🚨 RA Awareness Week - #STOPtheStereotype ✋

[Geoff-NRAS]

Hi all,

Just incase you missed it, yesterday we saw the launch of our annual RA Awareness Week campaign. This year the campaign is called #STOPtheStereotype, where we will be focused on sharing and breaking some of the common stereotypes surrounding the condition.

Throughout the week we will be sharing stories from people within our community, with the first going out yesterday from Joti, a long term volunteer here at NRAS. You can watch this here:

youtu.be/8ZjLwkMkcw8(Not working as expected?)

In addition, to help challenge these stereotypes and reach a wider audience, we have created a quiz to test the general public's knowledge about RA. So, share the quiz with your friends and family to spread the word and help #STOPtheStereotypes: nras.org.uk/stopthestereotype

Thanks for your support! 🙂

[medway-lady]

Jolly good idea, it's a different experience for everyone as long as its recognised people aren't defined by a medical condition. I'd rather be known for raising money for a local charity and church than having a condition that is medicated well. But it's not the same for everyone so tonight I'll listen. Travel with hope and positivity is my message.

[Bethany02]

What a boost to others to have this here

[Vixen2]

Hi. That was a very intersting & emotional video. I’m 53. I have RA. I’ve actually had it since i was 21. I got an STI. The first man i ever slept with gave me chlymidia. (He was my husband). After 6 months of marriage. When my life should have been starting, i had the most awful pain in my left shoulder. The big toe on my right foot. Plus i had really bad conjunctivitis in my left eye. My mum was a nurse. She could tell there was something wrong. She took me to a&e. They did tests. Said i’d have to stay in. I was terrified. I remember the Consultant sitting on my bed & saying. We know what you’ve got young lady. You’ve got arthritis. My mum’s face dropped. I was just relieved there was a reason for all my pain. They put me on loads of serious anti inflammatories, steroids. Strong, strong pain killers. After 5 days i was begging to go home. They eventually let me. The pain that only been in my eye, toe & shoulder. Then literally spread to every single joint. Overnight. My 25 yr old husband had become my carer. I felt about 90. Having to use sticks. Plus the meds were very strong. I constantly felt sick. I then had to move back in with my mum. As it was too much for my husband, working & caring for me.

Along with the RA. I developed Iritis & Glaucoma. Which are very serious eye conditions. I’ve had alot of procedures done to my eyes. I’ve had loads of steroid injections in my eyes. Lens replacements injected into the eyes. A stent put into one of my eyes. 2 catarracts removed. I’ve been going to Moorfields Eye Hospital for 30yrs & i’m very lucky. I’ve been having an immuno suppressant Infusion every 6 weeks at my local hospital for the last 20yrs. Technology’s fantastic, compared to when i was first diagnosed. I’m so glad i don’t have to use steroids. Just my infusion. But i have to go on alot of steroid eye drops when i have a flare up of Iritis. Very annoing having to do hrly drops for a week. Then taper them down. You have to be on them for months. The vision’s badly affected as well. Alot of eye pain & headaches. But i’m very grateful for the NHS. All my treatment’s free. There are alot of people alot worse off than me. I actually don’t look like i have anything wrong. Although i can’t walk for long periods & i have to sit down regularly. I suppose i have a hidden disability. Which can be frustrating if i’m on public transport. But like i’ve said there are alot of people worse off than me!