The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.
Has the Arthritis Foundation improved your life? It has improved mine.
In 1999, the executive director of my local Arthritis Foundation office suggested I attend a conference in Tucson, Ariz. for young adults with rheumatic diseases. That conference changed my life forever!
After being diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis in 1986, I felt as though I was the only young person on the planet who faced the challenges brought on by my disease. I carried this isolated and lonely feeling for more than a decade, before meeting others who felt the same way.
As I learned more about the conference, I was excited by the opportunity.
After checking into the hotel in Tucson, I approached the registration table to sign in. Immediately I was greeted by a number of friendly people, but for some reason, I felt out of place. I returned to my room, called my husband and told him I didn’t belong. My plan was to change my flight and return home the following day. My husband encouraged me to participate in the events that evening and to wait until the next morning before contacting the airlines.
That night, I attended the opening ceremony for the conference and sat at a table with an amazing group of people. After the ceremony, I approached the National Chairman to comment on being from the same chapter. Without hesitation, he introduced me to a few key people and some of the scheduled speakers. One of them greeted me with a hug. At first, I was uncomfortable, but the very second her arms wrapped around my neck, I thought to myself, “Don’t ever let go.”
It didn’t take long for me to feel welcome among this group of strangers. Enthusiasm and spirit filled the room, like nothing I’d ever experienced in my past.
By morning, I forgot about changing my flight. Instead, I spent the day in sessions and making new friends. That evening and the days that followed were more of the same. I was surrounded by 150 of the strongest and most inspirational people I’d ever met. We were a group of young adults with a common bond – by the end of the conference we were more than friends, we were family!
On Sunday, when the conference ended, I called my husband to confirm my return flight. He asked why I was upset and I cried, “I don’t want to leave this place.” For the first time in 13 years, I felt normal. Instead of feeling like I was different and nobody understood my pain and losses, everyone in this group understood everything!
I have often said, next to the birth of my son, attending this conference was the most life altering experience of my life. I will always be grateful to the Arthritis Foundation and to those who served on the Tucson ’99 committee. Their efforts improved my life and inspired me to do the same for others.
1. Dietary changes
2. Water therapy
3. Light exercise, especially on the affected joints
4. Using fish oil
5. Eating gelatin every day can help lubricate the joints
6. Join massage schools or physical therapy classes
7. Find an aromatherapist
Thanks
Sera
(http://www.caring.com/community/groups/caring-central/discussions/home-rem edies-for-arthritis#posts-3515)
My only gripe is that we do not have local representation - the closest person is an hour away. But, I actually know a few people at that location, so that helps.
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