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“I was initially diagnosed with arthritis in 1993, after going to see my doctor about some of the aches and pains I was feeling. I was given some useful information about my arthritis, and some ways to help me manage the condition. I was also given details for an osteopath, and some medication was suggested that could help with the pain.
I would describe the pain I feel as constant. I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue – together, the exhaustion means everything I do has to be planned in advance. I didn’t anticipate how much my fatigue would make normal jobs harder. It often brings me down as I’m unable to take part in things I’d like. I could still do these things if I pushed myself, but the pain I’d feel afterwards just wouldn’t be worth it. I can never be sure how my body will react.
I initially discovered Arthritis Action after searching online for ways to manage my arthritis. I found it to be a wonderful resource, with information about my condition and things I could do myself to help reduce the pain I was feeling. I only wish I had been aware of the charity earlier!
The charity’s self-management approach really pushed me to stay active. I try to go for a run, or give myself some exercising goal, every day. I’ve now been setting myself a running challenge of some form or another for the past 28 years, to make sure I stay active and have a goal to work towards. I first completed the Great North Run in 1993 as I wanted to do something positive after my dad died, and have done the Run a good few times since then.
I do what the doctor tells me, but there’s always something more I can be doing to help myself as well. Setting myself challenges gives me a goal to focus on, which really helps me
In June last year I set myself a goal of running 5k every day for a month, which I found very tough but did wonders for my physical health. I’ll soon be turning 66, and have set myself the goal of running 6k every day for a month in the lead-up to my birthday. It can be psychologically hard getting up on bad days, knowing I have to get out of the house and run, but it feels so good to finish. I wouldn’t even say I love running – but I endure it, knowing it’s making a big difference to my wellbeing. The end goal makes it all worth it.
I’m convinced that exercise has kept me as healthy as I am, and reduced the underlying pain I used to feel all the time. I do what the doctor tells me, but there’s always something more I can be doing to help myself as well. Setting myself challenges gives me a goal to focus on, which really helps me.”
