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Bones & Joints
Sonja Winkelmann, Director, Net Zero Energy Housing
with Eileen Davidson How old were you when you were first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis? I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at the age of 29, but I had been experiencing chronic pain in my hands and feet since the age of 24. After the birth of my son at 26, I noticed a major spike in pain along with swelling, fatigue, and intense
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that arthritis is just joint pain and that it only impacts the elderly, but that’s far from the truth. RA is a serious autoimmune disease that can also impact the young.
How has RA affected your personal life? Chronic illness is a full-time job to live with and doesn’t come with days off or vacations. RA has made an impact on many areas of my personal life — including being a mom, dating, working, socializing, and self-care. Everything I do, RA joins me along the way. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by exercising, eating well, and getting regular treatments help me navigate life with RA.
depression. Everyday activities like work and self-care started to become painful and exhausting. I couldn’t function.
How do you help raise awareness for RA? I’m a regular writer at CreakyJoints and on my blog Chronic Eileen. I’m also an ambassador for the Arthritis Society and a member of the Arthritis Research Canada Patient Advisory Board.
What have you learned about living with RA during the pandemic? The pandemic has shown just how important RA awareness is. Many people think
If you could give one message to arthritis patients in Canada, what would it be? Don’t let arthritis bring you down and defeat you. You’re more than your arthritis.
Take Your Joint Pain Seriously
D
o you feel aches and pains in your j oi nt s? T he s e could be signs of osteoarthritis (OA). “Osteoarthritis starts earlier than you’d think,” says Trish Barbato, President and Trish Barbato CEO of the Arthritis Society. President & CEO, In fact, one in three Canadians Arthritis Society living with OA are diagnosed before the age of 45. “It’s a misconception that arthritis is an old person’s disease,” says Barbato. “What’s more, younger adults report that the disease has a substantial impact on their lives — affecting their ability to work and participate in social activities during an
often-critical time for career and family.” OA is a progressive disease that leads to the breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, and is a result of the body’s failed attempt to repair damaged joint tissues. It’s the most common form of arthritis. A new study from the Arthritis Community Research Evaluation Unit commissioned by the Arthritis Society reveals nearly one third of younger adults with OA live with severe and frequent joint pain, and also report worse mental health and fatigue than older adults with OA.
Signs of osteoarthritis to watch for It’s important to recognize early signs of the disease, because if arthritis does strike, there are things you can do to help manage it.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to act and to talk to your healthcare professional. Occasional and intermittent pain or aching Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes Reduced range of movement Creaking and/or swelling in your joints
Take your joint pain seriously and learn more at arthritis.ca.
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