Real life Learning curve Chris Groves, 64, was a school science lab technician until her condition led to her early retirement. Now shes chair of Arthritis Cares Cannock Branch INTERVIEW: phil lattimore i was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when i was 29, after having my third child. It runs in my family my grandmother, aunt and brother were all diagnosed in their 30s, so I was expecting to get it. My daughter has arthritis now, too. i had no choice but to carry on when i had young children. To some extent, it forced me to get through it. It was painful, but I had to get past that. It makes you more capable and resilient, but part of learning to live with arthritis is knowing when to stop pushing so you dont make your condition worse. i first got involved with arthritis care in the early 1990s. A work colleague saw a poster for Arthritis Care at the Cannock Hospital, so I went along. The rheumatology nurse specialists at the hospital helped set up the group they really understood our needs and were so supportive. the first time i spoke about my condition and shared it with a group, i cried. I realised I wasnt coping as well as I thought and finally recognised the emotional impact it was having on me. If youre isolated as a younger person and cant speak about it to people your own age, it can have a huge impact. i got involved with the local cannock and District branch of arthritis care. I went on a weekend course they were running for those aged under 40, where there were some young people and mentors from the charity. As they had arthritis, they understood what its like in a way that doctors and others in the medical profession cant. Another Build Your Own Future course made a big impact on me. Young people from all around the country were there, so it brought us together to share our experiences and support each other. Alison is still collecting sponsorship those arthritis care courses changed me both for her walk, so if you psychologically and emotionally. The support would like to contribute, Id received inspired me, and I wanted to get involved in visit justgiving.com/ volunteer work myself. After a couple of years volunteering, I fundraising/alitook over the running of a Young Arthritis Care group in amelia-helen the area. The first time I spoke about my condition, I cried ive been chair of arthritis cares cannock Branch for 10 years. Three out of the 10 committee members came from Young Arthritis Care (a committee that catered for those under 40). Im aware of the need for younger committee members to get involved. you need some connection and support for younger people, so they dont feel isolated. Im always looking to bring younger people into the group and for them to see its not just a condition associated with older people. im motivated by witnessing the difference arthritis care can make to peoples lives seeing people go through what I went through, who arent managing, but coming out the other side and then moving on. learn as much as you can about your condition and the ways you can help yourself. Find out what you can do to control your pain improve your diet, discover how to exercise, and get support. You have to learn to come to terms with it. Dont push against a brick wall find ways to get around it. i still learn every day often from talking to other people with the condition. It can make a difference, and it really helps when other people share their experiences. Arthritis Care has definitely helped me be independent for longer.