Defying arthritis every day

Seven people with various forms of arthritis tell us about their lives and share their tips for defying their condition.

[@bevkenny1843]

It is a great comfort to see other people talking about how arthritis affects them, especially younger people too. I have very severe arthritis in both knees, toes and fingers, I’m often ashamed to say to people when they ask what’s wrong with me. Like the word ‘arthritis’ isn’t enough. I think it’s often brushed aside quite quickly. People say... Oh well that’s not the end of the world is it? I’m thinking well, actually... It did pretty much lead to the end of mine. Life is a lot, lot slower now. Life with a stick. Life with crutches. No more dancing. I’m 43. I’m afraid to wonder what it will have progressed to when I’m 53. It makes me sad. Thank you for this upload. Liked & shared to my Facebook.

[@NYstroke94]

I understand. I'm 24 and I've had arthritis since I was 7 and i still hear stupid things like young people dont get arthritis. Or it feels like a waste of time to tell people you're not well because you may not always look the part. Watching first hand how its causing deformities in my hands slowly over time is more mentally and emotionally painful than physically. I also wonder where I'll be in 5 10 20 years or however long I'll live. But what makes me feel better is that everyone has a purpose in life and when thing happen that are out of your hands you just have to keep trying your best everyday. Take it one day at a time and focus on just today. It's okay to feel bad for yourself sometimes because acknowledging your own feelings is part of healing. but the more you focus on what you can do and the less on what you cannot do then hopefully better days will come. Sending you good wishes and good health, fellow fighter

[@sandraconroy5396]

I never think only me suffering with arthritis is really terrible, I have wrnt in doctors never solution..very grateful to know about people who care...

[@michaelblue7297]

Pointless quango. Just HOW are you going to help our pain? Another waste of money giving non-jobs to people.