As part of our vetting process forArthritis by the Numbers– a collection of verified arthritis facts and figures – we invited patients to comment on the disease section that most affected their lives. After all, they are the experts on how the disease changes and challenges everyday living.
来认识一下凯西·盖勒，她在关节炎基金会担任运动教练和教育项目主持人的这些年里，感动了许多人——她是成功自我管理的榜样。Following, in her own words, is Kathy’s story about living with severe degenerativeosteoarthritis (OA)and how the statistics she reviewed in Arthritis by the Numbers relate to her personally.
Question: What changes has your osteoarthritis made to the way you live?
Kathy:During my 18-year struggle with severe OA, I wasn’t always a Champion of Yes. Yes, I helped others battling arthritis. But inwardly, I was overwhelmed by all the “Nos” arthritis brought my way. No – I couldn’t hold my first grandchild because my hands were in casts after joint replacement. No – I had to give up my profession because I could no longer assist clients or lift the equipment necessary to train them. No – I couldn’t stay in the family home my husband and I built because it was too difficult for me after the 10-plus OA surgeries I’ve endured, most recently to fuse two-thirds of my lumbar spine.
说我的生活质量受到了影响是轻描淡写的。Myhome environmentconsists of one-floor living. I have every imaginablearthritis-friendly utensil, jar opener, lightweight serving dishes and more. I think twice before traveling – how far will I have to walk through the terminal, do I need to check in my bag rather than lift it into an overhead bin? I must conserve my energy and pace my day.
“Giving in” should not be confused with “giving up.” I finally accepted I am living with a chronic disease. OA is not life-threatening, but it’s insidious. It slowly chips away at your cartilage and your spirit. With the help of the Arthritis Foundation, I’ve begun to turn those “Nos” into “Yeses.” I have found my voice through the Foundation’sAmbassador program.
Question: What advice would you give to a newly-diagnosed patient or parent/caregiver?
Kathy:My advice is to make sure you are seeing the right physician. This is a relationship you will have for a long time. It’s crucial you feel a connection that enables you to open communication and develop a partnership. Find out all you can about the type of arthritis you have. Learn and practice as many self-management skills you possibly can: keeping body weight under control, staying active,exercising, pacing yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Arthritis has a significant effect on my life, but it doesn’t define me. I appreciate the quiet times not filled with surgeries, recovery and therapy. And I know I’m strong and prepared to confront the active times when OA strikes again.
Related Resources:
- More Arthritis Facts
- Liz Morasso: Support Networks Helped Her Adjust to a New Life
- Patient Partner’s Words of Wisdom About Living with RA