Arthritis Warrior .... Here's my history.... - Arthritis Action

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Arthritis Warrior .... Here's my history. As interviewed by Arthritis Care.

Reg1 profile image
Reg1
6 Replies

Hi Reg, thanks so much for speaking to us about your Group and, of course, yourself!

Q: When were you diagnosed with arthritis?

I was diagnosed in 1988. I have osteoarthritis in my knees, right hip, shoulders, wrists and spine with scoliosis.

Q: How did you first hear about Arthritis Care?

I was looking online for arthritis support groups in Redcar but didn’t find any information. I contacted Arthritis Research who then referred me to Arthritis Care, as they told me you would be best able to help me find a group in my local area.

So I contacted Arthritis Care to see if there were any groups in Redcar or if I could offer my skills to start one up.

Q: How long have you been part of the Group in Redcar?

About six months – I started thinking about setting up a group in Redcar in August 2016. I worked with Arthritis Care to go through the practical steps of getting started.

The first thing I needed to do was find a venue for the Redcar Group. It took me about a month to find a suitable place and by November I held my first meeting.

Q: What kinds of things could somebody visiting your group expect?

Someone coming to the Redcar Group should expect to meet with other people from the area who also have arthritis. We share our experiences of having with arthritis as well as tips for living with the condition.

You’ll be welcomed with a cup of tea and a chat. You’ll hear us say to each other “I’ve tried this, have you tried that?”.

We also have some of Arthritis Care’s publications available to promote learning more about our condition and the support and information that Arthritis Care can provide.

Q: We are strong supporters of the idea that exercise is one of the best ways to stay healthy and manage arthritis. As somebody who has always been very active, what works best for you?

I have worked in the Fitness Industry for many years helping people to achieve their goals. As a Remedial Therapist I still do so. I help people to see that they are capable of more than they think; to be the best that they can be.

I have always been into weight training, so exercise is an important part of my life. I have tried many different activities over the years, alternating between weight training and martial arts. Nearly thirty years after diagnosis, I continue to lift and have recently ‘stepped up’ my training programme. My current personal goal is to once again clear a 1000lbs on the leg press. I'm nearly there !

For me, I think it is important to build strength in the muscles around any joints as it is helpful in coping with and managing your arthritis. Weight training is my favourite and I really enjoy it so this is what works best for me.

Having dabbled in yoga for many years, I currently practice two or three times a week. In January I decided to start cycling again. The first few rides of 10 miles were very challenging on my knees. After just a few weeks I found that the therapies I am using have proved to be very effective and my most recent rides have been pain-free.

Keeping active is very important! The main thing is that people should do activities that they enjoy. If you like the social aspect of exercise, join a class so that you get both the physical and social benefits of the activity.

With having a condition like arthritis, some people may feel that they can’t do the activities they once enjoyed anymore. It is possible to continue being active by changing or making modifications so that you can still get the same pleasure. This has definitely been the case with the chair-based exercise classes I’ve run! I think being active and living with arthritis as like having an exercise bank account. When I exercise I know that I have to make an effort (the Investment) and any discomfort is like the fee charged on the account. But I know that my effort will yield benefits(the Interest) for my entire body.

No matter your starting point, everybody can get active and make some progress. It’s important to focus on what you can do and not compare yourself to others. I always remind myself to focus on being the best that I can be.

Q: How important do you think it is to be able to share and learn with other people with arthritis?

Staying indoors on your own makes people feel isolated. I think getting out and doing something like joining a group means that you’re able to share your experiences with others who have a similar condition to yourself.

When I started the Redcar Group, there was nothing in my area for people with arthritis. I want there to be a place and an opportunity for people to feel connected. It’s not only somewhere to talk to your peers but I also want to have activities on offer for people locally. I have ideas about chair-based exercise sessions and running fun and interesting meetings.

I think it is important to direct people who come to the group to other events or activities that are happening in Redcar, like Nordic walking or lunch clubs.

Q: What advice would you give someone looking to start their own group?

Be prepared to chip away at the wall in front of you. Initially it may seem that there are barriers and challenges ahead when you start to set up a new group. You have to remember that things aren’t going to be handed to you on a plate.

Finding a venue has been the biggest challenge but it’s not insurmountable. We’ve held our meetings in a temporary venue for the last few months. In April, we are moving to a new venue which finally feels more like my original ideas for the Redcar Group. This place provides us with many more opportunities and will allow me to tap into the local community to promote the support we can provide.

I have really enjoyed meeting new people in my Group and in the community. I have been able to connect with different people and make new networks.

You have to want to put in the hard work at the beginning to have the reward of seeing your group develop. It’s worth it!

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6 Replies

Hi Reg,

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences of OA with us. The group you set up sounds wonderful, it would be so good to be able to meet other people who have OA just for a cuppa and chat.

I agree with you that exercise is crucial in keeping OA in check but I am wary that it may cause damage if I overdo things in particular to my hands and wrists.

Keep on with the good work and I hope you achieve your goals.

😊

Reg1 profile image
Reg1 in reply toHoldingbacktheyears

Hiya. In a different post I have said how strange it is that there seems to be no local people (Redcar) interested in free Therapy as promoted on the local radio. Your comment that the group sounds wonderful reminded me of this because we are having a hard time even getting people through the door to find out what we are doing. And on HealthUnlocked there seems to be no members in this area.

Perhaps we should announce that Redcar is a arthritis-free area and then wait for people to disagree ?

Re. your comment about hands and wrists. You've hit the nail on the head about not overdoing it. Build gradually.

Thanks for your wishes ;-)

andyswarbs profile image
andyswarbs

I love the focus on exercise. Just wish PIP or similar gave encouragement by say discounts to health clubs, swimming lessons etc.

I have never been one for hard exercise, rather the social kind eg walking, badminton, swimming. Now I do bikram yoga and have found it transformative for my RA.

Reg1 profile image
Reg1

Hi Andy. I think you are right about the discount idea. I do plan to open a small gym for 'us' charging something like one pound fifty maybe two pound because the local gyms/council sports centres charge a small fortune and most want you to sign up on a direct debit.

It made me smile when I read your comment about 'hard exercise' but that you play badminton . My knees started aching just at the thought :-) but you see that proves the point that I made, that people should exercise in a way that suits them.

All the best ;-)

Kneesandtoes profile image
Kneesandtoes

Arthritis care is so surgery orientated in the NHS. It is really good to hear someone who is advocating exercise. There are a few "knee ladies" at the gym I attend and I have found it encouraging to see their improvements.

Reg1 profile image
Reg1 in reply toKneesandtoes

You're absolutely right about the NHS and surgery. I have avoided it for around thirty years and for me personally; I never will have replacement joints . I believe strongly in 'options' . You might like to look at ....

youtube.com/watch?v=UhDGkfG...

A typical example of what can be achieved if the patient wants to fight back. I've heard that there's a group a few miles away from us that is not sanctioned by Arthritis Care although they are using their title. They advertise bingo and quizzes.

I advertise 'We do not play bingo or games. We fight arthritis'

:-)

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