Patient Diaries

Arthritis is a common disease but is often one associated with old age and 'wear and tear' of the joints. Indeed this is one aspect of the disease but it can take many other forms (rheumatoid, psoriatic and juvenile to name but a few) and affect people of all ages. Because of the different types and the nature of the disease, pain and disability can range from mild to very severe, where the patient may need a full-time carer.

We recognise that it is sometimes difficult to know how to deal with the varying problems that arthritis may bring. Whether this be practical problems; for instance, coping with cooking a meal; financial problems - some people are unable to work if their arthritis is severe; and social and relationship problems, as arthritis can be isolating if mobility is affected.

This is where we hope to be of help. Of course patients can discuss these issues with their rheumatologist or G.P. but we would like this area of the website to be a place where sufferers of arthritis will be able to discover how others deal with this condition. Initially we have included some case studies of patients but we welcome other readers to add their own remarks and case histories which could include their symptoms, pain relief, dietary tips, problems faced in the home and workplace, general self-esteem etc. This can either be done as a one off article or perhaps some people may want to update their comments on a regular basis, possibly to inform the reader of any progress (or perhaps setbacks!) they may have made with regards to a particular treatment, for instance.

We recognise that people other than arthritis sufferers may want to comment and we welcome carers and the relations of patients to add their thoughts and experiences. We hope to inform, amuse and offer support to readers of this site.

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Forums

In this section we would like to invite you to debate subjects which are of topical interest. We have started some topics of our own but if there is anything which you feel needs to be discussed please feel free to star a new topic.

• Private Health Insurance - Are people with arthritis being discriminated against?
  
• Employment - How difficult is it for an arthritis sufferer to find or maintain employment?
  
• Social Life - Is arthritis an isolating illness?