and state of mind, just as much as your body. Both my parents are dependent on painkillers. If dad runs out of his medication, he suddenly stiffens up and theres this emergency dash to the doctor so he can move again. If they have got their medication and painkillers, they can generally get by. There are good days, but every day is a difficult day, with varying amounts of pain. what would you say to someone who has been newly diagnosed with arthritis? Dont despair. Arm yourself with as much information as you possibly can, and talk to people who have lived with arthritis for a while. Speaking as someone who has kids, I naturally worry about them, as well as myself. Im hoping medical progression will continue and that life wont be as hard for future generations as it was for my grandma, who has also lived with arthritis for many years. Shes always had a terrible back, as far as Ican remember, and I dont want my kids to have the same problems she has had. Keep active thats what I do. Research diet, and throw everything you can at your condition. You can also call the Arthritis Care Helpline to speak to someone who understands. Speaking to other people about your condition is so important. Dad has had arthritis since I was a child, and mum was diagnosed in the past five years or so do you feel your parents are given appropriate help from healthcare professionals? I think a lot more could be done. They feel quite isolated. Its not uncommon for them to go to the doctor for a referral, and then that appointment will get delayed by six months, which is appalling. When you are desperate and just need a doctor to give you some physical advice or emotional support and youre told that you cant see someone for six to eight months its very upsetting. I think they are accepting of their lot and dont always know where else to turn. Of course, there are some amazing people out there, including doctors, nurses and rheumatologists but they just arent given enough time. you recently presented the BBc radio 4 appeal for arthritis care, to raise funds to enable the helpline to stay open longer. if people want to help, what can they do? The most important thing is that the Arthritis Care Helpline is able to stay open longer, for more people who need it. People can get quite miserable later in the day and at odd times desperation isnt limited so we need to help keep itopen for longer. The Helpline is voluntarily funded, so it needs your donations to keep going. You can give by calling 0800 404 8144, or you can write a cheque toArthritis Care and send it to Freepost BBC Radio4 Appeal. Pleasemark the back of your envelope Arthritis Care. Find out more Jo whiley talks about how arthritis has affected her family n If you would like to speak to someone about arthritis, call the arthritis Care Helpline on 0808 800 4050, where you can receive information and support on any aspect of arthritis.
