Get in touch! Send your letters to: Inspire magazine, 1 Cambridge Technopark, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8PB or email here Letters Youve been busy writing to us, tweeting, and posting on our forum this month here are some of your thoughts phrase jumps out at me from Inspire and many arthritis-based articles. It is theuse of my arthritis when describing personal experiences concerning this many-faceted and sometimes debilitating disease. Itwould be such a simple change to, instead, use the arthritis. Do you really want to own it? Please continue with your very good work in helping to educate people through the enjoyable articles in your magazine. Bron Puddephatt Sorry, Jo, I got you wrong! When I first saw the article with DJ Jo Whiley (Inspire, Spring 2017, p12) my reaction was negative. I tire of celebrities being hailed as experts, selling all kinds of services or gallivanting around the globe on missions. However, I was pleasantly surprised at her insight into the effects of arthritis on the emotions and general wellbeing of a person. I felt reassured by her reminders that others arent aware of how painful arthritis can be, and that pain is exhausting... and takes it out of people. Jo also spoke of the healthcare professionals. My experience has been generally positive over the 45 years or so that I have had arthritis, though we need to take charge ourselves as much as possible but dont try to be a martyr. So I wanted to say sorry to Jo Whiley for pre-judging her. Now, looking at the half-page picture of her, I feel shes smiling directly at me and saying: Dont worry, Vic, youre forgiven. I hope thats the case. Vic Peart Disowning arthritis I have enjoyed Inspire for many years, and previously co-ran several Challenging Arthritis courses, mainly in Surrey. I am a huge advocate of self-help, and one jarring Write In Driven to distraction Thank you for the latest copy of Inspire I particularly enjoyed the article on mindfulness. However, I wanted to point out a slightly confusing sentence in the Get in gear! article (page 21): The immunosuppressant drugs (steroids) that many people with arthritis take dont have side effects that affect your driving. This makes it look as though all immunosuppressant drugs are steroids. While it is true that steroids, such as prednisolone, are immunosuppressant, the vast majority of immunosuppressant drugs many of which are taken by people with arthritis are not steroids. It also means this huge tranche of drugs is not covered in the article. These include, for example: methotrexate and sulphasalazine (very commonly used in the UK); TNF inhibitors (such as Enbrel) and other biologics; the monoclonal antibodies and the list probably goes on, but Im no expert. I imagine the doctor said something like immunosuppressant drugs, including steroids and something got lost in translation. Overall, a great magazine and Ienjoy reading it the benefits of 45minutes a week of exercise is also great news. Anne Hickley Eds response: Thanks, Anne, for pointing that out! Your top tips for preparing food I get all the ingredients and utensils in one place. I sit on a comfy chair and take my time to chop and cut up food, and enjoy having music on when Im preparing my food. I use a small slowcooker, and prepare stews and soups for a few meals, to freeze for later in the week. I am able to go out and enjoy my readyprepared food on return. Hazel Wilkinson, aged 79, Accrington I set out everything I need for that first cup of tea before I go to bed. My hands and wrists are more flexible then. Sent via email Electrical tape around jars gives a really good grip. Sandra Quinn, via email I use a travel kettle, as I cant pick up the normal kettle safely. Brenda Southwood, Chester To serve meals on a hot plate, place a cup of cold water on top of your empty plate and put in a microwave for between 30 seconds and two minutes, on high. You will have a heated plate and enough boiling water to drink as you wish. Mr D Croasdale, Hertfordshire