Welcome to the Bones, Moans and Groans blog, a new project set up in support of the Arthritis Self-Help Network - a London-based charity which aims to empower arthritis patients with knowledge and support, and to help them better understand their condition in order to help themselves.
I first got involved with the charity during a fortuitous meeting at the Loxford Polyclinic in Ilford, where I met the charity's founder whilst waiting for my rheumatology appointment. I agreed to write a blog, and my New Year's Resolution is to do just that.
First, a little background. I have suffered with joint pain since I was nineteen. It was several years before any one doctor took my complaints seriously enough to try tests of any kind (more about that in a future post.) During routine blood tests, it was discovered that I had a positive ANA and I was referred to a rheumatologist. The rest, as they say, is history.
I have been under the care of that same rheumatologist for a little over three years, and while the exact reason for my pain remains something of a mystery, I have had the good fortune to find myself surrounded by people offering support, advice and a sympathetic ear. It's something I wish every arthritis sufferer had access to, as I've found this support invaluable, particularly when I find myself in a rut of self-pity. Hence my support of ASnet, whose work for the local community and efforts to educate, support and reach out to arthritis sufferers ensures that people don't have to deal with their illness alone.
Welcome to the blog!
