VERSUS ARTHRITIS

If you know me, really KNOW me, you'll know I'm pretty honest and open about most things. With (Rheumatoid Arthritis) RA, it was the same but only if it was prompted by someone else. That changed a couple of months ago. I wrote a blog post for Versus Arthritis and the reaction made me realise I have a duty to be honest without being asked.

I think the only reason I used to shy away from the topic because I thought it was annoying to hear. But in reality, it's an infinitely more frustrating to live with. If me sharing what it's like, makes other people feel heard (especially those who aren't comfortable speaking about it themselves), I'll take being annoying.

Surprisingly, it seems most people appreciate the honesty, even if they don't have the diagnosis themselves. It's lead to some amazing conversations with others with chronic illnesses, that I wouldn't have had if I wasn't open. I wouldn't have even known they had a chronic illness. Not all disabilities are visible. It's not only the old that get arthritis.

I've shared the blog post below, but I suggest you check out the links below to see the response.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VersusArthritis/photos/a.113638508656787/3971986982821901/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLd-LEXjBXR/

It takes strength to live with arthritis... this is Simone's story.

"When I was 16, my wrists started to randomly become swollen in the morning, strange but I didn't pay much attention to it. I was pretty clumsy so unexplained swelling wasn't that unusual. Months passed and I eventually went to the doctor. They got me to go for some bloods, it showed I had the rheumatoid factor. I was referred to rheumatology. The consultant, on examining my joints was pretty sure I didn't have rheumatoid arthritis, however she sent me for an x-ray to be sure. No, I definitely did! I started my treatment pretty soon after.

For around 5 years I've been on a cocktail of methotrexate alongside other drugs. I get the nasty side effect of getting ill more frequently. 

It's often a balancing act between being too little medicated and being in pain/discomfort, and too medicated and getting sick a lot!

The two main things I struggle with in regards to my arthritis are flare-ups and loneliness. During flare-ups, I hate how it makes chronically fatigued and that I'm unable to live my normal everyday life. I love to be busy and active and find it hard to have rest days on-end (which is sometimes required.) I experience loneliness from feeling that not many people will understand.

 Arthritis is often considered an old person's disease (it's not). However, at 16, sat in the waiting room surrounded by primarily older people, it definitely felt that way. But I guess if by sharing my story, I can help to defy that stereotype, that's a step in the right direction."

Thank you to Simone for sharing her story.
Read about rheumatoid arthritis and methotrexate by visiting www.versusarthritis.org.