RA: there’s share pain

OLDHAMERS are being encouraged to learn more about the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as part of a national awareness week.

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is encouraging people to learn more about the disease and the reality of living with it as part of RA Awareness Week, which runs from Monday.

RA is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in joints with patients experiencing pain, stiffness and swelling as well as a variety of other symptoms which vary from patient to patient.

It is a long-term condition which affects around 400,000 people in the UK and around three times as many women as men.

It can affect adults at any age, but most commonly starts between the ages of 40 and 50, and can make the simplest of tasks impossible, such as holding a knife and fork, brushing teeth and opening a jar.

Beverley Newell was diagnosed with RA just over 19 years ago and says the disease affects all aspects of her day.

Beverley (57), from Failsworth, said: “Everyday activities that people take for granted are things I struggle with.

“I can’t lift anything remotely heavy, even lifting a casserole dish out of the oven is impossible.

“I need help to cook, I can’t put petrol in my car and I’ve had adjustments made on my car to make sure I can drive.

The fatigue that is associated with RA can be overwhelming.

“Some days you can feel totally wiped out and it can be difficult to just get out of bed.”

Beverley, a mother-of-two, added that she used to be a nurse until she was forced to give up work after needing surgery on her wrists as a result of the disease.

She said: “People hear the word arthritis and they think it only affects old people but that is not true.

“It can affect anyone, young or old, I myself was in my 30s, and I think raising awareness of that will help.”

Beverley is also one of five co-ordinatiors at the Oldham NRAS group, a local support group which meets every few months to get help with the disease and to offer each other advice on ways of dealing with it.

She said: “The group has speakers offering advice about all aspects of RA, from the medication and treatment available, to adaptations that can be made to every-day items to make life easier. But one of the best parts is the fact that you can meet people in the same situation as yourself and understand the challenges associated with it.

“It is a really fantastic group and I’d encourage anyone to come along to a meeting and find out more.”

The awareness week also aims to encourage those who have experienced symptoms to get them checked out sooner rather than later.

Dr Vinodh Devakumar, consultant rheumatologist at Pennine MSK Partnership, which provides care for RA patients in Oldham, said: “Early identification of this common form of arthritis is essential as there are many highly effective treatments available to enable patients to continue to lead healthy and productive lives with less pain and better quality of life.

“So, if you know someone who is struggling, ask them to get it checked out by their family doctor.”

Pennine MSK Partnership works as part of a team of rheumatology specialist nurses, consultant rheumatologists, physiotherapists and others to help patients manage the condition in all aspects of life.

Charlotte Pugh, occupational therapist at Pennine MSK Partnership, believes that regular physical activity is very important for those diagnosed with RA as it can reduce pain and help people keep healthy.

She said: “This year we are working in partnership with Oldham Community Leisure to offer patients subsidised access to a whole range of activities including chair-based exercise, walking football, Zumba, pilates and aquacise.”

She added that work instability can also be a concern for patients, with the service recently making links with the disability employment adviser in Oldham to try and help service users assess their options.

The next Oldham NRAS meeting will take place on July 21 from 7 to 8.30pm at St John Ambulance headquarters, Busk Road.

More information about RA is available at www.arthritisresearchuk.org